Consent Management Platform (CMP)

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which was adopted in May 2018, has significantly changed the way personal data is handled in the EU. As a website operator, you must ensure that your data protection practices comply with these requirements. An important component of GDPR compliance is the integration of a Consent Management Platform (CMP) for your website.

What is a Consent Management Platform?

A Consent Management Platform (CMP) is a software tool that helps companies to obtain, manage and document the consent of their website visitors for data collection and processing in accordance with the legal requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation. CMPs help to automate user consent processes and ensure that all legal requirements are met.

Basic functions and tasks of a consent management platform

A cookie consent manager offers various functions that ensure that user consent is managed in compliance with data protection regulations:

• Obtaining consent for cookies and tracking services
  When visiting the website, users are shown a consent banner in which they can specify their preferences for data usage. A consent management tool ensures that consent is obtained in an understandable and transparent manner, as required by the GDPR. Users have the option to consent or opt-out of data use before tracking scripts such as Google Analytics or Google Adsense are executed.
• Efficient management and updating of consents
  The platform stores and manages user consents in a database. It offers an easy way to update or revoke the consents given. Functions such as Google Consent Mode v2 can be integrated to ensure that certain functionalities are retained even if cookies are rejected, without violating data protection regulations.
• Documentation and proof of user consent
  Such a tool documents every consent given and creates logs that can be verified in the event of an inspection by data protection authorities. This includes the storage of time stamps and the specific consent details to prove compliance.
• Adaptation to legal requirements
  The system is flexible and can be adapted to different legal frameworks and changes. It provides regular updates to ensure it complies with the latest legal requirements. Iframe blocking can be implemented to control the integration of external content such as YouTube or Google Maps and only display it with consent.
• Integration with website systems
  Many platforms can be seamlessly integrated into existing website or content management systems (CMS). This enables efficient consent management and makes it easier to use.

Legal obligations: When is a consent management tool legally required?

The GDPR stipulates that any website that collects or processes the personal data of EU citizens must obtain and document the consent of users. This applies in particular to the use of cookies, tracking tools and other technologies that collect personal data.

Practical examples: Who should use a Consent Management Platform?

The following types of websites should use a CMP:

E-commerce websites and web stores:
Webshops collect a wide range of customer data, including information on orders, payments and marketing preferences. A consent management platform enables these websites to implement a GDPR-compliant cookie consent banner that informs users about the use of cookies and tracking. These banners help to obtain and document the consent of their users to ensure compliance with data protection regulations. In addition, such a platform provides transparency about what data is collected and how it is used.

Media and news portals:
Websites that place advertisements and use tracking tools to analyze user behavior must inform their users transparently about what data is collected by third-party providers. A CMP offers the option of providing users with a simple opt-out and blocking certain third-party cookies if consent has not been given. This improves transparency and strengthens user trust.

Company websites:
Company websites that use tools such as Google Analytics or Google Ads to analyze user behavior and serve personalized advertising must obtain consent from their users. An effective consent tool ensures that users are clearly informed about the type of data collected and its intended use. It enables companies to ensure compliance with GDPR requirements and provides options for users to opt out of the use of certain data.
Overall, consent management software is essential for all websites that collect and process data to ensure compliance with data protection guidelines. It not only offers protection from legal consequences, but also a better user experience through increased transparency and control for users.

Exceptions: When might a CMP not be necessary?

There are a few cases where a CMP may not be necessary:

• Information-only websites:
  Sites that only provide static information and do not collect user data.
• Internal company sites:
  Intranets and other internal sites that are not accessible to the public and do not process external user data.

Implementing a consent management platform helps companies to minimize these risks by ensuring that all data protection requirements are met and user consent is managed correctly.

Technical integration: How is a CMP integrated into a website?

The integration of a Consent Manager into a website usually takes place in several steps:

1. Selection and configuration of the platform:
   • First, the company selects a suitable platform that meets their requirements.
   • The tool is then configured to meet the company's specific data protection guidelines and requirements.
2. Integration of the code:
   • The next step is to insert the code snippet provided by the platform into the source code of the website. This is usually done in the header of the website.
   • This code snippet ensures that the script is executed each time the page is loaded.
3. Customization of the consent form:
   • The system makes it possible to customize the consent form or cookie banner according to the corporate design to ensure that it matches the look and feel of the website.
   • Companies can decide which categories of data are collected and how detailed the user consent should be.
4. Testing and validation:
   • After integration, the functionality of the platform should be tested extensively to ensure that all consent processes work correctly and that there are no errors.
   • This also includes checking that all data is stored correctly and that the user's settings are correctly taken into account.

Choosing the right consent management platform: CCM19 in focus

Why CCM19? Advantages and special features

CCM19 is a leading consent management provider that helps companies to make their websites GDPR compliant. Here are some of the benefits CCM19 offers:

• Ease of use:
  CCM19 offers a clear and intuitive user interface that is easy to use for both technical and non-technical users. Setting up and managing the platform is straightforward and efficient.
• Customizability:
  The platform allows for extensive customization of cookie banners and consent forms. You can adapt the design, colors and texts to the corporate design of your website to ensure a consistent user experience. This ensures that the data protection consent is presented in the best possible way.
• Support for different languages:
  CCM19 supports multiple languages, so you can address your international users in their local language. This is particularly useful for global companies that want to reach a broad user base.
• Server location:
  CCM19 data is stored on servers in Germany, which ensures high security standards and compliance with the GDPR. This is particularly important for your company's data protection officer.
• Transparency and optimization:
  The platform provides comprehensive reports and analytics to monitor and optimize user consent. This helps to improve compliance with data protection regulations and optimize the user experience.
• Third-party integration:
  CCM19 supports the integration of technologies such as Google Consent Mode, which makes it possible to use Google services such as Google Analytics and Google Ads in a GDPR-compliant manner. This integration ensures seamless data processing and helps to comply with data protection regulations.
• IAB TCF and other consent frameworks:
  The platform is compatible with the IAB Transparency and Consent Framework (TCF), which facilitates compliance with GDPR and other data protection laws. This provides a standardized method for managing consent.
• Legal compliance and security:
  CCM19 regularly scans your website to ensure that all elements are GDPR compliant and legally compliant. This provides additional security and assurance that your website complies with current data protection requirements.

Costs: What does CCM19 cost and what price models are available?

CCM19 offers various tariffs that are tailored to the needs of different company sizes and requirements. You can find our price overview here.