What is a cookie policy?
A cookie policy is a page that lists the cookies your website uses, what each one is for, and how long it lasts. It is how you keep visitors informed, and it is usually expected by law.
What it should contain
- Which cookies you set, grouped by purpose: essential, analytics, marketing.
- Whether each is first-party or third-party, and who the third party is.
- How long each cookie lasts, and how someone can change or withdraw consent.
Cookie policy vs privacy policy
They overlap but are not the same. A privacy policy covers all the personal data you handle and your lawful bases for it. A cookie policy is the narrower, specific list of cookies and similar technologies. Many small sites combine them, which is fine as long as the cookie detail is actually there.
Does your business need one?
If you use any non-essential cookies, and almost every site with GA4 or an ad pixel does, then yes, in practice you do. It pairs with your cookie banner: the banner collects the choice, the policy explains the detail.
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