Free Tool
Cookie Policy Generator
Create a comprehensive cookie policy that explains how your website uses cookies. Compliant with GDPR, ePrivacy Directive, and other privacy regulations. Easy step-by-step wizard.
- GDPR and ePrivacy Directive compliant
- Covers all cookie types (essential, analytics, marketing)
- Third-party cookie disclosures included
- No signup or credit card required
- Download in multiple formats
Need more documents? Generate Privacy Policy • Generate Terms of Service
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Why You Need a Cookie Policy
If your website uses cookies—and almost all websites do—you need a cookie policy. The EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and ePrivacy Directive require websites to inform users about cookies and obtain consent for non-essential cookies.
Types of Cookies Explained
- Essential cookies: Required for basic website functionality (login, shopping cart, security)
- Functional cookies: Remember your preferences like language or region settings
- Analytics cookies: Help website owners understand how visitors use their site
- Advertising cookies: Used for targeted advertising and tracking across websites
- Social media cookies: Enable social sharing and embedded content from platforms
Cookie Policy vs Privacy Policy
A cookie policy specifically addresses your use of cookies and similar tracking technologies. It's often included as part of a privacy policy, but can also be a separate document. For complete compliance, you typically need both a privacy policy and a cookie policy.
GDPR Cookie Consent Requirements
Under GDPR, you must:
- Inform users about what cookies you use and why
- Obtain explicit consent before setting non-essential cookies
- Allow users to withdraw consent easily
- Keep records of consent
- Not use pre-ticked consent boxes
Cookie Policy FAQ
What is a cookie policy and why do I need one?
A cookie policy explains what cookies your website uses, why you use them, and how visitors can control them. Under GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive, websites targeting EU users must inform visitors about cookies and obtain consent before setting non-essential cookies.
Do I need a separate cookie policy or can it be part of my privacy policy?
You can include cookie information in your privacy policy or have a separate cookie policy document. A separate cookie policy is often cleaner, easier to update, and can be directly linked from your cookie consent banner. Either approach is legally acceptable.
What cookies require user consent?
Essential cookies (required for basic website functionality like login and security) do not require consent. All other cookies—including analytics, advertising, and social media cookies—require explicit user consent under GDPR before they can be set.
Do I need a cookie consent banner?
If your website uses non-essential cookies and you have EU visitors, yes. The banner should inform users about cookies, allow them to accept or reject non-essential cookies, and provide a link to your full cookie policy. Pre-ticked consent boxes are not allowed under GDPR.
How long can cookies stay on a user's device?
Session cookies are deleted when the browser closes. Persistent cookies can last from days to years depending on their purpose. Under GDPR, cookie retention should be proportionate to their purpose. Your cookie policy should disclose how long each cookie type lasts.
What are third-party cookies and do I need to disclose them?
Third-party cookies are set by external services on your website (like Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or YouTube embeds). Yes, you must disclose all third-party cookies in your cookie policy, including who sets them and their purpose.
Helpful Articles
- When Do You Need a Cookie Policy?Learn when a cookie policy is required by law, what it should include, and how it differs from your privacy policy.
- GDPR for Small Business: A Complete GuideEverything small business owners need to know about GDPR compliance. Plain-English guide covering requirements, exemptions, and practical steps.
- GDPR Privacy Policy Requirements ExplainedA comprehensive guide to what your privacy policy needs under GDPR, including data subject rights and legal bases.