Guide

How to Block Cookies Before Consent

GDPR requires blocking non-essential cookies until consent. Here's how to technically implement this — or let TinyConsent handle it automatically.

What is block cookies before consent?

Blocking cookies before consent is a technical requirement of GDPR. Simply showing a cookie notice isn't enough — you must actually prevent analytics, advertising, and other tracking scripts from setting cookies until the user consents. This typically requires modifying how scripts load or using a consent management platform.

Key Takeaway

Just showing a banner isn't enough — you must actually block tracking scripts until consent is given.

Do I Need block cookies before consent?

The answer depends on your specific situation, but here's a general rule: if your website has any visitors from the EU and uses any form of tracking (analytics, advertising pixels, social buttons, embedded content), you almost certainly need to address block cookies before consent. Even US-focused websites often need compliance for California visitors under CCPA.

You Need This If:

•You have visitors from the EU (even occasionally)
•You use Google Analytics or similar analytics tools
•You have Facebook Pixel, Google Ads, or other marketing pixels
•You embed YouTube videos, Twitter feeds, or other third-party content
•You use live chat, support widgets, or marketing automation
•You have California visitors and share data with third parties

You Might Skip This If:

•You only use strictly necessary cookies (login, shopping cart, security)
•Your website is a pure static site with no tracking whatsoever
•You only serve a local, non-EU, non-California audience
•You've confirmed no cookie consent is needed for your specific case

How to Implement block cookies before consent in 30 Seconds

If you just want to be compliant without overthinking it, you can use TinyConsent to handle block cookies before consentwith a single line of code. Here's how:

Enter your email to get started

Go to TinyConsent

Visit tinyconsent.com and enter your email to get your script.

Copy the code

You'll receive a single script tag — that's your entire implementation.

Paste in your site

Add it to your HTML <head> section. That's it — you're done.

Common Mistakes

Showing a notice without blocking cookies

Many websites just show a "we use cookies" banner without actually preventing cookies until consent. GDPR typically requires you to technically block scripts — not just show a notice.

Pre-checking consent boxes

Having consent categories pre-selected as "on" is not valid consent under GDPR. Users must actively opt-in; silence or pre-selection doesn't count.

Making rejection difficult

If "Accept All" is a big green button and "Reject" is a small gray link, that's a dark pattern. GDPR requires equally easy accept and reject options.

Not storing consent records

You should maintain records of when and how consent was obtained. This is important for demonstrating compliance if questioned.

Forgetting about third-party scripts

Your website might set cookies you're not even aware of via embedded content, widgets, or plugins. Audit all scripts on your site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why must I block cookies before consent?

GDPR requires explicit prior consent for non-essential cookies. If your site sets tracking cookies before users consent, you're violating the law.

How does script blocking work?

Scripts can be blocked by: changing script type attributes, removing src attributes until consent, using a tag manager with consent mode, or letting a tool like TinyConsent handle it.

Does TinyConsent block scripts automatically?

Yes. TinyConsent maintains a database of known tracking scripts and blocks them by default. You can also configure custom blocking rules.

What about Google Tag Manager?

GTM can be configured with consent mode. TinyConsent integrates with GTM, signaling consent status so tags only fire when appropriate.

Can I verify blocking is working?

Yes. Use browser dev tools to check: before consent, tracking cookies shouldn't be set and analytics scripts shouldn't load.

What if a script loads before my consent tool?

Your consent script should load first. Place it high in the <head>. TinyConsent is designed to load and block quickly.

Ready to Get Compliant?

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