Loading...

Cookie deprecation: What marketers need to know to stay connected in a cookieless world

Published: March 26, 2024 by Experian Marketing Services

At A Glance

Google’s third-party cookie deprecation plans are on hold, but privacy expectations continue to rise. Marketers still need identity-based, data-responsible solutions to understand and reach audiences effectively. Experian helps brands stay connected through privacy-first identity, data collaboration, and measurement solutions that perform across channels, with or without cookies.


The marketing world has been preparing for years for the end of third-party cookies, and the news has shifted again. In 2025, Google paused its plan to phase out third-party cookies in Chrome, opting instead to introduce new privacy controls that let users manage how their data is shared. Even with this change, one truth remains: privacy-first; identity-driven marketing is no longer optional. For marketers, it’s about moving beyond reliance on cookies toward durable strategies built on trust, consent, and connected data.

What is cookie deprecation?

Cookie deprecation refers to browsers ending support for third-party cookies, which have long allowed advertisers to track user activity across multiple websites. These cookies were the foundation of behavioral targeting and attribution. By contrast, first-party cookies, created by a brand’s own website, will continue to function. They store essential information like logins or preferences and are central to modern data collection strategies.

The change aims to improve privacy and transparency, giving users more control over their information. For marketers, it represents a shift from broad tracking to consented, identity-based engagement.

Experian’s view: While third-party cookies may linger longer than expected, identity should remain the cornerstone of every marketing strategy.

Why is cookie deprecation reshaping the industry?

The shift toward privacy-first marketing didn’t begin with Google, but Chrome’s decision to limit third-party cookies has amplified the impact. Safari and Firefox removed third-party tracking years ago, but Chrome’s dominance, with roughly 65 percent of the global browser market, makes its shift a defining moment for advertisers.

The platform response

Google’s Privacy Sandbox initiative and new user privacy control interface aim to balance personalization with user protection. These updates mark a shift toward data transparency rather than full deprecation.

Experian supports this evolution by helping marketers adapt through privacy-led identity, data collaboration, and measurement solutions that meet compliance standards while maintaining addressability and performance across channels.

How will cookie deprecation affect marketers?

Marketers will notice several shifts:

  • Less cross-site visibility: Without third-party cookies, connecting behavior across websites becomes difficult, making it harder to attribute conversions.
  • Greater dependence on first-party data: Data collected directly from consumers (emails, preferences, purchase history) will be crucial for targeting and measurement.
  • Increased adoption of alternative IDs: Solutions like Experian’s alternative IDs help maintain addressability and measurement in a cookieless world.
  • Renewed focus on contextual advertising: Relevance now depends on where an ad appears rather than who sees it.
  • New compliance expectations: Marketers must prove transparency and respect for consent under tightening global privacy laws.

What challenges should marketers expect with cookie deprecation?

Marketers face both operational and strategic hurdles as third-party cookies lose value.

Addressability and targeting gaps

Without universal identifiers, reaching audiences across channels becomes fragmented. Advertisers must unify data from CRM systems, mobile apps, and offline touchpoints to maintain reach.

Measurement and attribution complexity

As cookies disappear, so do last-click and view-through models. Solutions must rely on first-party data and probabilistic modeling to evaluate performance.

Privacy and consent management

Data collection now requires clear opt-ins, user control interfaces, and secure consent management systems that align with IAB standards.

Resource and skill constraints

Testing new identity and data solutions can be costly. Smaller teams may struggle to integrate clean rooms, universal IDs, or new reporting APIs.

Experian’s role: Experian supports marketers through this transition with privacy-compliant data infrastructure, identity graphs, and measurement tools that work across every major platform.

How can marketers adapt to a cookieless future?

Cookies may still exist, but durable identity strategies are the future of digital marketing. Here’s how to prepare:

  • Use first-party data: Collect information directly from your customers through loyalty programs, preference centers, and interactive content.
    Invest in analytics that translate this data into insight.
  • Establish a trusted identity foundation: Experian’s Digital Graph connects more than 4.2 billion digital identifiers, linking households and devices in privacy-compliant ways. That means marketers can expand their addressable reach and understand audiences without relying on cookies. Experian’s data-collaboration solutions let you combine your first-party data with partner insights securely, unlocking deeper audience understanding.
  • Explore alternative targeting technologies: Contextual methods powered by Experian’s data accuracy ranked #1 by Truthset, help you maintain personalization while respecting privacy.

See how Experian’s identity resolution and data collaboration solutions can help you adapt in a cookieless world.

What are the best practices for post-cookie marketing?

  1. Be transparent: Make consent simple and clear, and show how data adds value. Experian helps brands maintain transparency through privacy-first data solutions built on consented consumer information.
  2. Prioritize data quality: High-quality, verified data builds confidence and improves ROI. Experian’s accurate and validated data assets ensure marketers reach real people with relevant messages.
  3. Choose the right partners: Work with technology providers like Experian that support privacy regulations and enable interoperability across platforms.
  4. Keep the customer experience central: Relevance and respect earn long-term loyalty, values embedded in Experian’s approach to responsible marketing.

