Cookie Policy Generator (Simple)
How it works
A cookie policy discloses to website visitors what cookies and tracking technologies your site uses, their purpose, and how users can control them. The Cookie Policy Generator creates a GDPR and CCPA-aligned template based on your cookie categories.
**When a cookie policy is required** GDPR (EU): required for any website using non-essential cookies on users in the EU. Non-essential cookies (analytics, advertising, personalization) require prior consent โ you must display a cookie consent banner before setting these cookies. Essential cookies (session management, load balancing, security) do not require consent. CCPA (California): cookies that enable data sale or targeted advertising require disclosure and an opt-out mechanism. ePrivacy Directive (UK/EU): applies even post-Brexit in UK; requires informed consent for non-essential cookies.
**Cookie categories** Strictly necessary: site functionality (login state, shopping cart, security). Performance/analytics: Google Analytics, Hotjar, Clarity. Functionality: saved preferences, language settings. Targeting/advertising: Google Ads, Facebook Pixel, retargeting cookies. Third-party social: sharing buttons from Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.
**Cookie consent implementation** A cookie policy document alone is not sufficient for GDPR compliance โ you also need a consent management platform (CMP) that blocks non-essential cookies until consent is given, records consent with timestamp, and allows users to withdraw consent. CMPs: Cookiebot, OneTrust, CookieYes, Osano.
**Cookie audit** Before publishing a cookie policy, audit what cookies your site actually sets using browser developer tools (Network/Application tabs) or automated scanners. Your policy must accurately list all cookies โ inaccurate policies have resulted in regulatory fines.
This tool generates a template. Review with a privacy attorney for compliance in your jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
- A cookie policy explains what cookies and tracking technologies your website uses, their purpose, and how users can control them. GDPR and ePrivacy Directive (EU) require explicit consent for non-essential cookies and a clear cookie policy. UK PECR has similar requirements. California CCPA/CPRA requires disclosure of cookies used for 'selling' or 'sharing' personal data. Even where not legally required, cookie policies are required by Google AdSense, Analytics, and most advertising platforms.
- Strictly necessary: required for the website to function (session cookies, login state, shopping cart). Functionality: remember preferences (language, region). Analytics/performance: track usage patterns (Google Analytics, Hotjar). Marketing/advertising: track users across sites for targeted ads (Facebook Pixel, Google Ads). Third-party: set by external services embedded in your site. Under GDPR, only strictly necessary cookies can be used without consent. All others require opt-in.
- The banner must appear before non-essential cookies are set, not after. It must offer genuine choices โ pre-ticked boxes for marketing cookies are not valid consent under GDPR. Consent must be as easy to withdraw as to give โ a 'reject all' button must be as prominent as 'accept all'. Consent must be specific: users should be able to accept analytics but reject marketing cookies. Logging consent (who consented, when, to what) is required for compliance.
- Cookie consent fatigue is user frustration from dismissing consent banners on every site. To reduce friction while maintaining compliance: implement a simple two-option banner (Accept All / Reject All) rather than complex preference centers, make Reject All easy to find, use persistent consent storage so users aren't asked repeatedly, and minimize third-party scripts where possible. Fewer cookies = simpler banner = better user experience and lower legal risk.