What is the __cf_bm Cookie?
Set by Cloudflare (Cloudflare, Inc.). Expires after 30 minutes.
Purpose
Used by Cloudflare Bot Management to distinguish between humans and bots.
Security and bot prevention. Strictly necessary for sites using Cloudflare. No consent needed.
Cookie Details
| Cookie Name | __cf_bm |
| Service | Cloudflare |
| Provider | Cloudflare, Inc. |
| Category | Strictly Necessary |
| Duration | 30 minutes |
| Consent Required | No — strictly necessary |
Category: Strictly Necessary
Strictly necessary cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are set only in response to actions made by you — such as logging in or filling forms. No consent is required.
GDPR Requirements
The __cf_bm cookie is strictly necessary and does not require user consent under GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive. It may be set when the user first visits your site.
However, you must still disclose this cookie in your cookie policy, explaining what it does and why it is necessary.
How to Handle This Cookie
- It can load freely — no need to block Cloudflare behind a consent gate for this specific cookie.
- Disclose it — list it in your cookie policy explaining it is strictly necessary for cloudflare functionality.
- Don't add a checkbox for it — strictly necessary cookies should not be listed as toggleable in your consent UI.
Other Cloudflare Cookies
| Cookie | Category | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| cf_clearance | Strictly Necessary | 30 minutes |
| __cflb | Strictly Necessary | 1 day |
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