Cookie categorization is essential for GDPR compliance. Users must be able to consent to specific purposes, not just a blanket "accept all." Proper categorization helps users make informed choices about their privacy.
Necessary Cookies
Essential for the website to function. These don't require consent as they're strictly necessary. Examples: session cookies, shopping cart, security tokens, consent preferences.
| Cookie Name | Vendor | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHPSESSID | PHP | Session management | Session |
| __stripe_mid | Stripe | Payment processing | 1 year |
| csrf_token | Website | Security protection | Session |
| cookiebeam_consent | CookieBeam | Stores consent preferences | 1 year |
Analytics Cookies
Used to understand how visitors interact with the website. They collect information about page views, traffic sources, and user behavior. Maps to Google Consent Mode's analytics_storage parameter.
| Cookie Name | Vendor | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics 4 | Maintains session state | 2 years |
| _hjSessionUser_* | Hotjar | User identification | 1 year |
| _clck | Microsoft Clarity | Session tracking | 1 year |
Marketing Cookies
Used for advertising and tracking across websites. Enable retargeting, conversion tracking, and personalized ads. Maps to Google Consent Mode's ad_storage, ad_user_data, and ad_personalization parameters.
| Cookie Name | Vendor | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| _fbp | Meta/Facebook | Facebook pixel tracking | 3 months |
| _gcl_au | Google Ads | Conversion linking | 3 months |
| IDE | Google DoubleClick | Ad targeting | 1 year |
| _tt_* | TikTok | TikTok pixel tracking | 1 year |
Preference/Functional Cookies
Enable personalization and enhanced functionality. Remember user preferences like language, region, or UI settings. Maps to Google Consent Mode's functionality_storage parameter.
Category Comparison
| Aspect | Necessary | Analytics | Marketing | Preferences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consent Required | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Default State | Active | Blocked | Blocked | Blocked |
| Can Disable | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Third-party | Rarely | Often | Always | Sometimes |
CookieBeam Auto-Classification
CookieBeam's AI-powered scanner automatically categorizes cookies from over 10,000 known tracking scripts. Just run a scan and we'll classify cookies for you!