GDPR and Cookies Glossary
A complete overview of key terms related to GDPR, cookies and personal data protection. Explained clearly.
GDPR
The General Data Protection Regulation – EU Regulation 2016/679, in force since May 2018.
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Small text files stored by websites in the visitor's browser to remember information.
Learn more LegislationConsent
A freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous indication of the data subject's agreement to the processing of personal data.
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Any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (name, email, IP address, etc.).
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A natural or legal person that determines the purposes and means of processing personal data.
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An entity that processes personal data on behalf of the controller under a contract.
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A user interface (banner/popup) for obtaining visitors' consent to the use of cookies.
Learn more TechnicalGoogle Consent Mode
A Google feature for managing consent and communicating consent status with Google Analytics and Google Ads.
Learn more LegislationePrivacy
The EU Directive on privacy in electronic communications (2002/58/EC), supplementing the GDPR for cookies.
Learn more LegislationData Protection Authority
The national supervisory authority responsible for enforcing GDPR compliance (e.g. the ICO in the UK).
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The lawful ground for processing personal data under Article 6 of the GDPR (consent, contract, legitimate interest, etc.).
Learn more Cookie typesAnalytics cookies
Cookies used to collect anonymised statistics about website traffic (Google Analytics, Hotjar).
Learn more Cookie typesMarketing cookies
Cookies used for ad targeting and personalisation (Facebook Pixel, Google Ads remarketing).
Learn more Cookie typesFirst-party cookies
Cookies set directly by the visited domain, generally less invasive than third-party cookies.
Learn more Cookie typesThird-party cookies
Cookies set by domains other than the one visited, typically by advertising networks for cross-site tracking.
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Manipulative design practices in cookie banners that push users into consenting (hidden rejection, asymmetric buttons).
Learn more TechnicalIAB TCF
Transparency and Consent Framework – a standardised framework for managing consent for advertising cookies.
Learn more LegislationDPO (Data Protection Officer)
Data Protection Officer – a person responsible for overseeing data protection, mandatory for certain organisations under the GDPR.
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A natural person whose personal data is being processed (website visitor, customer, employee).
Learn more Cookie typesSession cookies
Temporary cookies that exist only during a website visit and are automatically deleted when the browser is closed.
Learn more Cookie typesPersistent cookies
Permanent cookies that remain in the browser for a set period (days, months, years).
Learn more Cookie typesEssential cookies
Cookies necessary for the basic functioning of a website (authentication, basket, security); they do not require user consent.
Learn more Cookie typesFunctional cookies
Cookies that store user preferences (language, region, display), improving the user experience.
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A Google initiative to replace third-party cookies with alternative technologies (Topics API, Protected Audience).
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A technique for identifying users without cookies using browser and device characteristics.
Learn more TechnicalLocal Storage
A browser-based web storage for data, similar to cookies but with greater capacity and no automatic transmission.
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An invisible 1x1 pixel image used to track email opens and page visits.
Learn more TechnicalConsent rate
The percentage of visitors who have given consent to cookies in the cookie banner.
Learn more LegislationOpt-in
A consent model where the user must actively express consent (required by the GDPR for cookies).
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A model where consent is presumed and the user must actively refuse (unlawful for cookies in the EU).
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