Does the SOCS cookie need consent?

Usually yes. SOCS is a functional cookie, and unless it is strictly necessary for a feature the visitor asked for, it needs consent before it is set.

How long does the SOCS cookie last?

SOCS usually lasts 13 months. The exact lifetime depends on the site's settings and the version of the script that sets it.

Who sets the SOCS cookie?

SOCS is set by Google. It is in the Functional category.

How do I block or delete the SOCS cookie?

Visitors can delete SOCS in their browser's cookie settings. On your own website, a consent banner can keep the script that sets it waiting until the visitor accepts functional cookies. Kukie.io's banner does this for known trackers by default, and for any other script you tag with its category.

Functional

SOCS cookie

Set by Google.

What it does

Stores a user's state regarding their cookies choices

Cookie name: SOCS
Category: Functional
Provider: Google
Duration: 13 months
Data source: Open Cookie Database (opens in a new tab)

Consent

Usually needed

SOCS is in the Functional category. Functional cookies usually need the visitor's consent, unless the cookie is strictly necessary for something the visitor asked for, such as remembering a language they just chose.

GDPR and ePrivacy (EU): Consent is needed before setting SOCS, unless it is strictly necessary for a feature the visitor asked for, such as remembering a language they just chose.
UK GDPR and PECR: The same as in the EU: consent first, unless the cookie qualifies for the strictly necessary exemption.
CCPA and CPRA (California): Disclose SOCS in your privacy policy. If the data it stores is shared with third parties, honour opt-out requests, including the Global Privacy Control signal.

Managing SOCS with a consent banner

A consent banner can keep the script that sets SOCS waiting until the visitor accepts functional cookies. Kukie.io's cookie scanner finds SOCS and sorts it into a category. The banner holds back known trackers by default, and any other script you tag with its category waits too.

Learn more about script blocking

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