Non-essential cookies are cookies that are not strictly required for a website to function but are used to enhance user experience, track behavior, or support marketing. Unlike essential cookies, these are used for purposes such as remembering preferences, analyzing site usage, personalizing content, and delivering targeted ads.

Types include:

• Performance cookies – measure site usage and improve performance.

• Functionality cookies – remember choices (e.g., language settings).

• Advertising cookies – track browsing habits to show personalized ads.

• Social media cookies – enable sharing and embedding from social networks.

These cookies are often set by third-party tools or ad networks integrated into a website.

Consent Requirements

Under the GDPR, ePrivacy Directive, CCPA, and similar regulations, non-essential cookies require prior, informed user consent before being activated. Consent must be freely given, specific, and revocable. Websites typically implement a cookie consent banner or cookie management platform (CMP) to manage this process.

Users must be clearly informed of the types of non-essential cookies used and given granular control (e.g., accept only analytics but not marketing cookies). Consent must be documented, and users should have the ability to withdraw it at any time.

Compliance and Risk

Improper use of non-essential cookies—especially without consent—can result in regulatory fines and damage to brand trust. Organizations must regularly audit their websites to ensure only essential cookies load by default, and that non-essential ones activate only after valid consent. Transparency, user control, and proper documentation are vital for lawful cookie usage and maintaining compliance.