Marketing

"_gcl_ls" Cookie

Google Ads · Google Advertising Products

Description

Used by Google AdSense to understand user interaction with the website by generating analytical data.

Details

Cookie Name: _gcl_ls
Category: Marketing
Service: Google Ads
Vendor: Google Advertising Products
Popularity: 8.5% of scanned websites
Data Source: Cookie is

Consent Requirement

This cookie is classified as marketing/advertising. It requires explicit user consent under virtually all privacy regulations including GDPR, CCPA, and ePrivacy.

Consent Requirements by Regulation

GDPR & ePrivacy (EU)

Explicit prior consent is required before setting _gcl_ls. Advertising and tracking cookies are never covered by the strictly necessary exemption.

UK GDPR & PECR

Explicit consent is required before setting _gcl_ls.

CCPA/CPRA (California)

Setting _gcl_ls for cross-context behavioural advertising is treated as sharing personal information: provide a "Do Not Sell or Share" opt-out and honour the Global Privacy Control signal.

Managing _gcl_ls with a Consent Banner

A consent management platform keeps _gcl_ls blocked until the visitor opts in to the marketing 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 _gcl_ls cookie require consent?

Yes. _gcl_ls is a marketing cookie and requires explicit prior consent under GDPR, PECR, and the ePrivacy rules, plus a sale/share opt-out under CCPA/CPRA.

Who sets the _gcl_ls cookie?

_gcl_ls is set by Google Ads (vendor: Google Advertising Products). It is categorised as marketing.

How common is the _gcl_ls cookie?

_gcl_ls appears on about 8.5% of the websites scanned by Kukie.io, based on real scan data.

How do I block or delete the _gcl_ls cookie?

Visitors can delete _gcl_ls 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 marketing cookies back until the visitor opts in.