Essential cookies, also known as strictly necessary cookies, are fundamental to the operation of a website. They enable key features such as secure logins, shopping cart functionality, page navigation, and session management. Without these cookies, websites cannot function properly or deliver basic services requested by the user.

Examples include:

• Keeping users logged in during a session

• Saving items in a shopping basket

• Managing page load balancing

• Authenticating secure areas of a site

These cookies are typically first-party cookies, set directly by the website the user is visiting.

Privacy Compliance and Consent

Under privacy regulations such as the GDPR and ePrivacy Directive, essential cookies are exempt from the requirement for prior user consent. However, their use should still be disclosed in a website’s cookie policy. Businesses must differentiate clearly between essential and non-essential cookies and ensure no personal tracking occurs unless strictly necessary for the service.

Even though consent is not needed, transparency is still required. Users should be informed that these cookies are active and understand their purpose. This helps maintain trust and aligns with broader data protection principles like accountability and fairness.

Importance for Site Functionality

Essential cookies are critical for user experience and system reliability. Disabling them may cause websites to malfunction or block access to features like login pages or forms. Organizations must ensure these cookies are implemented correctly and used solely for necessary functions, without combining them with marketing or analytics activities.