#consent manager

The world we know today has advanced technologies that assist in various fields of life. But what about the effects of advanced internet technology on children? Are young individuals in our society safe from malicious actors on the internet?  How can we make it safer for them?  

The first and obvious step is supervising and monitoring how children use the internet and related devices at home, schools, and elsewhere.  

Promoting awareness about Internet safety, such as checking for cookie consent notifications or reading the privacy policy before scrolling through websites, is another necessary step for safeguarding children’s online privacy. 

The Edtech effect 

Covid-19 has impacted the operations of educational institutions (schools, colleges, and private coaching classes), and online learning mode has gained popularity. By 2029, the global Edtech or education technology industry will hold a market size of $319.65 billion.  

Like most websites, Edtech sites collect student data to facilitate an enriching learning environment through rigorous analysis. Some of the most prominent reasons why Edtech companies collect student information are: 

Personalization 

Progress Tracking 

Research 

Marketing 

Higher education holds a larger market size, but a shift in learning dynamics in recent years has accelerated the use of Edtech tools in the K-12 category.  

The Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is a category of online learning programs popular among students, working professionals, and eager learners. In 2019, the MOOC market was valued at $5.16 billion and was estimated to reach 21.14 billion by 2025.  

Google Apps for Education (GAFE) is a set of cloud-based applications that educators and students use to communicate, collaborate, and create. Schools and educators use GAFE tools such as Google Classroom and Chromebooks for learning.  

In the U.S., K-12 public schools, private schools, and colleges represent about 76 million students and the faculty market of 80.5 million potential GAFE users.  

Companies like YouTube, SkillShare, LinkedIn, and Udemy offer free and paid courses that enhance the learner’s knowledge and skillset on various topics. They collect user data, including, but not only, names, email addresses, IP addresses, and contact information. In the case of paid courses, Edtech companies collect postal codes and payment details from the customers.  

In 2019, the MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) market was valued at $5.16 billion. This figure is expected to reach as high as $21.14 billion by 2025.  

Online education is here to stay, and Edtech businesses will flourish.  

Edtech services make learning fun and interactive for kids and provide flexibility to working parents and caregivers. Edtech tools help caregivers and parents by: 

Scheduling Classes at Home 

Providing Real-time updates and Feedback 

Providing details on a child’s performance 

Providing an Immersive learning experience 

Providing Personalized learning modules 

Online learning has numerous perks, and lowered global carbon emission rates are one of them. But cloud learning comes with a silver lining.  

Considering young individuals, ignorance and lack of awareness about data privacy and data mining can cause: 

Misuse of student data 

As discussed earlier, Edtech companies collect personal details beyond names and email addresses. Companies do not ‘store’ your complete payment card details. Instead, they pick and record the last few digits of customers’ card details. Combining the numbers with a person’s postal code helps companies create a unique ID. Without cookies and other trackers, creating a unique ID with a combination of payment card and postal code details allows companies to track consumer behaviour. 

Companies like Google have been in hot waters for student data mining from the GAFE applications for the advantage of recruiters and marketers. Data collected about students can be sold to recruiters who hire candidates based on merit and eligibility. The availability of student performance records can make it easier for companies to skim through job applications and more challenging for young graduates to find well-paying jobs. 

Targeting of Caregivers and parents  

According to Pew Research, ages 11 and 12 are major parental milestones. A survey finds that 73% of parents consider it acceptable for children to have their phones only after reaching at least 12 years of age. 43% of parents think children can have their phones at 12-14. Only 22% of parents consider it okay for a child under 12 years to have a personal smartphone. 

The problem with having a personal smartphone at a young age is more extensive than it seems. Adults, let alone children, shrug off website disclaimers and privacy policies and fall prey to unauthorized data mining, processing, and target marketing. 

Companies that provide Edtech services offer an apt learning environment, and they want to fit in the growing online education market. Targeting parents, working professionals, educators, and caregivers is how the Edtech industry moves forward, whether consumers pay attention to user consent management options.  

Awareness and Agility for Data Privacy 

As responsible adults, we must ensure that our society's children understand how the Internet works. Promoting online education tools among children is an excellent way to distract them from vague content on the internet. Awareness of data safety measures among young individuals is essential to ensuring a safe online environment for learning. The following steps can help make Edtech experience safer for students and learners: 

Checking websites and mobile applications for a consent manager that allows setting preferences about ‘data mapping’ and ‘fingerprinting.’ 

