Google's Chrome will stop accepting 3rd party cookies in 2024. This will put a major dent in the current form of digital advertising that relies so heavily on 3rd party cookies to track users' internet browsing activity. Chrome is by far the most popular browser, and when they reject 3rd party cookies, the door is essentially shut for everyone.

While other browsers automatically block 3rd party cookies, consumers can turn off cookies, opt out on websites that drop 3rd party cookies, or use ad blockers, the main issue is that the tracking is an invasion of privacy and is "creepy". There have been instances when users' privacy has been violated or have been hacked or leaked. And don't forget about children.

As we saw in the content section, some detractors say the programmatic advertising, especially tracking at the individual user level, is not as effective as claimed for various reasons. And, it has opened to door to a great amount of ad fraud, which ultimately increases the prices of products for everyone.

On the other hand, programmatic advertising does have the potential to show more relevant ads to the user which, in many cases, may be helpful, just like how Google can remind you when your flight is leaving and that you haven't booked a hotel yet. And if advertising is more efficient, then it may even help lower advertising costs, especially in other media (TV, print, etc.). And, just because there won't be as much programmatic-like advertising, there is still going to be advertising. Perhaps even more, because now marketers can't target as well and will need to advertise more to reach the same amount of people. Users can be tracked using mobile device id numbers, so perhaps mobile advertising will become even more popular, slowing app and internet browsing speed.

In this discussion, which side do you stand on? No to 3rd party cookies or yes to 3rd party cookies?

After you pick your side of the discussion, you must

1) Explain why you feel this way personally and why it is the best for the world (it affects everyone). In other words, justify your position.

2) What compromises might you be willing to make to the other side? Be specific. Don't worry if it is possible or not. For example, if you are against 3rd party cookies and programmatic advertising, what could be done to make it more acceptable to you? And if you are for it, what safeguards or limitations on it would be ok with you to better protect everyone's privacy?