What does the future look like for advertising without cookies?

The end of cookies isn’t the end of personalization. It’s a chance to design advertising that earns consumer trust. Marketers who connect data responsibly and measure real outcomes will outperform those chasing outdated identifiers.

Experian already helps global brands build this future through:

Learn how Experian can help you thrive after cookie deprecation

Cookie deprecation changes how digital marketing works, but it doesn’t erase the value of data. With Experian’s identity, connectivity, and trust-based solutions, you can continue reaching audiences effectively and measure what matters.

Explore how Experian can help you connect confidently in a cookieless world

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.


FAQs

What is cookie deprecation?

Cookie deprecation refers to browsers ending support for third-party cookies, which track users across sites. This shift promotes greater privacy and transparency while encouraging marketers to use first-party and identity-based data for targeting and measurement.

Why is Google Chrome phasing out third-party cookies, and what’s changed recently?

As of September 2025, Google paused its plan to fully deprecate third-party cookies in Chrome. The company will introduce new user privacy controls that allow individuals to choose how their data is shared, while continuing to test privacy-preserving APIs through its Privacy Sandbox.

Which browsers are affected by third-party cookie deprecation?

Safari and Firefox already block third-party cookies, and other browsers have adopted similar restrictions. While Chrome’s deprecation is paused, its large user base, more than 60 percent of global traffic, means its future policies will continue to influence how marketers plan and measure campaigns. 

How should marketers adapt to third-party cookie deprecation? 

Even with Google’s pause, marketers should keep building privacy-first strategies. Focus on:
– Strengthening first-party data through loyalty programs and preference centers.
– Using Experian’s Digital Graph to connect audiences across devices and environments.
– Activating with Consumer Sync® for consistent, privacy-safe engagement.
– Collaborating securely through Experian’s data collaboration solutions, which allow brands to share insights responsibly.


Latest posts

Loading…
Chartable increases attribution rates with Tapad Graph

Overview Chartable leverages The Tapad Graph to improve cross-device attribution rates and remove non-addressable IPs for clients. Challenge Chartable needs to differentiate between consumer and potential business IP addresses to provide accurate household modeling and reduce excess data for their customers. Podcasting generally only has access to IP addresses as a form of digital ID which limits its ability to connect activity to individuals and extend it across all devices. The Tapad + Experian solution  Using Tapad, now a part of Experian, Chartable is able to cut through the noise of IP data and discard any addresses deemed a shared IP or business. Then, Tapad + Experian connects individual users to their other digital IDs and users in their household; creating a richer attribution model for Chartable customers. Increase in podcast attribution rates Contact us today

Jul 22,2020 by Experian Marketing Services

5 Reasons Why Direct Mail is Making an Impact with Millennials

With the growth of digital marketing and the targeting capabilities associated with online outreach, many predicted that this would mark the end of direct mail advertising. But if Millennials have anything to say about it, that’s not going to happen anytime soon. Yes, believe it or not, Millennials are driving the resurgence of direct mail advertising, and many leading brands are now pivoting their omnichannel marketing plans to include direct mail. And with the USPS reporting more than 75.7 billion in marketing mail volume in 2019, this trend shows no sign of slowing down. Including direct mail in your plans may give your brand a better chance of reaching your audience. Why? 1. Millennials actually like getting mail.While most of us have decried “junk mail” as being environmentally unfriendly or just a pain to deal with, Millennials actually enjoy physical mail. Valassis recently cited research from USPS Customer & Market Insights stating that Millennials spend the most time sorting mail (about six minutes compared to the average, which is four minutes), plus they’re opening mail and reading it (at eight minutes versus the average of seven minutes). Valassis also conducted a study that showed that 68% of Millennials read print ads or inserts from retailers, and 64% prefer getting them through the mail. So, while digital outreach may be convenient, it hasn’t completely decimated the desire for that old-school, hands-on experience of opening and reading something that’s addressed to you. 2. Millennials respond to a multi-channel approach.Oftentimes, marketers think of omnichannel as being a combination of digital and TV, but when you add print into the mix, it can make an even bigger impact on Millennial audiences. Valassis found that 60% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase after seeing an ad when it’s presented across both offline and online channels, while 72% of Millennial parents say print ads encourage them to go online and make a purchase from that retailer. 3. Millennials think physical mail makes for a more personal approach.You’d think that e-mail would feel more personal, but with the influx of spam most people get, that’s just not the case. In fact, 67% of people see physical mail as being more personal than an e-mail, with seven out of 10 saying they prefer receiving actual mail over digital mail. And for marketers looking to make a one-to-one connection, this is music to their ears. With changing marketing plans, the mailbox has less competition than the inbox.   Getting a catalog at their door with the perfect offer at the perfect time helps the marketer make the direct connection. 4. Direct mail lasts longer than digital mail.That may seem like an obvious statement, but there’s more to it than you think. When an e-mail arrives in someone’s inbox, it’s easy to ignore it, read the subject line and forget about it, or even just randomly delete it, if spam filters don’t take care of that on their own. But the average lifespan of a piece of direct mail is 17 days, which may account for how direct mail generates purchases five times larger than e-mail campaigns. It’s harder to ignore when it’s in your house and you have to physically handle it as opposed to just clicking a mouse to get rid of it. 5. Millennials trust direct mail.It’s true—research shows that 90% of Millennials think direct mail advertising is reliable. Plus, Millennials are 24% more likely to show mail to others, compared to 19% of non-Millennials… which means if they find a deal they like in the mail, they’re probably going to spread the word. Contact us today

