Waterbury Teen Struck by Car Near High School: Injuries Reported

If you’ve ever clicked onto a major news site from your home in Hartford, grabbed a weather update in New Haven, or streamed a show in Stamford, you’ve probably been followed—digitally speaking—by cookies.

This article breaks down how a media giant like NBCUniversal uses cookies and similar tracking technologies. We’ll look at what kinds of data they collect, why it matters for Connecticut residents, and how you can take control of your online privacy whether you’re in Bridgeport, Waterbury, Norwalk, Danbury, or any corner of our state.

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What Are Cookies and Why Do They Matter in Connecticut?

Cookies aren’t just those tiny text files you’ve heard about for years. NBCUniversal uses the term broadly, covering everything from traditional HTTP cookies to web beacons, local storage in your browser, and software development kits baked into apps on your phone and smart TV.

Whenever you visit a site, open an app, or use a connected service, these tools quietly work in the background.

For Connecticut users—from Norwich to New Britain—these technologies help keep your favorite news, sports, and entertainment services running smoothly. They also shape what you see, what’s recommended to you, and which ads follow you from device to device.

First-Party vs. Third-Party Cookies

First‑party cookies are set directly by NBCUniversal. They’re used for core site functions like logging in or remembering language settings.

They also keep a video playing without interruption. Third‑party cookies, on the other hand, are placed by partners—ad networks, social media platforms, analytics providers, and other service vendors.

These cookies power features like embedded videos, social sharing buttons, and targeted advertising that appears across multiple websites and apps.

The Main Types of Cookies NBCUniversal Uses

Not all cookies serve the same purpose. NBCUniversal groups them into several key categories, each with a distinct role in your online experience.

Think of it like managing who has access to your front door in Greenwich or West Hartford: some visitors are essential, some are helpful, and some you may prefer to keep at arm’s length.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly necessary cookies are the non‑negotiables. They’re required for the site or app to function at all and to maintain basic security.

These cookies handle tasks like keeping you logged in as you move from page to page. They also process payments or make sure the site routes traffic efficiently.

Without them, many services simply wouldn’t work, whether you’re streaming news from NBC Connecticut in West Haven or checking scores on your phone in Middletown.

Measurement and Analytics Cookies

Measurement and analytics cookies help NBCUniversal understand how people use their websites and apps. They track things like which pages you visit, how long you stay, what you click, and where you came from.

The goal is to improve content and fix problems. For example, if users in Bristol or Meriden routinely exit a video page within seconds, the company may investigate loading issues or rethink the way that content is presented.

These cookies also help evaluate how well ads and promotions are performing.

Personalization Cookies

Personalization cookies remember your preferences and tailor what you see. That might include:

Saving your language or caption settings

Remembering which type of stories you tend to read

Helping the service suggest shows, clips, or articles you’re likely to care about

Because they can link activity across devices—desktop in Fairfield, tablet in West Hartford, smart TV in Avon—these cookies help create a seamless, customized experience that feels just for you.

Content Selection and Advertising Cookies

Content selection and advertising cookies are the engines behind personalized news, video recommendations, and interest‑based advertising.

They’re used to:

Deliver specific news or video content that aligns with your past behavior

Build a profile of your interests over time

Show ads that match those interests across different sites and apps

If you’re frequently checking UConn scores in Enfield, you may see more sports‑related content and ads when you move over to other NBCUniversal sites or partner platforms.

Social Media Cookies

Social media cookies enable you to share articles, videos, and other content directly to platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Instagram.

But they do more than that. These cookies allow social media companies to track your activity beyond NBCUniversal’s own websites and apps.

They help those platforms refine their own advertising and recommendation systems—a reality that privacy‑minded residents in towns like Glastonbury, East Hartford, and beyond should keep in mind.

How Connecticut Users Can Control Their Cookies

NBCUniversal’s notice makes clear that users aren’t powerless. You have several tools to manage cookies and reduce tracking, no matter where you live in Connecticut.

While no solution is perfect, combining browser controls and industry opt‑outs can substantially limit how much of your online life is tracked and monetized.

Managing Cookies in Your Browser or App

Every major browser—whether you’re using Chrome on a laptop in Torrington or Safari on an iPhone in Cheshire—lets you:

Block all cookies or just certain categories

Clear existing cookies and site data

Set rules by website

Blocking some cookies, especially the strictly necessary kind, may break parts of a site. Logins might not stick, and some media may not load properly.

NBCUniversal warns that a fully locked‑down browser can mean a less functional experience. It’s a tradeoff, really.

Opting Out of Analytics and Interest-Based Ads

Beyond browser settings, NBCUniversal participates in industry tools that let you opt out of analytics and interest‑based advertising. These typically work by placing an opt‑out cookie in your browser, signaling to participating partners not to use your data for targeted ads.

Users can also leverage broader frameworks, such as:

Ad industry self‑regulatory programs that offer centralized opt‑out pages

Device‑level ad controls on smartphones and streaming boxes

For residents from Litchfield County to the shoreline in Old Saybrook, these options won’t erase ads altogether. They can make them less personalized and reduce the amount of cross‑site tracking tied to your profile.

Staying Informed and Protecting Your Privacy

Streaming, mobile apps, and connected TVs are everywhere now, even in smaller towns like Milford, Shelton, and Rocky Hill. Cookie policies? They’re suddenly a big deal for everyone.

NBCUniversal explains how their tracking tools work. But, honestly, it’s on us to keep tabs on them and decide what we’re comfortable with.

Take a few minutes to read those cookie notices. Adjust your settings every so often, and try out opt‑out tools if you want a bit more control.

It’s not always simple, but you can find your own balance between convenience and privacy—wherever you log in across Connecticut.

Here is the source article for this story: Teen hit by car near high school in Waterbury

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