Cookie Banner Legal Requirements in Sweden: Complete Guide 2025
Does your website need a cookie banner? What should it look like to comply with the law? In this guide, we walk through all the legal requirements for cookie banners in Sweden - without legal jargon.
Short Answer: Do I Need a Cookie Banner?
Yes, if your website:
- Uses Google Analytics or similar analytics tools
- Has Facebook pixel or other marketing cookies
- Collects personal data through forms
- Uses embedded videos (YouTube, Vimeo)
- Has social media buttons
No, if your website:
- Only uses technically necessary cookies (e.g., shopping cart, login)
- Doesn't track visitors in any way
- Is a completely static page without third-party services
Two Laws Govern Cookie Handling
1. GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
Regulates how personal data can be collected and processed. Cookies that can identify a person (most analytics and marketing cookies) count as personal data.
Requirements:
- Inform about which cookies are used
- Obtain consent before non-essential cookies are set
- Document consents
2. LEK (Electronic Communications Act)
Swedish implementation of the EU's ePrivacy directive. Specifically about cookies and storage on the user's device.
Requirements:
- Information that cookies are used
- Consent for cookies that are not strictly necessary
- Option to reject cookies
The Six Requirements for a Legal Cookie Banner
1. Active Consent Required
The user must actively click to approve. Pre-checked boxes or "by continuing to browse you agree" is not allowed.
2. Equally Easy to Reject as to Accept
If it takes one click to accept all cookies, it should take one click to reject.
3. Information Before Consent
The visitor should be able to read which cookies are used before choosing.
4. Categorization of Cookies
Cookies should be divided into categories so the user can choose per category.
5. Blocking Before Consent
Cookies requiring consent may not be set before the user has approved.
6. Ability to Change Choice
The user should be able to change their cookie preferences at any time.
Compliance Checklist
✅ Cookies are blocked until consent is given ✅ There are clear "Accept" and "Reject" buttons ✅ Buttons are equally prominent ✅ Information about cookies is available ✅ Cookies are categorized ✅ User can change choice afterwards ✅ Consents are logged with timestamp
Want to ensure your website meets all legal requirements? Try Cookiefy free and get automatic compliance without hassle.