# Which cookie categories must be unchecked by default?

> For the complete site index, see [llms.txt](/llms.txt). Every page is also available as Markdown: replace the trailing slash with `.md` (`/pricing/` becomes `/pricing.md`), or send `Accept: text/markdown` to the page URL itself.

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**Category:** Cookie Consent
**URL:** https://www.cookieyes.com/knowledge-base/cookie-consent/which-cookie-categories-unchecked-by-default/

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GDPR requires that all non-essential cookies remain unchecked by default. Only strictly necessary cookies are exempt.
**Unchecked by default categories:**
- Analytics or performance cookies
- Preferences (if not essential for service)
- Advertising/marketing cookies
Users must actively opt in before these cookies are set. Pre-ticked boxes or implied consent are invalid.
Keep all non-essential categories unchecked by default.