Under what condition can third party cookies be considered spyware?

Third-party cookies can be considered spyware when they are used without authorization. Spyware typically refers to software that gathers information from a user's device without their consent or knowledge, aiming to monitor activities or extract sensitive data.

In the context of cookies, when third-party cookies are placed on a user's device without their explicit permission, they can track browsing activities across multiple sites, leading to concerns about privacy and unauthorized data collection. This unauthorized use goes against the principles of informed consent and user privacy, which are foundational in data protection laws and regulations.

While some tracking methods may also infringe on privacy rights, the key factor in defining third-party cookies as spyware is the lack of user consent. If users haven't agreed to the use of those cookies, their activities can be monitored secretly, which aligns with the definition of spyware.