At a glance
| Provider | Google Ads |
|---|---|
| Category | Marketing |
| Consent required? | Yes |
| Typical domain | Varies (first-party) |
Do you need consent for _gcl_au?
Yes. _gcl_au is a "Marketing" cookie, so it is not strictly necessary. Under the ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC) and Romania's Law 506/2004, you must obtain the visitor's explicit consent before setting it.
This is general guidance, not legal advice — always verify with a lawyer.
How FewCookies handles this cookie
FewCookies recognises _gcl_au from our database of 1,300+ known cookies and classifies it automatically as "Marketing". The free check tells you whether this cookie is detected on your site and whether your banner handles it correctly — an instant, surface-level check, no account needed.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need consent for the _gcl_au cookie?
Yes. _gcl_au is a "Marketing" cookie, so it is not strictly necessary. Under the ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC) and Romania's Law 506/2004, you must obtain the visitor's explicit consent before setting it.
What does the _gcl_au cookie do?
Google Ads cookie that stores conversion information for click attribution.
Who sets the _gcl_au cookie?
The _gcl_au cookie is associated with Google Ads and is classified as marketing.