Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Google advertising cookie opt-out plugin?

The Google advertising cookie opt-out plugin is a browser extension which permanently saves the DoubleClick opt-out cookie in your browser, allowing you to save your opt-out status even when you clear all cookies. To learn more about the DoubleClick opt-out cookie and how advertising cookies are used at Google, visit the Advertising and Privacy page of our Privacy Center.

How does the Google advertising cookie opt-out plugin work?

The plugin works like this: When you clear all cookies in your browser, the plugin automatically sets the DoubleClick opt-out cookie again, so that cookie is effectively not deleted and your opt-out setting stays enabled.

How long will the Google advertising cookie opt-out plugin last?

As long as you keep the plugin installed, it will ensure that the DoubleClick opt-out cookie is set in your browser.

How do I remove the plugin if I change my mind and want to receive interest-based advertising?

You can uninstall the plugin at any time and then opt back into interest-based advertising.

To uninstall the plugin in Firefox, select "Tools" -> "Add-ons" and click "Uninstall"
To uninstall the plugin in Internet Explorer, go to the Control Panel, select "Add/Remove Programs", select the plugin, and click "Uninstall". In Internet Explorer 6.0 and up, you can select the "Manage Add-ons" menu option to uninstall the plugin directly from the browser.

The plugin is not available for my browser. How do I opt-out of the cookie?

You can always opt out using the Ads Preferences Manager, but without a special browser plugin, your opt-out setting will go away when you delete your browser's cookies (you would need to set it again manually).

The Google advertising cookie opt-out plugin is currently only available for Firefox 1.5+ and Internet Explorer 6.0+
You can also follow our instructions for Chrome and for Safari if you use these browsers
If you're using any other browser, you can look for a common feature, which accomplishes the same as setting the DoubleClick opt-out cookie: Find a setting in your browser's settings that allows you to only accept cookies from sites you visit, or only "first-party cookies". This option may also be described as "blocking third-party cookies."

What does it mean for the Google advertising cookie opt-out plugin to be open-sourced?

The Google advertising cookie opt-out plugin is available as an open source project. By releasing the plugin's source code to the public, we want to encourage its use, adaption, and improvement by other software developers. Visit our project code site for all the information.