Fact Check: "Cookies can last up to 3650 days on your device!"
What We Know
Cookies are small pieces of data stored on a user's device by web browsers to remember information about the user. They can be classified into two main types based on their expiration: session cookies and persistent cookies. Session cookies are temporary and are deleted once the browser is closed, while persistent cookies remain on the device until they expire or are manually deleted by the user. Persistent cookies can have expiration dates set by the website developers, which can range from days to several years, including up to 3650 days (approximately 10 years) in some cases (source-1, source-2).
For instance, many websites set persistent cookies with expiration dates of 3650 days, allowing them to remember user preferences and login details over long periods (source-4, source-6). This means that under certain conditions, cookies can indeed last up to 3650 days on a user's device.
Analysis
The claim that "cookies can last up to 3650 days on your device" is accurate in the context of persistent cookies. Persistent cookies are designed to remain on a user's device for extended periods, and developers can set their expiration dates to as long as 3650 days. This is supported by multiple sources that detail cookie expiration practices (source-1, source-4).
However, it is important to note that not all cookies will last this long; session cookies, for example, do not have a set expiration date and are deleted when the browser is closed. This distinction is crucial for understanding the broader context of cookie lifespan. Additionally, while some cookies can be set to last for 3650 days, users have the ability to manually delete cookies or adjust their browser settings to limit cookie storage (source-3, source-5).
In terms of source reliability, the information provided by reputable websites and cookie policies from established organizations (such as Dentons and Nvidia) lends credibility to the claim. However, the variability in cookie management practices across different websites means that users may encounter different experiences based on the specific cookies set by each site.
Conclusion
The verdict is Partially True. While it is accurate that cookies can be set to last up to 3650 days on a user's device, this applies specifically to persistent cookies. The claim does not account for session cookies, which are temporary and do not have a defined lifespan. Therefore, while the potential for long-lasting cookies exists, it is not universally applicable to all types of cookies.
