What is the _cc_dc cookie?
_cc_dc is an HTTP cookie associated with Lotame, a Data Management Platform (DMP) used by advertisers and publishers to build audience profiles and deliver relevant ads.
The cookie is set on the .crwdcntrl.net domain, which is Lotame's technical domain for its operations rather than the domain of the site being visited directly. It typically appears when a Lotame tag loads on a page, either directly or through an advertising partner platform (SSP/DSP or programmatic ad network) that integrates Lotame.
What data it stores
The cookie stores an identifier tied to Lotame's internal data collection and classification processes. The exact value format is not publicly documented by the provider and may vary.
Data collected through this cookie is sent to Lotame's servers and may be used to correlate visits across multiple sites for the purpose of building audience segments for advertising.
What it is used for
The main purpose is targeted advertising: Lotame uses this cookie to track visitor browsing behavior across multiple sites and place visitors into audience segments (interests, estimated demographics, purchasing behavior).
For the site hosting the Lotame tag, the benefit is the ability to monetize traffic through targeted advertising or to take part in data-sharing partnerships with other publishers and agencies.
Does it require consent?
_cc_dc is classified as a marketing/advertising cookie. Under the ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC, transposed in Romania via Law 506/2004) and the GDPR, this type of cookie requires the visitor's prior, explicit consent before it is set.
- The site owner must disclose this cookie in the cookie policy, naming the provider (Lotame) and its purpose (targeted advertising).
- The script that triggers this cookie must be blocked until consent for the marketing category is obtained.
- Romania's data protection authority (ANSPDCP) can sanction sites that set marketing cookies without valid consent.
How to block or delete _cc_dc
A visitor can manually delete or block this cookie from browser settings (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari — under site data/cookie management), or use a tracker-blocking extension. Since it is set on the third-party domain .crwdcntrl.net, blocking third-party cookies at the browser level also stops this one.
For site owners, a consent management platform like CookieFix automatically blocks Lotame scripts (and other marketing tags) until the visitor gives explicit consent for the marketing category, helping keep the site compliant with ePrivacy and GDPR from the moment the page loads.
Frequently asked questions
It's a marketing cookie set by Lotame, a data management platform used for targeted advertising based on audience segmentation.
Yes, as a marketing/tracking cookie it requires the visitor's prior consent under the ePrivacy rules and GDPR before it can be set.
Its typical duration is around 9 months, after which it expires automatically.
You can use a consent management platform like CookieFix, which automatically blocks Lotame scripts until the visitor accepts the marketing category.