Cookie Policy for Websites
Everything you need to know about creating a compliant cookie policy
Cookies are small text files stored on a user's device when they visit a website. They serve various purposes:
- Remembering user preferences and login sessions
- Tracking website analytics and user behavior
- Enabling advertising and marketing campaigns
- Improving website functionality and performance
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly. They enable core features like user authentication, security, and shopping cart functionality.
Examples: Session cookies, authentication tokens, security cookies
Analytics Cookies
These cookies help website owners understand how visitors interact with their site by collecting and reporting information anonymously.
Examples: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Mixpanel
Marketing/Advertising Cookies
These cookies track users across websites to build a profile of their interests and show relevant advertisements.
Examples: Google Ads, Facebook Pixel, LinkedIn Insight Tag
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering language preferences or video player settings.
Examples: Language preferences, video player settings, chat widget preferences
Under GDPR and EU cookie law (ePrivacy Directive), you must obtain user consent before placing non-essential cookies on their device.
What Consent Must Include:
- Clear explanation of what cookies are used and why
- Option to accept or reject non-essential cookies
- Granular control (users should be able to accept some categories and reject others)
- Easy way to withdraw consent at any time
- No pre-checked boxes (consent must be active, not passive)
ePrivacy Directive (EU Cookie Law)
The ePrivacy Directive requires websites to obtain user consent before storing or accessing information on a user's device (including cookies), except for strictly necessary cookies.
Vague Cookie Descriptions
Generic statements like "we use cookies for analytics and advertising" don't meet GDPR requirements. You must name specific services (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel) and explain their purpose.
Missing Cookie Categories
Failing to properly categorize cookies (necessary, analytics, marketing, functional) makes it impossible for users to give informed consent.
No Duration Information
Users need to know how long cookies persist (session cookies vs. persistent cookies with expiration dates).
Third Party Cookie Disclosure
Not clearly explaining which third party services set cookies (Google Analytics, payment processors, CDN providers) creates compliance gaps.
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Structured around widely accepted GDPR and CCPA requirements. Not legal advice.
Is a cookie policy legally required for websites?
Yes, if your website uses cookies (especially non-essential cookies like analytics or advertising), you're legally required to have a cookie policy under GDPR and EU cookie law (ePrivacy Directive).
Do I need a separate cookie policy if I already have a privacy policy?
While you can include cookie information in your privacy policy, many websites benefit from a dedicated cookie policy page for better user clarity and GDPR compliance.
What happens if I don't comply with cookie consent requirements?
Non-compliance with GDPR cookie requirements can result in regulatory fines up to 4% of annual revenue or €20 million, whichever is higher. Additionally, users may file complaints with data protection authorities.