Jul 08,2020 by Experian Marketing Services

Four ways to reduce waste and increase efficiency

Marketers are always looking for creative ways to get the most out of their digital marketing investments. While there may be different paths to optimization, reducing media spend and cutting costs without sacrificing ROI is ideal. We empower marketers to take back control of their budgets and reinvent their media strategies by leveraging the right data at the right time. And, given today’s challenging climate, there’s no better time. Every Business Has Different Deeds Whether you’re a direct-to-consumer brand building a loyal customer base or a financial service simply letting customers know you’re here for them during a challenging time– identity resolution is essential to connecting with your audience without breaking the bank. That’s why we have built solutions that provide flexibility and control when you need it most. Putting Data Into Action Experian's "Tapad Graph" is a global, privacy-safe cross device graph is one powerful file. Updated weekly, and containing customized device IDs and digital attributes, The Tapad Graph enables smarter targeting strategies and a reduction of wasted impressions. What that means is more marketing efficiency and a stronger ROI for your business. Saving resources and money sound good to you? This guide breaks down four ways you can implement cost savings measures without sacrificing performance or prohibiting KPIs. Frequency Capping and Suppression Clustering device IDs by the individual and household means you have access to more ways to reach consumers, but it doesn’t always mean you should be using all of them across every campaign. Hone in on the channels and devices where consumers make most of their lower funnel decisions and purchases – and cap brand-awareness level placements or aspirational media that requires more exposure to generate engagement. This doesn’t mean limiting the devices you target, but being more aware of how often you’re targeting the same person across those devices. If you’ve successfully begun, or heck, even completed the consumer journey with an individual, congratulations. Now, you may want to consider what to do with the rest of the digital devices and users in that same household. Sure, there’s a time for conquesting an entire home of purchasers, but that’s not always the most effective way to maximize your media. That’s why The Tapad Graph is built to be flexible, providing a holistic view of all individuals and their associated devices and digital IDs – so you can suppress them once you’ve conquested the household decision maker or achieved the desired lower funnel activity. Save those impressions for someone else and save money for yourself. The great thing is whether you’re uploading this data into a DMP or a DSP, you can segment your target audience with a frequency cap threshold or suppress them entirely. Not only can you apply these tactics across traditional digital media, but we can include Connected TVs for OTT targeting as well, making your media strategy as holistic as your identity resolution tactics. Cross-Device Targeting and Attribution Consumer behavior and device trends are changing these days, so shouldn’t your digital marketing change too? Desktop usage is now up as much as 22%* as more people are working and learning from home. And remember that old iPad? With more people at home, we’re dusting off more devices and tablet activity is increasing more than 30%*. Sure, people are still constantly on mobile– but it might be time to consider implementing cross-device targeting and optimization for those dayparts when their focus is elsewhere. Identity resolution should be a key element of customer journey mapping and attribution in order to truly give credit to the right channels and build a baseline for the right cost-per modelling. Coupling The Tapad Graph with raw events data can granularly attribute engagement, actions and conversions at the digital ID, device, and even user-level – thereby teaching you more about your customer’s preferences. Leverage these insights to create more tailored messaging and promotions on your owned and operated channels, to funnel impressions to specific screens and platforms, and to target users based on where they are in the purchase funnel. Data That Gives You Control If you’re already implementing cross-device, have you started suppressing the devices where engagement with your brand isn’t happening? That’s right, you can use The Tapad Graph after-the-fact as well. Weekly graph updates with 60-day look-backs enable weekly campaign optimizations. That gives you the flexibility and control to avoid devices and platforms where users aren’t as active. You can only make decisions based on the data you have in front of you, so make sure you're partnering with the right solutions for your business. Does identity resolution sound like something you need? Contact us and we can help you get started with all that The Tapad Graph has to offer. Contact us today

May 18,2020 by Experian Marketing Services

Subscribe to our newsletter

Enter your name and email for the latest updates

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

About Experian Marketing Services

At Experian Marketing Services, we use data and insights to help brands have more meaningful interactions with people. As leaders in the evolution of the advertising landscape, Experian Marketing Services can help you identify your customers and the right potential customers, uncover the most appropriate communication channels, develop messages that resonate, and measure the effectiveness of marketing activities and campaigns.

Visit our website

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay up to date on the latest industry news and receive expert tips from our marketing experts.
Subscribe now!