Distinguishes unique users by assigning a randomly generated client ID. Used by both Universal Analytics and GA4 properties.
2 years
Google LLC
_ga is a analytics cookie. Under Art. 5(3) ePrivacy Directive and the GDPR, it must not be set before the visitor has given prior, informed, freely-given consent.
If your scanner finds _ga on a page before the visitor interacts with your consent banner, that's a violation — the cookie loaded without a legal basis.
Fix: gate the script that sets this cookie behind your CMP, so it only fires after the relevant consent category is accepted.
Run a free CookieSentry scan to find every cookie set before consent — including _ga — and get a downloadable evidence PDF.
Run a free scan →