How can you manage cookies dynamically based on user preferences?

Question

ICSM Computer · Answer

Managing cookies dynamically based on user preferences requires handling consent before setting non-essential cookies. Here’s how you can do it effectively:
1. Categorize Cookies
Essential Cookies: Always set (e.g., session cookies, security-related cookies).Functional/Analytical/Marketing Cookies: Require user consent before setting.
2. Use a Consent Management System (CMS)
Integrate a Cookie Consent Banner that allows users to accept/reject specific categories of cookies.Store their preferences in local storage, session storage, or an essential cookie.
3. Control Cookies with JavaScript
Before setting a cookie, check if the user has provided consent.Example implementation:
function setCookie(name, value, days) {
    let expires = "";
    if (days) {
        let date = new Date();
        date.setTime(date.getTime() + (days * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000));
        expires = "; expires=" + date.toUTCString();
    }
    document.cookie = name + "=" + value + "; path=/" + expires;
}
function getCookie(name) {
    let match = document.cookie.match(new RegExp('(^| )' + name + '=([^;]+)'));
    return match ? match[2] : null;
}
function manageCookies() {
    let consent = getCookie("cookieConsent");
    if (consent === "accepted") {
        setCookie("analytics", "enabled", 30);  // Set only if accepted
    } else {
        document.cookie = "analytics=; expires=Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 UTC; path=/;"; // Delete if not accepted
    }
}
document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () {
    manageCookies();
});
4. Server-Side Cookie Control
If using ASP.NET MVC or Core, check user preferences before setting cookies in the response.Example in C# (ASP.NET Core):
public IActionResult SetCookieConsent(bool consent)
{
    var options = new CookieOptions { Expires = DateTime.UtcNow.AddDays(30), HttpOnly = true };
    Response.Cookies.Append("cookieConsent", consent ? "accepted" : "denied", options);
    if (!consent)
    {
        Response.Cookies.Delete("analytics");
    }
    return Ok();
}
5. Handle Third-Party Cookies
Load third-party scripts (e.g., Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel) only after consent.
if (getCookie("cookieConsent") === "accepted") {
    let script = document.createElement("script");
    script.src = "https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=GA_TRACKING_ID";
    document.head.appendChild(script);
}
6. Provide a User Interface to Change Preferences
Allow users to modify their consent choices via a settings page.Example:
function updateConsent(choice) {
    setCookie("cookieConsent", choice, 30);
    window.location.reload(); // Refresh to apply changes
}
and

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How can you manage cookies dynamically based on user preferences?

ICSM Computer

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1 Answers

1. Categorize Cookies

2. Use a Consent Management System (CMS)

3. Control Cookies with JavaScript

4. Server-Side Cookie Control

5. Handle Third-Party Cookies

6. Provide a User Interface to Change Preferences

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