Answering my own question, I found this right away on Google, and it gives a start to the answers. Interestingly, it isn't just the EU, but includes other countries:

Do I need a cookie policy if I don't use cookies?

If you use cookies to collect data from your site users, then you must have a cookie policy. However, if your site already has a privacy policy page, it is not mandatory for you to add another page called 'cookie policy.

Do you need a cookie consent banner?
Yes, if your website uses and stores cookies on visitors' browsers.

What happens if you don't have a cookie policy?
If you don't have a cookie banner, you can be in violation of privacy regulations like the GDPR in the EU, LGPD in Brazil and PIPEDA in Canada.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.