Taking time to read the privacy policy of Edtech websites and mobile apps.  

Understanding the terms of the privacy policies and accepting/hiring services on preference and not influence.  

Consumers want data privacy. But Advertisers need their data. 

Since the advent of data privacy regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, CPA, LGPD, and much more, it has become inconvenient for marketers and advertisers to follow the age-old path of traditional advert targeting with behavioral profiles. 

Tech companies like Google and Meta are architecting new Adtech models. Google's commitment to phase out third-party cookies by 2024 will drastically reduce the Ad revenue of the American advertising industry by at least 50%, as per Google's research. 

That's why they have developed a Privacy Sandbox that will allow the advertiser to keep track of the user's data while protecting the user's privacy. But this will surely give companies like Google and others a total monopoly over the Adtech industry, probably tripling their profits in the coming decade. 

So if not, Google's Privacy Sandbox and Meta's new Adtech model are what people need clarification on; what will eventually help marketers and advertisers build a data-driven campaign against the data privacy storm that is shaping worldwide? 

A cookie consent solution is the only way. 

Adtech 2.0: Moving from traditional advertising to consent-driven advertising. 

The biggest challenge that advertisers and marketers face today is getting users to consent to use cookies and similar trackers on their devices to collect their data. Apart from that, it has become mandatory for them to ensure the data's security and protect the data chain management across all the organization's departments. 

This requires a holistic consent management framework that acquires, accesses, and processes user data with the utmost security and ensures the protection of personal information across the channel of business operations. 

Also, many Adtech companies, who are serious about building a long-term loyal brand for their customers, have started to spend money on human resources and personnel who put data privacy within the organization, creating a genuine culture of consumer privacy. 

The data privacy laws have forced SMBs in Adtech and Marketing industries to focus on simplifying their data flows and improving their transparency in all business channels with Compliance. 

Regarding targeted and programmatic advertising, ad tech companies have used third-party cookies to design and execute their marketing strategies and campaigns. Well, not anymore. 

Apple's Safari and Mozilla's Firefox have already phased out third-party cookies, and Google's Chrome plans to do so by 2024. On top of that, data privacy regulations, such as GDPR, make it compulsory for businesses to block all third-party cookies and other non-essential cookies until the user consents. 

What is the way forward for companies to advertise their products and services? 

Getting a cookie consent compliance will do. 

Cookie consent: Why the Adtech industry can't ignore it anymore! 

Even after three years of enacting GDPR in the European Union, more than 92% of the website need to follow the Cookie Law. 

The Ad-revenues are decreasing daily as the third parties cookies are being phased out, and marketers need to develop a better content strategy that will get them more traffic. 

But having traffic is not enough. It would be best to have a framework or a system that exhibits responsibility and respects consumers' privacy. This will help you to establish a long-term relationship with your customers, eventually leading to a better customer lifetime value. 

So that's why Adtech and marketing companies must be aware of their obligations under the data privacy laws such as GDPR and ePrivacy Directive, aka the Cookie Law, concerning cookie consent.    

Here are ten reasons why SMBs need cookie consent: 

The GDPR and ePrivacy Directive require companies to inform users when they store or access data on their devices. 

Cookie consent ensures that users understand what data is being collected and how it is used. 

Cookie consent gives users control over which cookies they accept and reject. 

Cookie consent helps protect the user's privacy and data security. 

It helps companies comply with GDPR. 

It helps companies avoid legal repercussions due to non-compliance with GDPR and the ePrivacy directive. 

It helps companies maintain user trust. 

It helps companies increase user engagement. 

It helps companies create a competitive advantage. 

It helps companies maximize the effectiveness of their digital marketing campaigns. 

In-App consent 

Only having a cookie consent banner for your website is not enough. Apps need it, too. 

Advertisers and marketers are heavily focusing on mobile advertising through mobile geo-targeting. It is a way of targeting mobile ads catering to specific locations. This is done with GPS data, wireless network signals, or detecting the user's location.  

A mobile-first strategy with cookie consent compliance will undoubtedly impact ad tech's revenue model. 

