Generate a free cookie policy for your website — covering GDPR and CCPA requirements, with a full list of your cookie types and third-party services.
Fill in your details and click Generate Cookie Policy to create your document.
A cookie policy informs visitors about what cookies your website uses, why, and how they can manage their preferences. This is legally required under GDPR (for websites with EU visitors) and recommended under CCPA. This free generator creates a customized cookie policy based on your cookie types, third-party services, and compliance region — no account needed.
Yes, if your website uses cookies. Under GDPR, websites that have visitors from the EU must disclose their use of cookies and obtain consent for non-essential cookies. Under CCPA, websites must inform California residents about data collected through cookies. Even without these regulations, a cookie policy is considered best practice.
Essential cookies are necessary for your website to function properly. They enable basic features like page navigation, secure logins, and shopping cart functionality. Under GDPR, you do not need consent to use essential cookies, but you still need to disclose them in your cookie policy.
A cookie policy specifically covers how your website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies, including the types of cookies used, their purpose, and how users can control them. A privacy policy is broader — it covers all aspects of how personal data is collected, used, and protected. Many websites include cookie information within their privacy policy, but having a separate cookie policy is recommended for GDPR compliance.
Under GDPR, if your website has visitors from the EU and uses non-essential cookies (analytics, marketing), you must obtain explicit consent before placing those cookies. A cookie consent banner (or consent management platform) is the standard way to obtain this consent. Essential cookies do not require consent.
Under GDPR, cookies should only be stored for as long as necessary for their stated purpose. Session cookies expire when you close your browser. Persistent cookies can last from a few days to several years, but GDPR requires that the duration be proportionate to the purpose. Most analytics tools use cookies lasting 12-24 months.