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Strictly NecessaryNo consent needed

What is the SOCS Cookie?

Set by Google (Google LLC). Expires after 13 months.

Purpose

Stores a visitor's state regarding their cookie choices on Google properties, such as the result of the Google consent dialog.

A newer companion to the CONSENT cookie; holds the encoded consent selection for Google services.

Cookie Details

Cookie NameSOCS
ServiceGoogle
ProviderGoogle LLC
CategoryStrictly Necessary
Duration13 months
Consent RequiredNo — 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 SOCS 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

  1. It can load freely — no need to block Google behind a consent gate for this specific cookie.
  2. Disclose it — list it in your cookie policy explaining it is strictly necessary for google functionality.
  3. Don't add a checkbox for it — strictly necessary cookies should not be listed as toggleable in your consent UI.

Other Google Cookies

CookieCategoryDuration
NIDFunctional6 months
CONSENTStrictly Necessary2 years
AECStrictly Necessary6 months
1P_JARMarketing / Advertising1 month
SAPISIDMarketing / Advertising2 years
APISIDMarketing / Advertising2 years
__Secure-3PSIDMarketing / Advertising2 years

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