Cookie consent

What is cookie consent? 

Cookie consent is the practice of informing users about how cookies are used on a website and allowing them to accept, reject, or manage these settings. Cookies are small files used for purposes such as analytics, personalization, and advertising. Obtaining consent is required under privacy laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and ePrivacy Directive, which mandate explicit user agreement before using non-essential cookies. 

Websites typically use cookie banners or pop-ups to display this information, often integrated with a Consent Management Platform (CMP) that records and stores user preferences. 
 

Why cookie consent matters 

Cookie consent ensures organizations meet global privacy and transparency requirements while giving users meaningful control over their data. Failure to obtain valid consent can result in regulatory penalties and damage to brand trust. 

Laws such as the GDPR and ePrivacy Directive require consent before setting cookies for tracking or advertising, and the CPRA expands these requirements for California residents. Implementing clear cookie consent mechanisms supports compliance, builds user trust, and enhances transparency across digital properties. 

Strong consent practices also improve data accuracy by ensuring only opted-in user data is processed, supporting ethical marketing and analytics. 
 

How cookie consent is used in practice 

• Displaying cookie banners that explain the purpose of different cookie categories 
• Capturing user consent preferences and syncing them across websites and devices 
• Providing an option for users to modify or withdraw consent at any time 
• Configuring region-specific consent experiences for GDPR, CPRA, and ePrivacy Directive compliance 
• Integrating cookie consent with a Preference Management system to unify user controls 
• Conducting consent audits to demonstrate compliance and accountability

Related laws & standards

• EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 
• Cookie Consent 
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) 
• California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) 
• IAB Transparency and Consent Framework (TCF) 
   

How OneTrust helps with cookie consent

OneTrust enables organizations to design, deploy, and manage cookie consent banners that meet global privacy requirements. The platform automates consent tracking, regional compliance configurations, and reporting to help ensure transparency and regulatory alignment across digital ecosystems. 
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FAQs about cookie consent