Cookies Policy Template

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Published: December 22, 2020

A cookie is a small text file that is stored in a users browser so a website can ‘remember’ information about them. A cookie policy is a simple document that informs the users about how cookies store information and how to manage them.

Every time a user visits a website, their browser stores information in these cookies so when they return, that website can ‘remember’ how they interacted with the site. This can be used for various purposes:

  • Cookies can remember that a user is logged in. This is useful so they don’t have to log in on every page they visit.
  • A Cookie can remember that a user dismissed a popup, that way the popup won’t display again.
  • Cookies can remember items stored in a shopping cart.
  • Cookies can remember a specific number that identifies a user (useful for tracking where users navigate on a site.)
  • Cookies can also remember custom video streaming settings like volume or where a user left off.

What is in a Cookie Policy

A cookie policy is put in place to help inform uses about the collection and use of any personal or private data via the use of cookies. Cookies are a very powerful tool and they can be used to collect a wide range of information about your users browsing habits. So, it’s important to inform uses about how these cookies are used and how a user might opt-out or limit them.

Is a Cookies Policy Required?

No. In the United States a cookies policy is not required. However, if you do business in the EU, or you target audiences that live in the EU, you are required to have a cookies policy.

What Should I Include in My Cookies Policy?

  • You should include a simple definition of a cookie.
  • You should include How your website uses cookies, including 3rd party cookies and tracking cookies.
  • Include other tracking methods you use (location, social media, login, etc)
  • You should include a list of specific cookies and how to identify them.
  • You should include directions on how a user can opt-out or delete cookies.

Where do I put my cookies policy?

Common practice is to include your cookies policy in the footer of your website. It can be included with other ‘nuts-and-bolts’ type links like the Terms and Conditions page, the login in/out page, etc.

If you target audiences in the EU it’s important to place a small notice on your landing pages informing users that you use cookies. Link to your policy clearly in this popup.

Generic Cookie Policy

What are cookies?
Cookies are simple text files that are stored on your computer or mobile device by a website’s server. Each cookie is unique to your web browser. It will contain some anonymous information such as a unique identifier, website’s domain name, and some digits and numbers.

What types of cookies do we use?
Necessary cookies
Necessary cookies allow us to offer you the best possible experience when accessing and navigating through our website and using its features. For example, these cookies let us recognize that you have created an account and have logged into that account to access the content.

[list specific cookies here]

Functionality cookies
Functionality cookies let us operate the site in accordance with the choices you make. For example, we will recognize your username and remember how you customized the site during future visits.

[list specific cookies here]

Analytical cookies
These cookies enable us and third-party services to collect aggregated data for statistical purposes on how our visitors use the website. These cookies do not contain personal information such as names and email addresses and are used to help us improve your user experience of the website.

[list specific cookies here]

How to delete cookies?
If you want to restrict or block the cookies that are set by our website, you can do so through your browser setting. Alternatively, you can visit www.internetcookies.org, which contains comprehensive information on how to do this on a wide variety of browsers and devices. You will find general information about cookies and details on how to delete cookies from your device.

Contacting us
If you have any questions about this cookie policy or our use of cookies, please contact us.

[include contact information or a contact form]