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_ga

Distinguishes unique users by assigning a randomly generated client ID. Used by both Universal Analytics and GA4 properties.

Provider
Google AnalyticsSee all Google Analytics cookies →
Expiry

2 years

Set by

Google LLC

Category
AnalyticsSee all analytics cookies →

GDPR & ePrivacy guidance

_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.

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_dc_gtm_<container-id>Analytics

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Run a free CookieSentry scan to find every cookie set before consent — including _ga — and get a downloadable evidence PDF.

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