Fact Check: "Cookie duration: 395 (days)"
What We Know
The claim that "Cookie duration: 395 (days)" refers to a specific duration for cookies, which are small files created by websites to store user data. Cookies can have various expiration times depending on their purpose and the settings defined by the website.
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Types of Cookies: There are generally two types of cookies: session cookies, which expire when the browser is closed, and persistent cookies, which remain until a specified expiration date or duration is reached (source-1).
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Cookie Duration Examples: According to a source from Hotjar, cookie durations can vary significantly, with some cookies set to expire in a few seconds, while others can last up to 395 days (source-2).
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Specific Cookie Duration: Chartbeat, a web analytics service, specifically mentions a cookie that lasts for 395 days, indicating that this duration is indeed used in practice for certain cookies (source-4).
Analysis
The claim that cookies can last for 395 days is supported by multiple credible sources. The Hotjar documentation confirms that cookie durations can vary widely, including a specific mention of a 395-day duration. Similarly, Chartbeat explicitly states that one of its cookies has a lifespan of 395 days.
However, it's important to note that the duration of cookies is not uniform across all websites and services. The expiration time is determined by the website developers and can be set to any duration they choose, which means that while 395 days is valid for some cookies, it is not a standard duration applicable to all cookies.
The sources cited are reliable, as they come from established platforms that provide cookie management information and analytics services. However, the variability in cookie durations highlights the need for context when discussing cookie lifespans.
Conclusion
Needs Research: While the claim that cookies can last for 395 days is accurate for certain cookies, it is not universally applicable to all cookies. The variability in cookie durations means that further research into specific contexts and implementations is necessary to fully understand the implications of cookie lifespans.
