What is the _parsely_session cookie?
_parsely_session is an HTTP cookie set by Parse.ly's analytics script, a service used mainly by online publishers and content sites to measure article performance and reader behavior.
The cookie appears as soon as the Parse.ly tracking script (parsely.js or similar) loads on a page, whether the site integrates Parse.ly directly or through a content management platform that embeds it.
What data it stores
The cookie stores a randomly generated session identifier used to link multiple pageviews together during the same visit. It is not publicly documented to contain personal data such as a name or email address.
The exact value format may vary. Data collected through this mechanism is sent to Parse.ly's servers for processing and statistical aggregation.
What it is used for
Its main purpose is identifying browsing sessions to calculate metrics such as time on page, reading depth, consecutively viewed articles, and returning versus new traffic.
For site owners, this data helps understand reader engagement and optimize editorial content.
Does it require consent?
As an analytics (statistics) cookie, _parsely_session is not strictly necessary for the site to function, so it falls under Article 5(5) of the ePrivacy Directive (transposed in Romania via Law 506/2004) and requires the visitor's prior consent under GDPR.
- The site owner must classify it under the “statistics” category in the cookie policy
- The Parse.ly script should only load after consent is obtained
- The visitor must be able to refuse or withdraw consent at any time
How to block or delete _parsely_session
A visitor can delete or block this cookie from their browser settings (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari) under per-site cookie management, or use a tracking-script blocking extension.
For site owners, automatic blocking until consent is typically handled by a CMP such as CookieFix, which prevents the Parse.ly script from loading before the visitor makes a choice, avoiding premature setting of the cookie.
Frequently asked questions
It's an analytics cookie set by Parse.ly to identify a visitor's browsing session on a site using this content statistics service.
It typically lasts 30 minutes from the last activity; if the visitor is inactive longer than that, a new session is generated when browsing resumes.
Yes, as a statistics cookie it requires the visitor's prior consent under Law 506/2004 and GDPR, and the script should be blocked until consent is given.
You can delete the site's cookies from your browser's privacy settings, or decline the “statistics” category in the consent banner.