Analytics

"_ga_" Cookie

Google Analytics · Google LLC

Description

ID used to identify users

Details

Cookie Name: _ga_
Display Name: _ga_*
Category: Analytics
Service: Google Analytics
Vendor: Google LLC
Duration: 2 years
Pattern: ^_ga_
Popularity: 55.5% of scanned websites
Data Source: Open cookie db

Consent Requirement

This cookie is classified as analytics. Under GDPR, CCPA, and most privacy regulations, user consent is required before setting this cookie.

Consent Requirements by Regulation

GDPR & ePrivacy (EU)

Prior consent is required before setting _ga_. Analytics cookies are not covered by the strictly necessary exemption; only a few regulators (for example France's CNIL) allow a narrow exemption for first-party audience measurement under strict conditions.

UK GDPR & PECR

Consent is required before setting _ga_. The ICO treats analytics cookies as non-essential.

CCPA/CPRA (California)

Disclose _ga_ in your privacy policy and honour opt-out requests, including the Global Privacy Control signal, if the analytics data is shared or sold.

Managing _ga_ with a Consent Banner

A consent management platform keeps _ga_ blocked until the visitor opts in to the analytics category. Kukie.io's scanner detects it automatically, categorises it, and the banner's auto-blocking holds back the script that sets it until consent is given - visitors who decline never receive it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the _ga_ cookie require consent?

Yes. _ga_ is an analytics cookie: under GDPR and the ePrivacy rules it may only be set after the visitor opts in, and CCPA requires disclosure plus an opt-out.

How long does the _ga_ cookie last?

_ga_ typically persists for 2 years. The exact lifetime can vary with the site's configuration and the version of the script that sets it.

Who sets the _ga_ cookie?

_ga_ is set by Google Analytics (vendor: Google LLC). It is categorised as analytics.

How common is the _ga_ cookie?

_ga_ appears on about 55.5% of the websites scanned by Kukie.io, based on real scan data.

How do I block or delete the _ga_ cookie?

Visitors can delete _ga_ at any time through their browser's cookie settings. Site owners can keep it blocked until consent with a consent management platform: Kukie.io's auto-blocking holds analytics cookies back until the visitor opts in.