Google Consent Mode Implementation Instructions

Google allows the use of its own consent mode by including APIs to control tag cookie storage based on user consent choices without disabling services provided by Google, such as Google Analytics or Google Ads. 
This video will help you to implement Google Consent Mode easily with CookieScript:

Google Consent Mode applies to the following products deployed using either the global site tag (gtag.js) or Google Tag Manager (GTM):

• Google Ads

• Floodlight

• Google Analytics

• Conversion Linker

As of 2023, Google is updating from Google Consent Mode to Google Consent Mode v2. If you want to continue using Google Ads for your advertising in the EEA markets, you need to use a Cookie Banner integrated with Google Consent Mode v2 by March 2024. 

CookieScript has full integration with Google Consent Mode v2: 

• Tag Manager Community Template available

• Integrated with consent update calls

• Integrated with consent default calls

• Supported consent types:

  • ad_storage

  • analytics_storage

  • ad_user_data

  • ad_personalization

  • functionality_storage

  • personalization_storage 

  • security_storage

For more information, read the following documentation from Google:

• Consent Mode overview

Google documentation for web:

• Google tag API reference

• Manage consent settings (web)

• Manage privacy settings

Google documentation for app:

• Manage consent settings (iOS)

• Manage consent settings (Android)

• Configure Analytics data collection and usage (iOS)

• Configure Analytics data collection and usage (Android)

How to implement Google Consent Mode with CookieScript GTM Tag template (recommended)

This is the easiest implementation since it requires no coding whatsoever. However, it only applies to users who are using Google Tag Manager (GTM). If you are not using Google Tag Manager, skip to the next section with manual Consent mode implementation.

We have created a GTM Tag template that does all the necessary coding for you. Just follow the steps to deploy CookieScript using a community Tag Template and the Tag will do all the magic. 

Important: Google Consent Mode should be enabled in settings too.

Go to your banner settings > Behavior tab > Frameworks section > Enable Google Consent Mode V2: 

You can optionally change a category that allows Ads Storage, Analytics Storage, Functionality Storage, Personalization Storage, and Security Storage in Google Consent mode. 

How to implement Google Consent Mode manually (not recommended)

In order to enable Google Consent Mode with consent modes set by default to denied, include this code snippet just before including gtag.js or GTM snippet:

<script>
    window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
    
    function gtag() {
        dataLayer.push(arguments);
    }

    gtag("consent", "default", {
        ad_storage: "denied",
        analytics_storage: "denied",
        ad_user_data: "denied",
        ad_personalization: "denied",
        wait_for_update: 500
    });

    gtag("set", "ads_data_redaction", true);
    gtag("set", "developer_id.dMmY1Mm", true);
</script>

The following code snippet shows how to update the consent status to granted, when user agrees to allow advertising cookies:

<script>
    window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
    
    function gtag() {
        dataLayer.push(arguments);
    }

    gtag("consent", "default", {
        ad_storage: "granted",
        analytics_storage: "granted",
        ad_user_data: "granted",
        ad_personalization: "granted",
        wait_for_update: 500
    });

    gtag("set", "ads_data_redaction", true);
    gtag("set", "developer_id.dMmY1Mm", true);
</script>

Implementing Google Consent Mode manually, you must include this code before your gtag.js or GTM code snippet. In case your dataLayer was renamed, you should also rename it in the code above. If you implement Google Consent Mode with the CookieScript GTM Tag template, is not necessary to include this code before your gtag.js or GTM code snippet.

Google Consent Mode should be enabled in settings too. Go to your banner settings > Behaviour tab > Enable Google Consent Mode. You can optionally change a category that allows Ads Storage, Analytics Storage, Functionality Storage, Personalization Storage, and Security Storage in Google Consent mode. 

Without GTM implementation (using gTag.js) you might want to block third-party scripts from firing before consent. This can be done using third-party script blocking.

Note: If you implement Cookie Script using the GTM template, when ad_storage is granted, ads_data_redaction is a setting that is set in the template and is verified by Google, and can't be changed by a user.

How CookieScript categories map to Google Consent types

Unlike other Consent Management Platforms, CookieScript allows you to map Google Consent types with categories used in your banner. This can be done in your banner settings > Behavior tab > Google Consent mode option.

Checklist for the correct implementation of Google Ads and Google Consent Mode

1. Google Consent Mode is enabled in settings.
   See the guide about how to enable Google Consent Mode.

2. CookieScript is installed in GTM using the latest template from gallery.
   See the guide about how to update the GTM template.

3. CookieScript trigger is set to Consent Initialization (AND no other tags in that trigger)

4. GA trigger is set to Initialization
   The right GA trigger should look like this:

   

   The common mistake is the wrong GA trigger selected like in this example:

   

5. Clear browser Cache

6. Use preview mode to see how it works. Link to debugger info.