Using cookies to track a person's browsing habits is known as what type of tracking?

The correct answer is that using cookies to track a person's browsing habits is known as indirect tracking. This form of tracking occurs when a user's actions are monitored without direct engagement or communication from them, meaning they are unaware of being tracked while they browse. Cookies, small data files stored on a user's device, collect information about their online activities, preferences, and interactions with websites over time.

Indirect tracking is characterized by the collection of user data in a way that does not involve obtaining explicit consent for each action taken, as users typically are not actively participating in the tracking process. Instead, the tracking happens in the background, accumulating behavioral data across different sessions and websites.

Other concepts such as direct tracking often involve scenarios where users are explicitly aware of and consent to the tracking behavior, while active tracking requires user's participation or a direct interaction. Passive tracking, while it may seem similar, emphasizes the lack of user input or awareness, which aligns closely with how cookies operate. However, the term "indirect tracking" better captures the aspect of not directly engaging the user during the data collection process.