Analytics

"_gat" Cookie

Google Analytics

Description

Used to throttle request rate.

Details

Cookie Name: _gat
Category: Analytics
Service: Google Analytics
Duration: 1 minute
Data Source: Manual

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 _gat. 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 _gat. The ICO treats analytics cookies as non-essential.

CCPA/CPRA (California)

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

Managing _gat with a Consent Banner

A consent management platform keeps _gat 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 _gat cookie require consent?

Yes. _gat 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 _gat cookie last?

_gat typically persists for 1 minute. The exact lifetime can vary with the site's configuration and the version of the script that sets it.

Who sets the _gat cookie?

_gat is set by Google Analytics. It is categorised as analytics.

How do I block or delete the _gat cookie?

Visitors can delete _gat 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.