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Rafa Jimenez

Founder of SEAL Metrics. Privacy Marketer.

Cookie Banner Policy [with 2 checklists]

One of the first interactions a user has with this data collection process is through a cookie policy banner.

This banner is essential for businesses to show their commitment to data privacy and make an excellent first impression.

Let’s explore why a compliant cookie policy banner is non-negotiable for digital businesses.

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Why Do You Need a Cookie Banner?

Legal Compliance: More Than Just a Checkbox

Ignoring or improperly implementing a cookie banner isn’t a minor oversight.

It violates international data privacy laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States.

If you don’t follow the rules, you may be fined.

The fine can be up to 4% of your yearly global revenue or €20 million for GDPR breaches.

Building Trust: The First Step in Customer Relationship

When users visit your website, a compliant cookie policy banner assures them that you respect their personal information. It’s not just about avoiding penalties but building a relationship based on transparency and trust right from the first click.

Understanding the Cookie Consent Table by SEAL Metrics: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the complex landscape of data privacy laws can be daunting for any digital business. SEAL Metrics, a leader in the privacy marketing space, has created a Cookie Consent Table to simplify this process. This table outlines the various technologies used for data analysis and the corresponding consent requirements under GDPR and ePrivacy regulations. Please take a look at our GDPR Compliance Checklist.

Consent Compliance Checklist

The table by SEAL Metrics categorizes different technologies and methods used for data collection and analysis. Each category specifies whether consent is required under GDPR and ePrivacy regulations. Here are some key points:

  • Cookies: Requires consent under both GDPR and ePrivacy.
  • Log Files: Consent is required.
  • IP Addresses: Consent is needed, even if deleted after 24 hours.
  • Hashed IPs and Encrypted IPs: Requires consent.
  • Local Storage and Session Storage: Consent is mandatory.
  • Individual Journeys (cookies and fingerprinting): Consent is required, except for fingerprinting under GDPR.
  • Measurement NOT based on Journeys: No consent required.

Checklist for Cookie Consent Compliance

Technology/MethodGDPR Consent RequiredePrivacy Consent RequiredAdditional Notes
CookiesYesYes
Log FilesYesYes
IP AddressesYesYesEven if deleted after 24 hours
Hashed IPsYesYes
Encrypted IPsYesYes
Local StorageYesYes
Session StorageYesYes
Individual Journeys (cookies)YesYes
Individual Journeys (fingerprinting)No (GDPR), Yes (ePrivacy)Yes
Measurement NOT based on JourneysNoNo
Third-Party CookiesYesYes
Geolocation DataYesYes
Behavioral AdvertisingYesYes

To ensure that your cookie banner setup complies with current regulations and does not add cookies to the user’s device without their consent, it’s important to work with a cookie scanning tool.

Legal Consequences

Failure to comply with these consent requirements can result in severe penalties. Under GDPR, fines can go up to €20 million or 4% of your annual global turnover, whichever is higher. Therefore, understanding and implementing these consent requirements is a legal necessity, not just a best practice.

What’s Missing? Additional Points to Consider

While the table is comprehensive, it might not cover all scenarios. For instance:

  • Third-Party Cookies: The table doesn’t specify the consent requirements for third-party cookies, which are often more stringent.
  • Geolocation Data: Many websites collect geolocation data, and the consent requirements for this are not mentioned.
  • Behavioral Advertising: This involves tracking user behavior across websites and may require explicit consent.

Key Elements of a Cookie Banner

Language Matters: Cookie Banner Language

The language you use in your cookie banner should be straightforward and jargon-free. This isn’t the place for legalese or technical terms. The goal is to clearly inform users what cookies are, what they do, and why you’re using them.

Consent Management Platform: The Automated Compliance Tool

Managing user consent can be a logistical nightmare, especially for larger websites. A Consent Management Platform (CMP) can automate this process, ensuring that consents are properly obtained, recorded, and managed, making it easier to remain GDPR compliant.

Include a Link: The Gateway to Transparency

Your cookie banner should include a link to a more detailed cookie policy. This allows users to make an informed decision and provides deeper transparency about your data collection practices.

Do I Need a Cookie Banner? Yes, You Do!

The Legal and Ethical Imperative

“Do I need a cookie banner?” answers yes. It’s not just about following the law; it’s about ethical business practices and respecting your users’ rights to data privacy.

Designing Your Cookie Banner: Cookie Banner Template

Aesthetics and User Experience

The design of your cookie banner should be in harmony with your website’s overall aesthetic. It should be noticeable without being obtrusive. Many businesses opt for a cookie banner template to maintain visual consistency across their digital platforms.

Cookie Notice Banner vs. Privacy Banner

The Specifics and the General

A cookie notice banner is specifically designed to inform users about cookies. A privacy banner, however, is more comprehensive, covering other forms of data collection and tracking technologies. Both have their place, but a cookie notice banner is the minimum requirement.

Explicit Consent vs. Implied Consent

The Fine Line of User Agreement

GDPR and similar data protection regulations often require explicit consent, meaning the user must actively agree to using cookies.

This is usually done by clicking a button labeled “I agree” or something similar. Implied consent, such as continuing to use the website, is often insufficient.

List for a Compliant Cookie Policy Banner

RequirementDescriptionCompliance Status
Clear LanguageUse understandable language
Active Opt-InRequires explicit consent from the user
Link to PolicyIncludes a link to the detailed cookie policy
Legal RequirementsMeets GDPR, CCPA, and other legal requirements
DesignVisually appealing and consistent with website design
Reject vs Accept 1 ClickThe number of clicks required to accept or reject cookies should be the same.
Don’t block navigationUser navigation should not be impeded if cookies are neither accepted nor rejected.
No add cookies without consent.Do not add cookies without user consent. Remember, GA4 cookies are not considered “necessary cookies.”
No pre-selected analytics and marketing cookies.No, add cookies w/o consent.

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