Fact Check: "Cookie durations can last up to 3650 days!"
What We Know
Cookies are small text files stored on a user's device by websites to enhance user experience and track user behavior. The lifespan of cookies can vary significantly depending on their type. According to the Cookie Policy of Scott Logic Ltd, certain cookies, such as the visitor_id and pi_opt_in cookies, can indeed be set to last for 3650 days, which is equivalent to 10 years. This is a specific implementation detail that can vary by website and the purpose of the cookie.
Moreover, a source discussing cookie tracking confirms that the default cookie tracking period for Pardot, a marketing automation tool, is also 3650 days (10 years) (Salesforce Ben). This indicates that while some cookies can have long durations, it is not a universal standard for all cookies.
Analysis
The claim that "cookie durations can last up to 3650 days" is accurate but requires context. While it is true that certain cookies can be set to expire after 3650 days, this does not mean that all cookies have such long lifespans. Many cookies, especially session cookies, are designed to expire much sooner, typically when the browser is closed or after a short period of inactivity (About Cookies).
The source from Truth or Fake suggests that the claim is misleading because it implies that all cookies can last this long, which is not the case. The average user will encounter a variety of cookies, many of which will have much shorter expiration times. This highlights the importance of distinguishing between different types of cookies and their respective lifespans.
In terms of source reliability, the Cookie Policy from Scott Logic is a primary source directly from a company that utilizes cookies, making it a credible reference. The information from Salesforce Ben is also reliable, as it pertains to a well-known marketing platform. In contrast, the article from Truth or Fake presents a more generalized view and may introduce some bias by framing the claim as misleading without acknowledging the specific contexts in which long-duration cookies are valid.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that cookie durations can last up to 3650 days is true, as specific cookies can indeed be set to this duration. However, it is essential to understand that this is not a universal characteristic of all cookies, as many have significantly shorter lifespans. The evidence supports the existence of long-duration cookies, while also emphasizing the variability in cookie expiration across different types and implementations.
