Cookie Policy Generator
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].
What's Included
6 provisionsThis template is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified privacy attorney for jurisdiction-specific compliance guidance.
How to Use
Enter Your Website and Cookie Details
Fill in your website name, company name, URL, third-party services used, and contact email. The generator places each entry into the correctly structured policy sections.
Preview Your Cookie Policy
Read through the completed policy on screen to confirm it reflects your actual cookie usage and covers the jurisdictions relevant to your audience before publishing.
Download and Publish
Export the policy as a Word or PDF file. Paste the content into your website's dedicated Cookie Policy page and link it from your cookie banner and footer navigation.
Cookie Policy Requirements Every Website Owner Should Know in 2026
Privacy enforcement has shifted from warnings to penalties. With Indiana, Kentucky, and Rhode Island adding active comprehensive privacy statutes in 2026, and the California Privacy Protection Agency continuing to issue enforcement actions under CPRA, cookie transparency is no longer optional for websites with meaningful US traffic. EU regulators have ruled that tools like Google Analytics require prior consent, not just disclosure. A cookie policy that maps each category to its legal basis, names third-party processors, and gives visitors a real opt-out path is the baseline, not a differentiator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US websites legally need a cookie policy in 2026?
No single federal law mandates a standalone cookie policy, but multiple state privacy laws now require transparency about cookie tracking. Indiana, Kentucky, and Rhode Island joined the group of states with active comprehensive privacy laws starting January 1, 2026. If your site targets California residents, CCPA and CPRA compliance — including a Do Not Sell or Share opt-out mechanism — is required regardless of where your business is located.
What is the difference between a cookie policy and a privacy policy?
A privacy policy covers all personal data your business collects, processes, and shares. A cookie policy focuses specifically on the cookies and tracking technologies your website uses, their purpose, duration, and how users can manage them. Under GDPR, regulators expect cookie disclosures to be granular and specific rather than buried inside a general privacy policy.
Do I need separate cookie policies for EU and US visitors?
You do not need two separate documents, but the obligations differ significantly. EU and UK visitors must give prior, informed consent before non-essential cookies are placed. US visitors under state laws generally have an opt-out right rather than an opt-in requirement. A well-structured cookie policy addresses both frameworks in a single document using conditional language or a regional preference center.
How often should a cookie policy be updated?
Whenever you add or remove third-party tools, change your cookie categories, or when applicable laws change. The French CNIL recommends re-requesting cookie consent every six months; other EU authorities suggest twelve months as a practical interval. With new US state privacy laws taking effect through 2026, reviewing your policy at least annually is the minimum standard for most websites.
