If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at those annoying cookie banners (and who hasn’t?), buckle up: we’ve built our own. And we’re giving it away for free, forever. Seriously. No subscriptions, no sign-ups, no “free trial that magically expires.” No strings attached.
Why? Because we’re tired of the hoops, headaches, and downright nonsense that surround cookie consent. We believe it’s time the web had a cookie banner that just works – without shady upsells, spammy emails, or hidden paywalls.
And the best part? It’s ready for Google Consent V2, and it’s (we think) the only free cookie banner that lets you use it without paying.
What is a cookie banner and why do you need one?
A cookie banner is a notice that appears on websites to inform users about the use of tracking technologies and to obtain their consent before setting cookies. It is a requirement under privacy laws such as:
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation – EU and UK)
- ePrivacy Directive (EU Cookie Law)
- CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act)
These laws mandate that website owners must obtain explicit user consent before storing or accessing non-essential cookies. Without a proper cookie banner, businesses risk legal penalties, loss of trust, and inability to use key digital marketing tools.
What is Google Consent Mode V2?
Google’s Consent Mode V2 is an update designed to align websites with stricter GDPR and Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations. It introduces new parameters for consent signals that ensure platforms like Google Ads, Analytics, and Tag Manager respect user preferences.
Key changes in Consent Mode V2:
- Expanded consent signals – Users have more granular control over what data is collected.
- Stronger enforcement – Google now mandates compliance to access features like personalized ads and audience measurement.
- Impact on advertising – Without Consent Mode V2, website owners cannot legally use Google Analytics, Google Ads, or other tracking-based services.
Consent categories in Google Consent Mode V2
Google groups cookies into four main categories, each requiring specific consent:
- Ad Storage – Stores user preferences for personalized advertising.
- Analytics storage – Tracks user behavior for analytics purposes.
- Functionality storage – Saves preferences like language selection.
- Personalization storage – Customizes content for users based on previous interactions.
To comply with Consent Mode V2, websites must present a clear and user-friendly cookie banner that allows visitors to opt in or out of each category.
Why Google Consent V2 is now essentially mandatory for businesses
If your website has visitors from the EU or UK, then a cookie banner is not optional. Businesses that fail to implement a proper cookie consent solution risk being blocked from using Google services, leading to crippled ad campaigns, inaccurate analytics, and potential fines under GDPR.
The “hidden cost” of cookie banners
Most businesses rely on paid cookie banner solutions, turning compliance into a recurring tax on businesses. Nearly all free banners lack Consent Mode V2 support, forcing website owners to pay a monthly fee just to use essential Google tools.
That’s why we built Silktide’s Consent Manager – an open-source, fully functional Google Consent V2-ready banner that is genuinely free.
Why free and open source matters
Unlike traditional cookie consent managers, Silktide offers a fully featured, free alternative that meets all compliance needs without hidden costs.
1. Cost savings without compromise
Other providers bundle cookie banners into expensive compliance suites. Silktide offers a free, standalone solution that meets all compliance needs without hidden costs.
2. Open-source transparency
With Silktide’s open-source consent manager, you can:
- Audit the code to ensure compliance with legal standards.
- Customize it freely to match your brand.
- Avoid vendor lock-in, maintaining full control over your privacy solution.
3. Accessibility-first design
We’ve baked in accessible defaults so you’re not stuck tinkering with the code, hoping screen readers can interpret your cookie banner. Our documentation also provides guidance on contrast, color choices, and usability best practices.
4. Lightweight and performance-friendly
Many cookie banners slow down websites with unnecessary tracking. Silktide’s solution is lightweight and efficient, ensuring fast page loads without compromising compliance.
5. Future-proofed global compliance
Beyond Consent Mode V2, Silktide’s banner adapts to evolving privacy laws, including:
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation – EU)
- UK GDPR (United Kingdom)
- ePrivacy Directive (EU Cookie Law)
- CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act)
How to get started
Getting a Consent V2-ready cookie banner is easy with Silktide:
- Install the open-source banner—no subscription required.
- Customize it to fit your website.
- Stay compliant effortlessly while improving user trust.
The cookie law itself might not be perfect, but the banners we’re forced to endure shouldn’t make things worse. Our forever-free cookie banner is our way of saying “enough with the nonsense” and taking a stand for a better web.
A Consent V2-ready cookie banner is essential for compliance, user trust, and ad performance. Unlike costly alternatives, Silktide’s free and open-source solution delivers everything you need without hidden fees or vendor restrictions.
Ready to finally have a free, full-featured cookie banner you don’t resent? Download it here and help us put an end to the “bait-and-switch” approach once and for all.