Overview
A Cookies Policy is a document or section of a website's privacy policy that informs users about the website's use of cookies.
Full Details
A Complete Guide to Cookies Policies
A Cookies Policy is a legal document that explains how a website uses cookies and similar technologies to collect, store and process user data.
Under UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), websites must inform users about cookies and obtain consent where required.
CONTENTS
Cookies are small text files placed on a user’s device when they visit a website. They help websites function properly, remember user preferences, and collect analytical data to improve performance and experience.
A Cookies Policy is a legal notice that explains what cookies your website uses, what data they collect, why they’re used, and how users can manage or withdraw consent. It ensures transparency and compliance with data protection laws such as the UK GDPR and Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).
Compliance: Many jurisdictions around the world, such as the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), require websites to inform users about their cookie practices. Having a clear Cookies Policy helps businesses comply with these regulations and avoid potential legal penalties.
Enhanced User Experience: By using cookies responsibly and transparently, businesses can provide a more personalised and efficient user experience. For instance, cookies can remember login details, shopping cart contents, or user preferences.
Data Analytics: Cookies can provide valuable insights into user behavior, helping businesses understand their audience better and optimize their services or products accordingly.
Trust Building: Just as with individual users, being transparent about data practices can help businesses build trust with their customers. A clear Cookies Policy can be a sign of a responsible and trustworthy business.
Marketing Optimisation: Cookies can be used to track the effectiveness of online advertising campaigns, helping businesses refine their marketing strategies and get better returns on investment.
Under UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), websites must clearly inform users about the cookies they use, explain their purpose, and obtain consent before setting any that are non-essential.
Users must also be given a simple way to manage or withdraw their consent at any time. These steps ensure transparency, protect user privacy, and help organisations remain compliant with UK data protection law.
A well-written Cookies Policy should be clear, transparent, and easy for users to understand.
It typically includes the following key details:
- Explanation of cookies and their purpose.
- List of cookies used (essential, analytics, marketing, etc.).
- Duration cookies remain active.
- How users can control cookies in their browser.
- Contact details for privacy queries.
Creating a compliant Cookies Policy involves a few simple but important steps to ensure your website remains transparent and within the law:
1. Audit your website’s cookies.
2. Categorise them (essential, analytics, marketing).
3. Draft a policy explaining usage.
4. Add a consent banner linked to the policy.
The cost depends on the method of creation:
DIY – free if you adapt a template.
Solicitor Drafted – £200–£600.
Online Services – £30–£100.
Robot Lawyer provides a solicitor-verified Cookies Policy template that ensures compliance with UK GDPR and PECR. It covers the types of cookies your site uses and provides clear guidance for users.
Is a Cookies Policy legally required?
Yes, if your website uses cookies beyond those strictly necessary.
What’s the difference between a Privacy Policy and a Cookies Policy?
A Privacy Policy covers all personal data processing; a Cookies Policy focuses specifically on cookies.
Do I need user consent for all cookies?
Consent is only required for non-essential cookies (e.g. analytics, advertising).
Can I use a generic cookies policy?
Risky. It must reflect your actual cookie use to be compliant.
Need a compliant Cookies Policy? Robot Lawyer makes it quick and affordable to generate solicitor-verified policies.
Create a professional Cookies Policy — with Robot Lawyer.
Solution
Cookies Policy
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