What is the OptanonConsent Cookie?
Set by OneTrust (OneTrust LLC). Expires after 1 year.
Purpose
Stores the visitor's consent choices per cookie category, the consent timestamp, and which OneTrust geolocation rule was applied. Read on every page load to decide which scripts may run.
This is OneTrust's own consent record, so it is classed as strictly necessary and exempt from consent. It stores the user's choices rather than tracking behaviour.
Cookie Details
| Cookie Name | OptanonConsent |
| Service | OneTrust |
| Provider | OneTrust LLC |
| Category | Strictly Necessary |
| Duration | 1 year |
| 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 OptanonConsent 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 OneTrust behind a consent gate for this specific cookie.
- Disclose it — list it in your cookie policy explaining it is strictly necessary for onetrust functionality.
- Don't add a checkbox for it — strictly necessary cookies should not be listed as toggleable in your consent UI.
Other OneTrust Cookies
| Cookie | Category | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| OptanonAlertBoxClosed | Strictly Necessary | 1 year |
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