Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for delivering segment-based electronic content. One method for providing segment-based electronic content comprises: obtaining a request for the segment-based electronic content, wherein the request comprises an encrypted cookie previously provided to a device of a user associated with the request by an origin server using a handshake protocol, wherein the encrypted cookie comprises a fingerprint and a segment key identifying one of a plurality of predefined user segments of the user; processing the encrypted cookie to evaluate whether the user is authorized to access the segment-based electronic content based on the fingerprint; and providing the segment-based electronic content to the user of the one predefined user segment if the user is authorized.