What is the tk_qs cookie?
tk_qs is an HTTP cookie set by Jetpack, a popular WordPress plugin developed by Automattic that provides security, performance, and traffic statistics features. The cookie appears on WordPress sites that have the Jetpack Stats module (formerly WordPress.com Stats) enabled.
It is created automatically by Jetpack's statistics script when a visitor loads a page on the site, whether logged in or not.
What data it stores
tk_qs stores technical information related to the query string parameters of the visited page, used internally by the Jetpack Stats system to correctly correlate pageview events within a session. Automattic does not publicly document the exact value format, and it may vary.
The collected data is sent to Automattic/WordPress.com servers, which process traffic statistics for the site.
What it is used for
The cookie's main purpose is to support the proper functioning of the Jetpack Stats module, helping to accurately measure pageviews and visitor behavior during a short browsing session.
For site owners, this data feeds the traffic reports available in the Jetpack dashboard, useful for understanding traffic sources and popular content.
Does it require consent?
Under CookieFix's classification, tk_qs falls into the statistics (analytics) category. Under the ePrivacy Directive (transposed in Romania via Law 506/2004) and GDPR, statistics cookies are not strictly necessary for the site to function, so they require the visitor's prior consent before being set.
- The site owner must disclose it explicitly in the cookie policy.
- The Jetpack Stats script must be blocked until consent for the statistics category is obtained.
- Consent must be as easy to withdraw as it was to give.
How to block or delete tk_qs
A visitor can delete or block tk_qs at any time through the browser's privacy/cookie settings (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari), either individually or by clearing all site cookies. Disabling it does not affect the site's core functionality.
For site owners, a CMP such as CookieFix can automatically block the Jetpack Stats script before the visitor gives consent, activating it only after the statistics category is accepted, in line with GDPR/ePrivacy requirements.
Frequently asked questions
No, it is a first-party technical cookie used by Jetpack Stats for on-site traffic statistics, not for tracking users across other websites.
Its short lifespan reflects its role in supporting a single browsing session; it is not meant to identify visitors long-term.
Yes, as a statistics cookie it requires the visitor's prior consent under ePrivacy and GDPR, except in cases of strictly aggregated and anonymized analytics accepted by some authorities.
The site works normally, but Jetpack's statistics data for that session may be incomplete or inaccurate.