Adzapier's Cookie Consent: Make Marketing easy with Compliance 

Gaining consent has become a synonym for building customer trust and transparency. And today, using cookies without permission will surely bring mistrust, damage brand reputation, and lead to regulatory fines. 

Managing multiple users' consents - from request to collection to process - without automation will be highly complex. Adzapier's Cookie consent management makes it easy to capture cookie consent preferences, automate Compliance with several regulations and build customer trust. 

Customize cookie consent management that fits your brand. 

Achieve multi-regional cookie compliance with significant data privacy laws such as GDPR, CCPA, CPA, LGPD, ePrivacy Directive, and more. 

Monitor and record user consent through Adzapier's Session recording helping your organization with compliance proof for Suprise Data Audit. 

Optimize the opt-in rate with individualization, AB testing, and informed consent that gives detailed reporting and analytics. 

Get Adzapier's Geo-targeting feature that provides a relevant cookie consent banner to users from different regions with different privacy laws. 

Increase transparency with customers and reduce reputational risk with an auto-cookie blocker to block non-essential cookies until the user consents. 

Cookie proliferation is a bitter-sweet truth of the internet age. For those unfamiliar, cookies are tiny bits of data used by websites and apps to monitor user behavior and provide tailored suggestions. While they can be helpful, they can also raise privacy concerns when utilized for certain purposes, such as advertising. 

Today's technological advances have given consumers more control over their data usage. But with numerous privacy regulations that businesses must comply with, it's becoming challenging for business owners and site visitors to stay updated and comprehend how data is utilized. In the sections below, we've discussed everything you need to know about Cookie Consent Management. We have also highlighted key features to look out for when choosing cookie management tools and the benefits of using them in your website. 

Understanding Cookie Consent Management  

Cookie consent is the new normal for online user experience. At its core, cookie consent management is a way for website owners to gain explicit consent from their visitors before storing cookies on their devices. It's also a critical step in GDPR compliance. 

The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires all websites that collect personal data from EU citizens to obtain explicit consent before storing cookies on user devices. So what does this mean for you as a business owner or site owner?  

Well, if you collect any personal data from users based in Europe, you have to provide them with clear information about what you are doing with their data, why you are collecting it, and how you are using it. You also have to allow them to opt out of having their personal information used for advertising.  

Choosing a Cookie Consent Manager and Cookie Search Tool 

A cookie consent manager is a tool that helps you automatically obtain consent from users to store cookies on their computers. As the number of websites using cookies has increased, so has the need for effective management tools. A cookie consent manager and cookie search tool can be an invaluable asset to any company that uses cookies in its marketing efforts or to track user behavior. 

Cookie search tools are useful for businesses and marketers who need to track what cookies are used on their websites. This can help them ensure that their site's visitors are getting the best possible experience, and it can also help them find out what kind of information they're gathering from visitors. 

When choosing a cookie consent manager, make sure it's easy to set up and manage with an intuitive interface. The banners should be customizable, allowing users to easily accept or choose cookie preferences. Your cookie search manager should also support all the cookie consent best practices, such as providing a link to your cookie policy and properly positioning the pop-ups on every page of your website.  

The user consent manager should also have a consent log, which documents the users' cookie consent preference for future reference. This can give you insights into your users' preferences and how you can improve the site experience. On the other hand, a cookie search tool should have the following capabilities: 

Excellent search functionality with the option to search for cookies using domain names, keywords, or cookie names.  

Detailed display of cookie information, including cookie types, names, domains, expiration dates, etc.  

Advanced filtering and automatic detection of specific cookies.  

Export functionality to file formats such as excel or CSV to allow for further analysis and reporting.  

Real-time search results and regular updates allow fast and efficient cookie management. 

Why Integrate Cookie Manager and Search Tool into Your Website  

If you're a website owner, you know that cookies are essential to your business. They help you track the visitors who come to your site, keep track of their preferences and behaviors, and ensure they get the best possible experience. Here are the other reasons you should integrate cookie consent manager with cookie search tool into your website: 

Enhanced user privacy. Your site visitors can see what cookies are stored on their devices, allowing them to easily manage their privacy. 

