What is Google Consent Mode V2? How to Implement It?

Google Consent Mode V2 is a powerful mechanism designed to manage how Google’s advertising and analytics services operate based on user consent. This updated version aligns with the requirements of various privacy frameworks and regulations.

This article will explain how Google Consent Mode V2 works, highlight its key features, and compare it to the original version. We will also discuss the implications of not enabling it, provide implementation tips, and share best practices for ensuring compliance and optimizing data collection. Learn how Consent Mode V2 can help you balance user privacy with essential data insights.

Google Consent Mode is a tool developed by Google to manage how its advertising and analytics services operate based on user’s consent. It ensures that basic user interaction can still be tracked without compromising privacy using its prediction modelling even if users don’t give full consent.

It was first introduced in 2020 to comply with GDPR for Google Analytics and Google Ads data collection. The updated version, Google Consent Mode V2, aligns with the new Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into effect in March 2024.

Consent Mode does not replace the need for a Consent Management Platform (CMP) or a cookie consent banner. Instead, it works alongside these tools to ensure Google tags and scripts operate according to user consent preferences. This allows websites to comply with privacy regulations like EU GDPR while maintaining essential analytical data.

Google Consent Mode v2 works by adjusting how Google tags behave based on user consent choices. The mode has four key parameters:

• ad_storage: Controls the storage of user’s personal data for advertising.
• analytics_storage: Manages the storage of data for analytics.
• ad_user_data: Pertains to the collection and usage of user data for advertising.
• ad_personalization: Allows the use of user data to personalize ads.

Here’s how the process works:

1. When users visit a website, they encounter a consent banner. They select their preferences for data collection and usage.
2. The website’s consent management platform (CMP) sends consent signals to Google tags based on the user’s choices.
3. Google tags, such as Google Analytics 4 and Google Ads, receive these signals and modify their behaviour to respect the user’s consent. For example, if a user denies ad_storage, the Google Ads tag will not store cookies for advertising purposes.
4. Data is collected and processed according to the user’s consent settings.
   

Basic Consent Mode

In this mode, Google tags remain inactive until the user interacts with the consent banner. Once users consent, Google tags send consent information to Google and begin collecting data. Without consent, no data is sent to Google, and Google Ads relies on a general conversion model.

Advanced Consent Mode

In this mode, Google tags load immediately but remain inactive until consent is given. While waiting for user input, they send minimal data (cookieless pings). Once consent is granted, full measurement data is sent to Google, allowing for more accurate conversion modelling.

Consent Mode v2 is an improved version of the original Consent Mode, offering enhanced customization capabilities and better compliance with privacy requirements. V1 primarily focused on collecting data only after explicit user consent, and it introduced two primary parameters, ad_storage and analytics_storage, which control cookie storage for advertising and analytics, respectively.

Consent Mode V2 expanded on V1 by offering more granular control over data collection and processing. It also introduced two new parameters, ad_user_data and ad_personalization, to control data usage for advertising and personalization. Google Consent Mode V2 has also introduced Basic and Advanced Consent Mode.

Google Consent Mode v2 is essential for websites to comply with strict data privacy regulations like GDPR and the Digital Markets Act. If not enabled, you risk several negative consequences:

• Non-compliance: Your website could be in violation of data privacy laws, leading to hefty fines and legal issues.
• Data loss: Without Consent Mode, you might collect and process user data without proper consent, resulting in data loss.
• Inaccurate analytics: Your analytics, such as audience or conversion data will be unreliable as it won’t accurately reflect user behavior due to missing consent-based data. This will affect the conversion tracking.
• Reduced ad revenue: Ad performance may decline as targeted advertising relies on user data, which is restricted without proper user consent.
• Damaged reputation: Failure to prioritize user privacy can harm your website’s reputation and trust among visitors.

1. Manual Implementation

While technically feasible, manual implementation is generally not recommended due to its complexity and potential for errors. It involves modifying your website’s code to include Consent Mode logic for each Google tag.

