What is the ai_user cookie?
ai_user is an HTTP cookie set by the Azure Application Insights monitoring library, part of Microsoft's Azure cloud platform. It is used by developers and website/application owners to monitor performance and user behavior.
The cookie appears on websites that have integrated the Application Insights JavaScript SDK, usually via a telemetry script embedded in the page. It is set on the first page load for visitors who haven't already blocked the script.
What data it stores
ai_user stores a randomly generated identifier, unique per browser, used to distinguish between users in telemetry reports. The value typically contains a unique ID followed by a date/timestamp, though the exact format can vary depending on the SDK version.
Data collected through this cookie is sent to Microsoft's Azure Monitor / Application Insights services, where it is aggregated for traffic and performance analysis.
What it is used for
The main purpose is the anonymous identification of unique users, so the application owner can see metrics such as the number of distinct visitors, sessions, errors encountered, or page load times.
For the site administrator, this data helps with troubleshooting technical issues and understanding how users interact with the application; it is not intended for advertising purposes.
Does it require consent?
Under CookieFix's classification, ai_user falls under the statistics (analytics) category. Since it is not strictly necessary for the basic functioning of the website, under the ePrivacy Directive (transposed in Romania via Law 506/2004) and GDPR it requires the visitor's prior consent before being set.
- The site administrator must disclose the cookie in the cookie policy, including provider, purpose, and duration.
- The Application Insights script should only load after consent for the statistics category has been obtained.
- It is advisable to document the legal basis and retention period in the records of processing activities, where applicable.
How to block or delete ai_user
A visitor can manually delete or block ai_user from browser settings (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari) under per-site cookie management, or use private/incognito browsing mode.
For site administrators, the most practical solution is using a CMP such as CookieFix, which automatically blocks the Application Insights script from loading until the visitor gives consent for the statistics category, avoiding the cookie being set without a legal basis.
Frequently asked questions
It is a statistics cookie set by Azure Application Insights (Microsoft) to anonymously identify unique visitors of a website or web application.
It is not intended for advertising; it's an analytics cookie used to monitor traffic and application performance, but it still requires consent under the law.
The typical duration is 1 year from being set or last updated, according to Application Insights' standard configuration.
Yes, as a statistics cookie, it requires the visitor's prior consent under GDPR and ePrivacy, and the script should be blocked until consent is granted.