U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) states that cookies enable websites to recognize the devices of individual users upon their visits, collecting data to tailor the user experience. The gathered information can also serve as a crucial resource for law enforcement in apprehending criminals.
For instance, a recent article by Forbes illustrates how detectives managed to identify a suspect who reportedly made a bomb threat call to the Hamilton County Courthouse in Cincinnati, Ohio. Thankfully, it was concluded that the phone call in August 2025 was merely a prank; however, following the issuance of search warrants, the police utilized digital evidence to locate a suspect. Based on search warrants pertaining to this particular case, which Forbes reviewed, investigators were able to connect the call to an anonymous Gmail account.