Cookie Policy Generator
Every website running analytics or ad tracking needs a cookie policy generator to explain, in plain language, what data cookies collect and why.
Customize & DownloadCookie Policy Generator Sample
Cookie Policy for [1. Website Name], operated by [2. Company or Individual Name] (referred to herein as “we,” “us,” or “our”). This policy explains how [1. Website Name], accessible at [3. Website URL], uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our site.
What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by a website to store information about your browsing session or preferences. They may be set by us directly (first-party cookies) or by third-party services we use on our site. Cookies can be session-based, meaning they expire when you close your browser, or persistent, remaining on your device for a defined period.
Categories of Cookies We Use
We use the following categories of cookies on [1. Website Name]:
- Strictly Necessary: Required for the website to function. These cannot be disabled.
- Analytics and Performance: Help us understand how visitors interact with our site. Data collected is aggregated and not used to identify individuals.
- Functional: Remember your preferences and settings to improve your experience.
- Advertising and Targeting: Used to deliver relevant advertising and track campaign performance across platforms.
Third-Party Cookies
Our site may place cookies from third-party providers including but not limited to [4. Third-Party Services — e.g. Google Analytics, Meta Pixel]. These providers operate under their own privacy policies. We do not control the data they collect.
Your Choices and Opt-Out Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the right to opt out of certain categories of cookies. California residents may exercise their rights under the CCPA and CPRA by using the “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” mechanism on our site. Visitors from states including Colorado, Virginia, Oregon, and Indiana may also have opt-out rights under their respective state privacy laws effective in 2026. EU and UK visitors may withdraw consent at any time through our cookie preference center. You may also manage cookies directly through your browser settings.
Policy Updates
We review and update this Cookie Policy as our practices or applicable laws change. The current version of this policy is effective as of [5. Effective Date]. Continued use of [1. Website Name] after any update constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
Questions about this policy may be directed to [6. Contact Email Address].
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What's Included
6 provisionsThis generator produces general reference content only and is not legal advice; privacy law compliance should be confirmed with qualified legal counsel.
How to Use
Mapping current privacy requirements
The generator pulls together cookie disclosure language that reflects present day GDPR, CCPA, and CPRA expectations before anything is personalized.
Matching the policy to your site
Add your company name, website, cookie categories, and third party tools, and each section updates to describe your actual setup.
Publishing the finished policy
Preview the completed text, then export it as a Word or PDF file, or copy it directly onto your website's policy page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need a cookie policy since Chrome didn't remove third party cookies?
Yes, Chrome moved to a user choice model instead of blocking third party cookies by default, which means sites still place them and still need to disclose that practice. Safari and Firefox already block third party cookies by default, so a policy remains necessary regardless of which browser a visitor uses.
Is a cookie consent banner legally required for a US website in 2026?
The CCPA and CPRA do not technically require a banner, only a clear way for California residents to opt out of data sale or sharing and a working Global Privacy Control signal. Most sites still use a banner because it is the easiest way to meet that opt-out requirement in practice.
What is the difference between a cookie policy and a privacy policy?
A cookie policy focuses specifically on tracking technologies, what categories are used, and how consent is collected, while a privacy policy covers broader data handling practices across the whole business. Many sites link the two documents together, but regulators generally expect cookie details to be clearly separated.
Does a cookie policy need to mention Global Privacy Control?
Yes, California and several other states now require businesses to honor GPC browser signals as a valid opt-out request, and enforcement actions in 2025 and 2026 have specifically targeted sites that ignored it. Mentioning how GPC is handled helps demonstrate compliance if the policy is ever reviewed.
