Are tracking cookies spyware?

No! Read the sticky threads. In particular, read this one and step 11

How to Protect yourself from malware!

 

Nope not spyware at all, without them you do not surf the web easily, they only record what adverts/shoping basket contents etc you have and no personal data, you will have issues logging into forums like this without them.

Part 11 in this is worth a read How to Protect yourself from malware!

they are none installable applications, dont spread, dont download other malware components in which true malware do, sadly some malware scanners inflate their results by flagging these as harmful, they are just scaring the user into thinking that this application is keeping them safe, when all its doing is removing harmless cookies ( which are just txt files after all ).

Now if they uploaded your bank account details, spread and infected other PCs slowed your PC down and caused applications to crash then I may agree with you, but they dont as as you said if your worried about personal data security then just delete them at end of every internet session or at closing of every webpage you visit.





EDIT: Chas types less text than me but gets the point across without waffling!