How long does a web cookie last?

Cookies can last on a user’s browser till the time it is set to expire and typically last from seconds to years. The cookie expiration or cookie duration is either set by the website publisher or domains that drop the cookies. 

Cookies are usually classified as session cookies or persistent cookies, depending on how long they last on your browser. Session cookies only last as long as your browser is open and are automatically deleted when a user closes the browser or exits the app. On the other hand, persistent cookies will continue to exist even after a browser or app is closed. They are used by websites to remember a user and their preferences on a website. 

While privacy laws do not mention limits for cookie lifespan, regulations like the ePrivacy Directive require periodic renewals of cookie consent at least once a year. If you have privacy concerns or want to delete cookies that have been saved on your device, you can manually clear cookies or block cookies from their browser settings.