Steps involved:

• List all Google tags on your website (Google Analytics 4, Google Ads, Google Tag Manager, etc.).
• Define different consent states (granted, denied, unknown).
• Write code to check consent status and modify tag behaviour accordingly.
• Ensure correct behaviour in all consent scenarios.

2. Google Tag Manager (GTM)

GTM offers a more manageable approach to implementing Consent Mode v2. It provides a user-friendly interface for managing and deploying tags.

Steps involved:

• Define variables to store consent status (e.g., ‘consent_granted’).
• Add Consent Mode parameters to your Google tag configurations.
• Use triggers to control when tags fire based on consent status.

More details here.

3. Using CookieYes CMP

CMPs like CookieYes simplify the process by handling consent management and integrating with Google Consent Mode. As a Google-certified CMP, CookieYes supports IAB TCF v2.2 integration, enabling automatic compliance with Google Consent Mode v2. 

Here’s how you can implement Consent Mode v2 using CookieYes:

• Install a cookie banner using CookieYes and enable Google Consent Mode in settings.
• Choose either Google Tag Manager (GTM) or a custom script for integration.
• For GTM, create a new tag, add the CookieYes template, and configure the settings. For custom script, add the provided script along with the GTM and CookieYes scripts on your site.
• Set up consent categories and regions as needed.
• Verify the functionality to ensure proper implementation.

Every time website users make a consent choice, CookieYes signals Google to adjust tag behaviour accordingly.

Benefits of using a CMP:

• Simplified implementation
• Pre-built integrations
• User-friendly interface
• Compliance with data privacy regulations

Here are some common issues you may face while or after implementing Consent Mode v2:

• Misconfiguration of consent settings can make the consent tab appear empty, leading to data loss and compliance issues.
• Incorrect default consent settings can cause Google tags not to fire correctly, impacting data collection and analysis.
• Issues with integrating Google Consent Mode with CMPs can lead to discrepancies in consent management and the inability to update user preferences.
• If other tags run before consent is recorded, it can cause measurement gaps and inaccuracies in data reporting.
• Managing cookies and identifiers while respecting user consent can be complex, requiring careful attention to ensure compliance and accurate data handling.

Here are some of the best practices to implement Google Consent Mode v2:

• Understand the basics of Consent Mode
• Determine how to obtain and manage user consent effectively
• Select the best approach based on technical expertise and website complexity
• If using a CMP, ensure it’s Google-certified and IAB TCF-compliant
• Ensure correct configuration of settings, such as default consent states, triggers, and variables, according to Google guidelines
• Verify that the data collection and ad serving are correct based on consent
• Check for potential issues and errors
• Monitor consent rates and user behaviour and track the impact on website performance and ad revenue
• Stay updated on data privacy regulations and Consent Mode requirements

• Review Google’s guidelines: Understand the technical details and new features of Google Consent Mode v2 directly from Google’s official documentation.
• Audit data and consent management practices: Assess your existing consent management practices to align with Consent Mode v2’s integration capabilities.
• Implement granular consent settings: Ensure that your CMP can handle the granular consent settings introduced in Consent Mode v2. These settings allow users to choose their preferences regarding various types of cookies, such as analytics or advertisement cookies.
• Ensure good UX: Update your CMP to handle consent updates effectively, ensuring data collection respects user consent without disrupting their experience.
• Enable consent sharing: Configure settings so user consent preferences persist over multiple sessions. This reduces consent fatigue by preventing repeated prompts for consent.
• Enhance integration with other services: Ensure that Consent Mode v2 is compatible with your website’s other Google services and third-party platforms. This ensures that consent preferences are consistently respected and applied across all services.
• Test and validate: Before going live, thoroughly test the implementation in various scenarios to ensure compliance and functionality. This includes checking how the consent mode interacts with different types of cookies and user settings.
• Communicate changes to users: Transparently disclose the updated consent management practices to users. This fosters trust and ensures compliance by clearly explaining how websites manage and protect user data.
• Monitor and maintain compliance: Regularly review and update your consent management practices to ensure ongoing compliance with GDPR and other relevant data protection regulations.