Google pushes new plan to overhaul web-tracking cookies

Google was fined €150 million by France earlier this month over its cookie policies. ― AFP pic

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan 26 ― Google yesterday announced a new plan to stop using small files known as cookies to track people's web browsing habits, after its previous proposals were roundly criticised.

US tech giants are under huge pressure to overhaul the way they collect data ― Google was fined €150 million (RM710.5 million) by France earlier this month over its cookie policies.

Privacy campaigners have pushed hard against the use of cookies, which transmit users' information often to dozens of companies each time they visit a website.

But the files form the backbone of the online advertising industry that has proved hugely profitable for Google and their customers.