Compliance. With new privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA, it's crucial to give your users control over their data. Integrating these tools will help you stay compliant and protect your users' data. 

Transparency. Make things clear for your users by showing them exactly what cookies are stored and how they are used. This will build trust with your users and enhance their overall experience. 

Stay Ahead of Your Business and Compliance Needs  

In 2023, a good cookie consent banner is no longer optional. The General Data Protection Rights Act (GDPR) set a precedent, and many other countries and even states in the USA are following suit.  

Having a cookie consent banner on your website informs users about where and why their personal information is being used and allows them to make choices regarding that data. 

If your business operates out of a state or country with such data privacy laws enacted, or you collect and handle data from residents of countries or states where user consent management laws apply, your business is obligated to follow those laws to the letter.  

Cookie Banner to Cookie Consent Banner in 2023: As data privacy laws are enacted and evolved over time, privacy compliance turns from good to have to must-have!  

I’ve had a cookie banner for years. Why should I update it?  

In the past, lawmakers have been ambiguous about the rules around cookie banners. Yes, you needed one, but the specifications weren’t entirely precise.  

This led to many website and business owners using the cheapest, most straightforward option: pre-checked acceptance, copied and pasted cookie usage policies, and a lengthy process to reach the consent manager where users can change their preferences.  

Adding to this, many early cookie banners were built for websites and did not factor in the user experience when seen on mobile devices or in an application.  

This has led to multiple problems, including end users who cannot access the content because a banner is blocking it, frustration at not being able to set or manage their preferences, and lack of trust because they aren’t in control of where their personal information is going.  

Laws today are homing in on these issues and taking significant steps to address each one. To comply today, you will need a cookie consent solution that has:   

A clear, concise, and understandable cookie policy 

An opt-out option  

The ability for users to opt-in to targeted marketing  

Special provisions for handling children’s data  

Optimization for mobile, applications, and desktop access 

Customization for your brand 

A clear path to cookie preference management  

Options that are not pre-checked and show no favoritism toward either decision 

What’s the difference between opt-in and opt-out?  

Good question! Let’s explore the differences, and how you can ensure you’re covering all your bases.  

Opt-out means that users can decline all cookies or manage their cookie-sharing/selling preferences regarding particular sites and products.  

Opt-in is generally in regard to children’s data. That means parental consent is required before using the personal information of a minor for targeted ads. It can also apply to adults; however, most of that is covered in the opt-out process.  

Many, if not all data privacy laws, have special provisions regarding minors’ data. Therefore, if your business or website specifically targets children as its primary audience, you should be aware of the differences between opting out, opting in, and how you can ensure you are taking the proper steps to obtain parental consent if you are collecting, storing, selling, sharing or otherwise handling the data of minors.  

This sounds complicated. How can I be sure that I’m following cookie laws everywhere? 

Automation is your friend! It would be almost impossible for most business owners to devote enough time and energy to read, understand, and keep track of global cookie consent management laws.  

This is where a cookie consent manager comes in handy. It can automatically detect the location from which your users are visiting, obtain consent by those laws, create records of preferences, and ensure you are collecting only the data you need to make the site functional and readable.  

This can take great stress off you, so you can focus on what really matters: running a successful business.  

Having those options and information is a bit much. Can I pare it down? 

It does sound like a lot, but it’s not. Now is a good time to review your cookie policy and ensure the language and wording are clear and understandable.  

Most of this editing takes common sense, but if you have a legal team, you may want to consult them and see if they have any suggestions. Next, you’ll need two CTAs – accept or decline – and a direct link to managing preferences.  

Don’t skip that last part! TikTok was fined in France for making it easier for users to accept all cookies than to decline or manage their preferences. We don’t want this to happen to you!  

Last, you’ll want to ensure that once users follow the link to manage their preferences, you also include contact information and resources for them to access, manage, correct, or delete their data by law. Respect your customers, and they’ll return with greater loyalty and faith in your business model.  

Final take:  

There are many things to consider regarding cookie consent, but educating yourself about it can protect your customers and your business.  

At Adzapier, we offer a robust cookie management solution that will give you all the tools you need to stay within compliance and respect your end users’ privacy.  

Schedule a free demo with one of our privacy experts today to see just how easy it is! Then, sign up for a 14-day free trial.