A majority of European Internet users expect companies to ask for permission to track their activities online using cookies, privacy management company Truste said Thursday. But despite the 2009 introduction of the European Union's so-called cookie directive requiring just that, only a small minority of websites ask for visitors' consent, according to a survey by the company.
Websites can store cookies containing snippets of information on a visitor's computer, for example to remember the visitor's log-in details or other preferences. But the cookies can also be used to track visitors from site to site, allowing marketing companies to build up a picture of their interests or behavior and serve them targeted advertising.

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