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Resolving 'Pending Purpose Investigation' and Missing Cookie Details in Complianz

38 threads Sep 16, 2025 Plugin → Complianz – gdpr/ccpa cookie consent

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If you've recently updated your Complianz plugin and found your cookie policy filled with 'pending purpose investigation' labels or missing specific cookie details, you're not alone. This is a common issue that often has a simple fix. This guide will walk you through the most effective solutions.

Why This Happens

The 'pending purpose investigation' status appears when the Complianz plugin cannot automatically retrieve the full description for a detected cookie from its integrated CookieDatabase. This typically occurs for one of two reasons:

  1. The initial synchronization with the database was incomplete or failed.
  2. The specific cookie is new or not yet fully documented in the CookieDatabase.

How to Fix It: Sync with CookieDatabase

The first and most effective step is to manually re-sync your site with the CookieDatabase. This process prompts Complianz to fetch the latest available cookie descriptions.

  1. In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Complianz -> Wizard.
  2. Go to the Consent tab.
  3. Look for the section labeled Cookie Descriptions or CookieDatabase.org.
  4. Click the Sync button.
  5. Wait for the process to complete and then check your cookie policy page again.

If Syncing Doesn't Work

If a simple sync does not resolve the issue, consider these next steps:

  • Fresh Re-install: A corrupted installation can sometimes cause strings to fail. Try a fresh re-install of the Complianz plugin. Your settings are stored in the database and should be preserved.
  • Check for Updates: The CookieDatabase is continually updated. A cookie that is 'pending' today might be fully documented tomorrow. Regular syncs will pull in this new information as it becomes available.
  • Manual Addition: For cookies that are not in the database (e.g., from a custom weather widget), you can add them manually. Go to Complianz -> Wizard -> Consent -> Cookie Descriptions and use the 'Add a new cookie' feature to input the name, service, and purpose.

Following these steps should populate your cookie policy with the correct names, expiration dates, and purposes, ensuring transparency and compliance for your visitors.

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