What is the outbrain_cid_fetch cookie?
outbrain_cid_fetch is an HTTP cookie associated with Outbrain, the native advertising and content recommendation platform. It typically appears when a website embeds Outbrain widgets, such as "recommended content" modules or conversion-tracking pixels used in Outbrain ad campaigns.
It is set by the Outbrain script loaded on the page, either directly from an Outbrain domain or through the widget context integrated by the site owner. Its name suggests a short process of syncing a client identifier (client ID).
What data it stores
The cookie most likely stores a temporary technical identifier used internally by Outbrain to match a synchronization request with the visitor's current session. The exact value format is not publicly documented by Outbrain and may vary.
The collected data is sent to Outbrain servers and may be used, together with other Outbrain cookies, to identify the visitor's browser for targeted advertising and conversion measurement purposes.
What it is used for
Its main purpose is technical: quickly synchronizing a visitor identifier (client ID) across different components of Outbrain's infrastructure, so that content recommendations and ads served through the Outbrain network can be correctly attributed to the same user.
For the site owner, this cookie indirectly supports the proper functioning of installed Outbrain modules (content recommendations or conversion tracking), though it offers no direct control over the data collected.
Does it require consent?
outbrain_cid_fetch falls under the marketing (advertising/tracking) category. Since it is used to identify the visitor for advertising purposes, it falls under Law 506/2004 (transposing the ePrivacy Directive) in Romania and requires prior visitor consent under GDPR.
- It must not be set before the visitor explicitly consents to the marketing category.
- It must be clearly disclosed in the site's cookie policy, naming the provider (Outbrain) and its actual purpose.
- The site owner remains responsible for any Outbrain widget or pixel embedded, even when the script is served by a third party.
How to block or delete outbrain_cid_fetch
A visitor can delete or block this cookie from browser settings (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari – per-site cookie management) or use ad-tracker blocking extensions. Since it is short-lived (5 minutes), it expires quickly on its own unless renewed by further interaction with Outbrain.
For site owners, blocking should happen before consent is given, not just at the individual browser level. A CMP such as CookieFix can automatically stop Outbrain scripts from loading until the visitor accepts the marketing category, preventing this cookie from being set without authorization.
Frequently asked questions
It is a marketing cookie set by Outbrain to synchronize a visitor identifier (client ID) between its widgets and servers, used for advertising and tracking purposes.
It has a very short typical duration of 5 minutes, after which it expires automatically from the browser.
Yes, since it is a marketing/tracking cookie, it requires the visitor's prior consent under Law 506/2004 and GDPR.
You can use a CMP that automatically blocks Outbrain scripts until consent is given for the marketing category; visitors can also delete it anytime from their browser settings.