Correct Answer:
C. Storing user data and preferences
Cookies in a web browser are small text files stored on a user's device by websites they visit. Their primary purpose is Storing user data and preferences. This allows websites to remember information about the user, such as login status, shopping cart contents, or personalized settings, for a more convenient browsing experience.
- Option A, "Cleaning the browser cache," is incorrect; cookies are distinct from the cache.
- Option B, "Displaying advertisements," is a secondary use by advertisers, not the fundamental function of cookies themselves.
- Option D, "Blocking pop-ups," is a browser setting, not a function of cookies.