Guide

Cookie Banner Requirements

A cookie banner needs specific elements. Here's a checklist of technical features typically expected for GDPR-style consent.

What is cookie banner requirements?

A compliant cookie banner must include: clear information about cookie usage, separate accept and reject buttons (equally prominent), categorized consent options (necessary, functional, analytics, marketing), a link to your full cookie policy, and an easy way for users to change their preferences later.

Key Takeaway

Most websites that use analytics, marketing tools, or social integrations need some form of cookie consent.

Do I Need cookie banner 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 cookie banner 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 cookie banner requirements in 30 Seconds

If you just want to be compliant without overthinking it, you can use TinyConsent to handle cookie banner requirementswith a single line of code. Here's how:

Enter your email to get started

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

What must a cookie banner include?

Required: clear purpose explanation, list of cookie categories, accept/reject options, link to cookie policy, and easy consent withdrawal. No pre-checked boxes.

Can I have just an "Accept" button?

No. For GDPR-style consent, you typically need equally prominent accept and reject options. A single "Accept" button may not provide proper consent collection.

Must the banner block cookies until consent?

Yes. Under GDPR, non-essential cookies must not be set until explicit consent is given. This requires technical implementation, not just a notice.

What about cookie categories?

You should offer granular choices: Necessary, Functional, Analytics, Marketing. Users must be able to accept some and reject others.

Does the banner need to explain each cookie?

Not in the banner itself, but you need a detailed cookie policy accessible from the banner that lists all cookies and their purposes.

How should withdrawal of consent work?

Users must be able to change preferences as easily as they gave consent. A persistent settings link or button should be available.

Ready to Get Compliant?

Stop worrying about cookie banner requirements and get a working solution in 60 seconds. Try one of our popular cookie banner generators:

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