Website cookies do not capture your email address. But, a cookie can store any and all information that you have willingly provided to a website. A well-designed website will store only a 'cryptic' reference number in the cookie that will in turn be associated with information stored in a private database on the website's server. Furthermore, simply put, a cookie can be read only by the website who created the cookie. This website might in turn share this information with another website with whom it has an association, such as a marketing-based relationship.
Some companies are less ethical about the sharing of information than others.
Note that this exchange of information is not much different than a company with whom you have done business selling your name, address, telephone number, etc. to other companies. This is why it is important to upgrade your email programs and browsers. For more information about upgrading your browser, read the browser upgrade section of the Computer Services' FAQ web page . Read a company's privacy policy before offering forth your personal information. Use caution when giving personal information, whether by website, email, telephone, snail mail, or in person.