Guide

GDPR Cookie Requirements

GDPR has specific rules about cookies. Here's a technical breakdown of typical requirements. Consult legal counsel for your specific situation.

What is gdpr cookie requirements?

GDPR cookie requirements mandate that websites obtain explicit, informed consent before setting non-essential cookies. This means you must: inform users about what cookies you use and why, provide clear accept/reject options (no pre-checked boxes), actually block cookies until consent is given, and allow users to withdraw consent easily.

Key Takeaway

GDPR requires opt-in consent — you must get explicit permission before setting any non-essential cookies.

Do I Need gdpr 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 gdpr 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 gdpr cookie requirements in 30 Seconds

If you just want to be compliant without overthinking it, you can use TinyConsent to handle gdpr cookie 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 does GDPR generally require for cookies?

GDPR typically requires informed, specific consent before setting non-essential cookies. Users must actively opt-in (no pre-checked boxes), and withdrawal must be easy. Consult legal counsel for your specific situation.

Which cookies typically need consent under GDPR?

Analytics (Google Analytics), advertising (Facebook Pixel), and tracking cookies generally need consent. Functional cookies like login or preferences may be exempt.

What about strictly necessary cookies?

Cookies essential for the website to function (shopping carts, login sessions, security) typically don't require consent but should be disclosed in your cookie policy.

What technical components does TinyConsent provide?

TinyConsent provides script blocking, consent categories, exportable consent logs, and region detection — the technical infrastructure typically expected for GDPR-style consent.

How long is cookie consent typically valid?

GDPR doesn't specify a duration, but 6-12 months is common practice. After that, re-request consent.

Do I need to record consent?

Yes, maintaining consent records is typically expected. TinyConsent provides exportable consent logs with timestamps and consent choices for audit purposes.

Ready to Get Compliant?

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

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