Required Cookies

Cookies essential for basic website functionality that cannot be disabled without breaking core site features, also called strictly necessary or essential cookies. These cookies enable critical functions like user authentication, shopping cart management, load balancing, security protections, and remembering privacy preferences. Under GDPR Article 6(1)(f), required cookies can typically be deployed based on legitimate interests without explicit consent because they're necessary for the service the user requested. However, organizations should still inform users about these cookies in their cookie policy. Examples include session cookies for logged-in users, security cookies preventing cross-site request forgery, and cookies remembering language or accessibility preferences. The key distinction from other cookies is that required cookies are genuinely necessary—the website cannot function properly without them. Organizations should minimize 'required' cookie designation, as overclassifying creates consent friction and compliance risks. Cookie audits should verify that cookies marked 'required' truly are essential and that alternatives don't exist.