If you’re not using a cookie consent banner or as some lawyers like to call it a “Cookie Disclaimer Notice” on your website you should immediately read this piece and create a consent notice with our software that uses Google Tag Manager for full cookie blocking.
A cookie disclaimer that does it’s job clearly informs website visitors about the use of cookies, the types of cookies employed, their purpose, and how users can manage or disable them with a toggle button to turn on and off. This transparency is essential because business owners are being sued for misconfigured or false cookie disclaimers that do not work properly. Honda Motors was recently fined $632,000 for compliance violations related to CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act). In Europe this is standard practice for data privacy compliance for such as the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).
Basic Cookie Disclaimer Template
There are a few different templates that you can look to use. Here are some free templates:
“We utilize technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising purposes. Visit our Cookie Transparency page to learn more about the types of cookies we use.”
“This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Cookies help us personalize content, provide social media features, analyze our traffic, and understand how visitors engage with our website. By continuing to browse, you consent to our use of cookies. For more details, please read our Cookie Policy.”
Cookie Consent Message Example
A cookie consent message should be concise, clear, and actionable, enabling visitors to understand quickly how cookies are used and giving them a straightforward choice about their preferences. You must always avoid a deceptive pattern or dark pattern that doesn’t give the user a symmetrical choice of words like allow all, decline all, and X. Below we provide a different set of words you can use.
Effective Cookie Consent Message Example
“We value your privacy. Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience, personalize content, and analyze website traffic. You have the option to accept or customize your preferences. Like the example above it can also say Accept All Cookies, Customize Settings, Reject Non-essential Cookies.
Cookie Disclaimer Sample
A detailed cookie disclaimer should specify types of cookies used, clarify user rights, and describe the implications of consenting to cookies. If you use our cookie consent we also provide you with a cookie transparency page that will automatically update your cookies on a table that is consistently updated.
Comprehensive Cookie Disclaimer Sample
Yet another example that you can use if its a fit for your website is: “Our site employs cookies and similar technologies to offer an improved browsing experience. Cookies may store your preferences, enhance functionality, and help us understand usage patterns. We use the following types of cookies:
- Essential Cookies: Required for basic functionality, such as logging in and security.
- Performance Cookies: Collect data on how visitors interact with the site to enhance usability.
- Marketing Cookies: Track user activity to deliver targeted advertisements.
You can control or withdraw your consent anytime by adjusting your browser settings or using our cookie consent tools. To learn more, review our Cookie transparency page or cookie Policy.”
Cookies Message Text
Clear, effective cookie messages are vital for transparency and compliance. If you try to trick your visitors that is a big no-no and can cause big issues. You want to be transparent, open, and honest with your visitors and build trust not deceive.
Simple Cookies Message Text
If you want something a bit more simplistic then you can go with this “Notice: We use cookies to improve our services, measure site performance, and provide personalized content. You can accept all cookies or manage your cookie settings at any time. Accept button, Decline Button, and Cookie Settings” There previously was the recommendation of it being just Accept All and Cookie Settings. The issue with that is there was a California Privacy Protection Authority action taken recently because of these settings.
Cookie Banner Examples
Cookie banners effectively inform visitors about cookie use immediately upon site entry. When you landed on this page you saw the example from our site but we can fully customize and configure your banners. Here is another visual example where we can style the CSS and design to match your companies look and feel.
User-Friendly Cookie Banner Examples
- Minimalist Example that can be problematic: “This site uses cookies for analytics and personalized content. OK or Details”
- Detailed Example that is compliant: “Cookies are used on this site for functionality, analytics, and advertising. Choose your preferences or continue browsing to consent. Accept All, Customize Cookies, Reject All Non-Essential Cookies”
Cookie Consent Popup JavaScript
JavaScript enables interactive cookie consent popups that engage visitors effectively. While it works great for a fast upload there are issues with proper cookie blocking if its done this way vs. a Google Tag Manager integration which is reserved typically for enterprise and higher end clients which will create a huge legal risk for smaller businesses because they are less likely to install this way and can be a target of litigation.
Basic JavaScript Cookie Consent Popup Example
Code for a JavasScript install for a cookie consent popup can be done if you register above, verify your domain, and start up the playground to setup the consent banner. This javascript snippet will then trigger a simple popup banner upon site load if consent hasn’t previously been granted. You can also add a link in the footer to pop up the banner settings again should you want to change the cookie disclaimer settings.
This Website Uses Cookies Message
Standardized Cookies Notification Example
“This website uses cookies to optimize your experience. Cookies allow us to provide essential site functionality, enhance navigation, and analyze site usage. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our use of cookies. [Learn More] [Accept All] [Settings]”
Cookie Banner Best Practices
To follow the compliance requirements, build trust, and for good privacy hygiene, implement the following best practices for consent management:
Clear and Transparent Language
Ensure your cookie banners use simple, straightforward language. Avoid legal jargon. Remember do not try to trick your users.
Easy Access to Cookie Settings
Always provide easy access to cookie settings and detailed information about the specific cookies used. Some banners have full details on every single cookie on a website and what its function does. Others have just a notice to accept all with nothing else, and others meet in the middle to meet the letter of the law but not over burdening the website visitor.
Explicit Consent Options
Offer explicit choices rather than implied consent. Clearly state users’ options to accept, customize, or reject non-essential cookies.
Responsive and Accessible
Cookie banners should function seamlessly across all devices and be accessible to users with disabilities.
Minimal Disruption
Design banners that minimally disrupt user experience. Ensure banners are noticeable but do not excessively interfere with the site navigation or functionality.
Record Consent
Maintain records of user consent in compliance with privacy regulations. Document how and when consent was obtained, and clearly track users’ cookie preferences.
Regular Updates and Compliance Checks
Regularly update your cookie policies and consent banners to reflect changing laws, technologies, or cookie usage on your website.
What is an example of a cookie consent message?
An effective example of a cookie consent message is straightforward and clearly informs visitors of their choices. For instance:
“Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze traffic, and provide personalized content. You can choose to accept all cookies, customize your cookie preferences, or decline non-essential cookies. Accept All, Customize, Reject”
What should my cookie notice say?
Your cookie notice should clearly state:
- That your website uses cookies.
- What types of cookies are in use and the names vary but here is one example of nomenclature (essential, performance, marketing, etc.).
- Why cookies are used (to enhance user experience, for analytics, advertising, etc.).
- How users can manage their cookie preferences.
- Where users can find additional detailed information, such as a Cookie Policy or Privacy Policy.
How to make a cookie disclaimer?
To create an effective cookie disclaimer you need to pay for software from a respected privacy tech company like Captain Compliance. Register above to create your first cookie disclaimer or use these 5 steps below when creating:
- Clearly inform users that cookies are in use.
- Specify the categories of cookies (essential, analytical, marketing).
- Provide brief explanations of their purposes.
- Clearly outline how users can manage, accept, or decline cookies.
- Link to your detailed Cookie Policy or Privacy Policy.
Make sure your disclaimer is easily visible and accessible to visitors immediately upon their site visit.
Do I need a cookie disclaimer?
Yes, you generally need a cookie disclaimer especially if you’ve gotten this far. If your website:
- Operates in or targets visitors from regions covered by privacy laws like GDPR or CCPA.
- Uses cookies to collect personal data, track user behavior, or deliver targeted advertisements.
- Has any cookies on your website.
Data Compliance with privacy laws mandates transparency about cookie usage, user consent, and allowing visitors control over their data. Including a cookie disclaimer ensures you meet legal obligations and build trust with your website users and you can use trust and privacy as a competitive advantage.
