CCPA Cookie Requirements
California's CCPA has different cookie rules than GDPR. Here's what businesses need to know about cookie compliance for California users.
What is ccpa cookie requirements?
CCPA cookie requirements differ from GDPR in that they use an opt-out model rather than opt-in. California residents must be given the right to opt out of the "sale" of their personal information, which includes data sharing via cookies. You must provide a clear "Do Not Sell My Personal Information" link.
Key Takeaway
CCPA uses opt-out — cookies can be set by default, but users must be able to stop the "sale" of their data.
Do I Need ccpa cookie requirements?
The answer depends on your specific situation, but here's a general rule: if your website has any visitors from the EU and uses any form of tracking (analytics, advertising pixels, social buttons, embedded content), you almost certainly need to address ccpa cookie requirements. Even US-focused websites often need compliance for California visitors under CCPA.
You Need This If:
- •You have visitors from the EU (even occasionally)
- •You use Google Analytics or similar analytics tools
- •You have Facebook Pixel, Google Ads, or other marketing pixels
- •You embed YouTube videos, Twitter feeds, or other third-party content
- •You use live chat, support widgets, or marketing automation
- •You have California visitors and share data with third parties
You Might Skip This If:
- •You only use strictly necessary cookies (login, shopping cart, security)
- •Your website is a pure static site with no tracking whatsoever
- •You only serve a local, non-EU, non-California audience
- •You've confirmed no cookie consent is needed for your specific case
How to Implement ccpa cookie requirements in 30 Seconds
If you just want to be compliant without overthinking it, you can use TinyConsent to handle ccpa cookie requirementswith a single line of code. Here's how:
Go to TinyConsent
Visit tinyconsent.com and enter your email to get your script.
Copy the code
You'll receive a single script tag — that's your entire implementation.
Paste in your site
Add it to your HTML <head> section. That's it — you're done.
Common Mistakes
Showing a notice without blocking cookies
Many websites just show a "we use cookies" banner without actually preventing cookies until consent. GDPR typically requires you to technically block scripts — not just show a notice.
Pre-checking consent boxes
Having consent categories pre-selected as "on" is not valid consent under GDPR. Users must actively opt-in; silence or pre-selection doesn't count.
Making rejection difficult
If "Accept All" is a big green button and "Reject" is a small gray link, that's a dark pattern. GDPR requires equally easy accept and reject options.
Not storing consent records
You should maintain records of when and how consent was obtained. This is important for demonstrating compliance if questioned.
Forgetting about third-party scripts
Your website might set cookies you're not even aware of via embedded content, widgets, or plugins. Audit all scripts on your site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are CCPA cookie rules different from GDPR?
CCPA uses opt-out (you can set cookies, users can opt out) vs GDPR's opt-in (get consent first). CCPA also focuses on "selling" personal information.
What does "Do Not Sell" mean for cookies?
If cookies share data with third parties for value (even non-monetary), CCPA considers this "selling." Users must be able to opt out of this.
Do I need consent before setting cookies under CCPA?
Not necessarily. CCPA requires opt-out rights, not prior consent. However, you must honor "Do Not Sell" requests and GPC signals.
What is GPC (Global Privacy Control)?
GPC is a browser setting that signals opt-out preference. Under CCPA, you must honor this signal as a valid opt-out request.
Which businesses must comply with CCPA?
Businesses with: $25M+ annual revenue, 50,000+ CA consumers' data, or 50%+ revenue from selling CA data. But best practice is to comply regardless.
What are CCPA penalties?
$2,500 per unintentional violation, $7,500 per intentional violation. Plus consumers can sue for data breaches ($100-750 per incident).
Ready to Get Compliant?
Stop worrying about ccpa cookie requirements and get a working solution in 60 seconds. Try one of our popular cookie banner generators:
Ccpa Cookie Banner
Generate a compliant cookie banner instantly.
Try NowCookie Banner Generator
Generate a compliant cookie banner instantly.
Try NowPrivacy Policy Generator
Generate a compliant cookie banner instantly.
Try NowCookie Banner Generator
Complete solution with customization and analytics.
Start Here