Cookie Policy Template
A fill-in-the-blanks cookie policy for GDPR and the ePrivacy rules, with example cookie tables, banner copy and opt-out links
How to Use This Template
- Replace bracketed text [like this] with your information
- Review all categories and remove cookies you don't use
- Update the cookie list with your actual cookies
- Have a legal professional review before publishing
- Link from your website footer and cookie banner
Cookie Policy
Last updated: [DATE]
Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how [YOUR COMPANY NAME] ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website at [YOUR WEBSITE URL] ("Website").
We only set cookies that are not strictly necessary after you agree in our cookie banner. You can change or withdraw your choice at any time via [LINK TO COOKIE SETTINGS].
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, understand how you use the site, and improve your experience.
Cookies can be:
By Duration:
- Session cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
- Persistent cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them
By Origin:
- First-party cookies: Set by the website you're visiting
- Third-party cookies: Set by external services on the website
Why We Use Cookies
We use cookies for the following purposes:
Essential/Necessary Cookies
These cookies are required for the Website to function properly. They enable basic features like page navigation, secure access, and remembering your cookie preferences. The Website cannot function properly without these cookies.
Legal basis: Legitimate interest (essential for website operation)
Functional/Preference Cookies
These cookies remember your choices and preferences (such as language or region) to provide a more personalized experience.
Legal basis: Consent
Analytics/Performance Cookies
These cookies collect anonymous information about how visitors use our Website, such as which pages are visited most often. This helps us improve how our Website works.
Legal basis: Consent
Marketing/Advertising Cookies
These cookies are used to track visitors across websites to display relevant advertisements. They remember that you've visited our site and may share this information with advertisers.
Legal basis: Consent
Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| cookie_consent | [Your Website] | Stores your cookie consent preferences | 1 year |
| session_id | [Your Website] | Maintains your session while browsing | Session |
| XSRF-TOKEN | [Your Website] | Security token to prevent cross-site request forgery | Session |
| [Add your essential cookies] |
Functional Cookies
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| language | [Your Website] | Remembers your language preference | 1 year |
| [Add your functional cookies] |
Analytics Cookies
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users | 2 years |
| ga[ID] | Google Analytics | Stores and counts page views | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users | 24 hours |
| _gat | Google Analytics | Limits request rate | 1 minute |
| [Add other analytics cookies] |
Marketing Cookies
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _fbp | Facebook Pixel | Identifies browsers for ad targeting | 3 months |
| _fbc | Facebook Pixel | Stores last click ID | 3 months |
| fr | Used for advertising purposes | 3 months | |
| IDE | Google DoubleClick | Advertising and retargeting | 1 year |
| test_cookie | Google DoubleClick | Checks if browser supports cookies | 15 minutes |
| [Add other marketing cookies] |
Third-Party Cookies
We use services from third parties that may set cookies on your device. These include:
Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our Website. Google Analytics collects information anonymously and reports website trends without identifying individual visitors.
Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy Opt-out: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
[Facebook Pixel - if used]
We use Facebook Pixel to measure advertising effectiveness and deliver relevant ads.
Privacy policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/explanation Opt-out: https://www.facebook.com/ads/preferences
[Google Ads - if used]
We use Google Ads conversion tracking and remarketing to measure ad effectiveness.
Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy Opt-out: https://adssettings.google.com
[Add other third-party services you use]
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
On Our Website
You can manage your cookie preferences at any time by:
- Clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our website footer
- Using our cookie consent banner when you first visit
In Your Browser
You can also control cookies through your browser settings:
Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Cookies
Note: Blocking all cookies may impact your experience on our Website.
Opt-Out Links
- Google Analytics: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
- Google Ads: https://adssettings.google.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ads/preferences
- General (EU): https://www.youronlinechoices.eu
- General (US): https://optout.aboutads.info
Other Tracking Technologies
Web Beacons (Pixel Tags)
We may use web beacons (also known as pixel tags or clear GIFs) in emails and on our Website to:
- Track email open rates
- Measure campaign effectiveness
- Understand user behavior
Local Storage
We may use browser local storage to store non-sensitive data that improves your experience, such as:
- User interface preferences
- Temporary data for functionality
Session Storage
Similar to local storage but cleared when you close your browser.
Do Not Track
Some browsers have a "Do Not Track" feature that signals websites not to track your browsing activity. Our Website [does/does not] currently respond to Do Not Track signals.
Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will post any changes on this page with an updated revision date.
We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us:
[YOUR COMPANY NAME] Email: [YOUR EMAIL] Address: [YOUR ADDRESS] Data Protection Officer: [IF APPLICABLE]
Your Rights Under GDPR
If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or UK, you have rights regarding your personal data, including data collected via cookies:
- Right to access your data
- Right to rectification of inaccurate data
- Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
- Right to restrict processing
- Right to data portability
- Right to object to processing
- Right to withdraw consent at any time
To exercise these rights, contact us at [YOUR EMAIL].
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
Cookie Banner Text Examples
Initial Banner (Short)
Version A - Minimal:
We use cookies to improve your experience.
[Accept All] [Manage Preferences] [Reject Non-Essential]
Version B - Informative:
We use cookies for essential website functions and, with your consent,
for analytics and marketing. You can manage your preferences or accept all.
[Accept All] [Settings] [Reject Optional]
Version C - Compliant (Recommended):
We use cookies to ensure the basic functionality of our website and to
enhance your online experience. You can choose to accept or decline
non-essential cookies. For more details, see our Cookie Policy.
[Accept All] [Customize] [Reject Non-Essential]
Preferences Modal
COOKIE PREFERENCES
Manage your cookie preferences below. Essential cookies cannot be
disabled as they are necessary for the website to function.
[Toggle] Essential Cookies (Always Active)
Required for basic website functionality.
[Toggle] Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website.
[Toggle] Marketing Cookies
Used to deliver relevant advertisements.
[Save Preferences] [Accept All]
Automate Your Cookie Compliance
GetCookies provides:
- Cookie scanning that lists the cookies for the tables above, and a hosted cookie declaration from Pro
- Consent banners with a Reject All button next to Accept All
- A preferences link so visitors can change or withdraw their choice
- Exportable consent records with timestamp and categories
- Banners in 40 languages (more than one language on Business)
Start on the free plan → getcookies.co
Compliance doesn't have to be complicated.
Version 1.1 | 2026