What to include in a cookie policy
A comprehensive cookie policy should answer key questions about a website’s cookie practices:
- What cookies are used: A detailed list of all cookies and trackers employed by the website.
- Purpose of cookies: The specific reasons why each cookie is used, such as remembering login information, holding items in an online shopping cart, or displaying interest-based ads.
- Data collected: What personal data each cookie collects and how it is processed.
- Third-party access: Whether any third parties have access to the cookies and the information they collect.
- Cookie duration: How long the cookies remain on the user’s device before expiring.
- User control: Clear instructions on how users can manage their cookie preferences and opt-out of non-essential cookies.
- Links to consent tools: A link to the website’s cookie consent tool, allowing users to easily adjust their settings.
Why a cookie policy is important
- Legal compliance: Laws like the GDPR in Europe and various state laws in the US legally require websites to inform users about their cookie practices and obtain their consent.
- User transparency: It builds trust by providing users with the information they need to understand how their data is being collected and used.
- User control: It empowers users by giving them the means to control their privacy settings and preferences.
How to implement a cookie policy
- Identify all cookies: Scan your website to identify all the cookies and trackers in use, including those from third-party services like advertising platforms or analytics tools.
- Draft the policy: Write the policy in clear, simple language, explaining the cookies and their functions.
- Link it to your website: Include a link to your cookie policy in the website’s footer, header, or within the Privacy Policy page itself.
- Provide a cookie banner: Display a cookie banner or notice when users first visit your website, linking to the full policy and providing options to accept or reject cookies.