Could a website remove all cookies it uses?

[usamaererer]

Yes, theoretically a website could provide a way for users to remove only the cookies used by that website. This could be done by creating a button or link on the website that, when clicked, runs JavaScript code to delete only the cookies associated with that website.

However, it is important to note that the ability to delete specific cookies may be dependent on the browser and its capabilities. Some browsers may not allow websites to delete specific cookies, and instead only allow deletion of all cookies.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that the problem you’re experiencing with the PG&E website might not be caused by cookies. There could be other factors at play such as a bug in the website or an issue with your account. It might be worth reaching out to the website’s customer support again with more details about the issue you’re experiencing in order to try to identify the root cause.

In general, Developers should try to be specific about what Cookies to remove and if not specific, they should try to provide a way for their website to remove just the cookies that they use.

[SamuelCalifornia]

@usamaererer

the ability to delete specific cookies may be dependent on the browser and its capabilities. Some browsers may not allow websites to delete specific cookies, and instead only allow deletion of all cookies.

If any browser allows a website to create and modify cookies but not delete the same cookies that it can create and modify then that is stupid. Do you know of such a browser or only speculating?

@usamaererer

Additionally, it’s worth noting that the problem you’re experiencing with the PG&E website might not be caused by cookies

Well of course. That is what I thought in the beginning. That is a major point of what I am trying to say. That website support people are quick to suggest removing all cookies even if they have no idea what the cause is.

@usamaererer

In general, Developers should try to be specific about what Cookies to remove and if not specific, they should try to provide a way for their website to remove just the cookies that they use.

Yes. And if more people were to know that then website people are more likely to provide such features.

[m_hutley]

“Delete your cookies and empty your cache” is website support’s “have you turned it off and on again”. Rarely is it actually the problem, but its the first thing on their support sheet to fob you off with.

I’ve never heard of a browser that wouldnt allow a site to delete its own cookies, and would frankly be creeped out by one that didnt. That said, “deleting” a cookie isnt really deleting it from the perspective of the issuing site; you send a new cookie, with an expiry time that has already elapsed, which causes the browser to dump the cookie as stale.