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FunctionalConsent required

What is the __lc.visitor_id.* Cookie?

Set by LiveChat (LiveChat, Inc. (Text SA)). Expires after 2 years.

Purpose

Stores a unique visitor identifier for LiveChat so agents can recognise returning visitors and preserve chat history.

Persists across sessions to link chat history to the same visitor. Consent required as it tracks individuals.

Cookie Details

Cookie Name__lc.visitor_id.*
ServiceLiveChat
ProviderLiveChat, Inc. (Text SA)
CategoryFunctional
Duration2 years
Consent RequiredYes — requires explicit opt-in

Category: Functional

Functional cookies enhance the website's functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third-party providers. Consent is required under GDPR.

GDPR Requirements

Under GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive, the __lc.visitor_id.* cookie requires explicit user consent before it can be set. This means:

  • The cookie must not be set when a user first visits your site — not even for a fraction of a second
  • A consent banner must be displayed, and the user must actively accept analytics/marketing cookies
  • If the user rejects or ignores the banner, this cookie must remain blocked
  • The cookie must be listed in your cookie policy with its name, purpose, and retention period
  • Users must be able to withdraw consent at any time, which must also remove or invalidate this cookie

How to Handle This Cookie

  1. Block it by default — configure your Consent Management Platform (CMP) or tag manager to prevent LiveChat from loading until the user accepts functional cookies.
  2. Include it in your consent categories — map it to the "Functional" category in your CMP configuration.
  3. List it in your cookie policy — document the cookie name, purpose, provider (LiveChat, Inc. (Text SA)), and expiry (2 years).
  4. Sign a DPA — ensure you have a Data Processing Agreement with LiveChat, Inc. (Text SA) covering their use of data collected via this cookie.
  5. Verify it works — in an incognito browser, reject cookies and confirm __lc.visitor_id.* is not set.

Other LiveChat Cookies

CookieCategoryDuration
__lc_cidFunctional2 years
__lc_cstFunctional2 years
__lc2_cidFunctional2 years
__lc2_cstFunctional2 years

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