Free Cookie Policy Generator
A cookie policy is a dedicated document that explains exactly which cookies your website sets, what each cookie does, how long it lasts, and whether it is a first-party or third-party cookie. While a privacy policy covers cookies at a high level, GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive increasingly expect a separate, detailed cookie policy. LegalForge generates a comprehensive cookie policy listing every cookie category on your site.
Generate for Free — No Signup RequiredWhat Is a Cookie Policy and Why Is It Separate?
A cookie policy is a standalone document (or dedicated section) that provides granular detail about every cookie and similar tracking technology your website uses. While your privacy policy mentions cookies broadly, a cookie policy goes deeper: it names specific cookies, their providers, their purposes, their expiration periods, and whether they are essential or require consent. EU data protection authorities (including the French CNIL, the Italian Garante, and the UK ICO) recommend or require a separate cookie policy accessible from your cookie consent banner. This level of transparency satisfies regulators and helps users make informed consent decisions.
Types of Cookies You Must Disclose
Cookies fall into several categories that must be listed separately. Strictly necessary cookies (session IDs, authentication tokens, CSRF tokens, load-balancer cookies) are required for the site to function and do not need consent. Analytics cookies (Google Analytics _ga, _gid; Hotjar _hj*; Plausible) measure traffic and user behavior. Marketing cookies (Facebook _fbp, _fbc; Google Ads _gcl_*; LinkedIn _li*; TikTok _ttp) enable ad targeting and conversion tracking. Preference cookies store user choices like language, currency, or theme. Each cookie must be listed with its name, provider, purpose, type (first-party or third-party), and duration.
How to Audit Your Website's Cookies
Before generating a cookie policy, you need to know exactly which cookies your site sets. Use browser developer tools (Chrome DevTools > Application > Cookies) to inspect cookies on each page. Visit key pages like your homepage, product pages, checkout, and login page, as different cookies may appear on different pages. Also check for cookies set by third-party scripts — ad pixels, chat widgets, embedded videos, and social sharing buttons all set their own cookies. LegalForge Pro includes an automated cookie scanner that crawls your site and identifies all cookies, saving you the manual audit. The scanner categorizes each cookie and populates your cookie policy automatically.
Cookie Policy and Consent Banner Integration
Your cookie policy and cookie consent banner must work together. The consent banner provides the initial notice and collects consent choices. The cookie policy provides the detailed reference document. Best practice is to link your cookie policy from the consent banner (a 'Learn more' or 'Cookie Policy' link) so users can review the full details before making their consent decision. Your cookie policy should also include instructions for changing consent preferences after the initial choice — either by describing how to access your consent settings widget or by explaining how to clear cookies via browser settings. Update your cookie policy whenever you add or remove tracking tools from your site.
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Start Generating — It's FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Is a cookie policy different from a privacy policy?
Yes. A privacy policy covers all personal data collection and processing — cookies are just one part of it. A cookie policy is a dedicated, detailed document focused specifically on cookies and similar tracking technologies. It lists individual cookies by name, explains their purpose and duration, and categorizes them (essential, analytics, marketing, preferences). Some businesses include cookie details within their privacy policy, but EU regulators increasingly recommend a separate cookie policy linked from the consent banner.
Do I need a cookie policy if I only use essential cookies?
If your website truly only uses strictly necessary cookies (session management, authentication, security tokens) and no analytics, marketing, or preference cookies at all, you may not need a full cookie policy or consent banner. However, it is still good practice to disclose the essential cookies you use. Very few modern websites use zero non-essential cookies — even embedding a YouTube video or adding a social sharing button introduces third-party cookies that require disclosure and consent.
How often should I update my cookie policy?
Update your cookie policy whenever you add or remove a tool that sets cookies — for example, adding Google Analytics, switching email marketing platforms, or installing a new chat widget. At minimum, audit your cookies quarterly, as third-party scripts can introduce new cookies without your direct action through updated SDKs. LegalForge Pro users with the automated cookie scanner receive alerts when new cookies are detected on their site, ensuring the cookie policy stays accurate.
What is the penalty for not having a cookie policy?
Under GDPR, failing to provide transparent information about cookies can result in fines of up to 20 million euros or 4% of global annual turnover. The ePrivacy Directive, enforced at the national level, carries its own penalties — the French CNIL has fined companies including Google and Amazon tens of millions of euros specifically for cookie consent violations. Beyond fines, cookie compliance is increasingly checked during due diligence for acquisitions, partnerships, and enterprise sales.