What is Cookie Consent?
TL;DR
Permission from website visitors before setting non-essential cookies on their devices, typically obtained through a consent banner or popup. Under GDPR, you must get consent before setting tracking, advertising, or analytics cookies, not after. Essential cookies (those necessary for the site to function, like login sessions or shopping carts) don't require consent. A proper cookie consent banner explains what cookies you use and why, lets users accept all, reject all, or choose categories, actually blocks non-essential cookies until consent is given (not just displaying a notice), and remembers the user's choice for future visits. Many consent banners are cosmetic only. They show a message but set tracking cookies regardless, which violates GDPR. True consent means waiting for permission. This affects Google Analytics 4 tracking (you may lose data from users who reject), advertising pixels (reduced retargeting pool), and any third-party scripts that set cookies. Consent management platforms (CMPs) like Cookiebot, OneTrust, or Termly help implement proper consent.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cookie Consent
Does my website need a cookie consent banner?
If you have EU visitors and use any non-essential cookies (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, advertising scripts), yes. For US-only sites, it depends on state laws and cookie types. When in doubt, add one. It builds trust.
What's wrong with most cookie banners?
Many are cosmetic. They display a notice but set tracking cookies immediately, regardless of user choice. Proper consent means actually blocking cookies until the user agrees. Test yours: reject cookies, then check if tracking scripts still fire.
Do I need consent for Google Analytics?
Under strict GDPR interpretation, yes. GA sets cookies for tracking. Some argue anonymized analytics are low-risk, but the safest approach is consent first. Google's Consent Mode can help by running in limited mode until consent is given.
What are 'essential' cookies that don't need consent?
Cookies required for the website to function: session cookies for login, shopping cart contents, security tokens, load balancer routing. If removing the cookie would break core functionality, it's likely essential. Analytics and marketing cookies are never essential.
How do I set up proper cookie consent?
Use a consent management platform (CMP) like Cookiebot, OneTrust, or Termly. They scan your site for cookies, generate compliant banners, and block non-essential scripts until consent. DIY is possible but error-prone.
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