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• Server-side tracking vs client-side tracking : What you need to know

  3 juillet, par Joe

  Server-side tracking vs client-side tracking : What you need to know

  Today, consumers are more aware of their online privacy rights, leading to an extensive use of ad blockers and stricter cookie policies. Organisations are facing some noteworthy challenges with this trend, including :

  • Limited data collection, which makes it harder to understand user behaviour and deliver personalised ads that resonate with customers
  • Rising compliance costs as businesses adapt to new regulations, straining resources and budgets.
  • Growing customer scepticism in data practices, affecting brand reputation.
  • Maintaining transparency and fostering trust with customers through clear communication about data practices.

  Server-side tracking can help resolve these problems. This article will cover server-side tracking, how it works, implementation methods and its benefits.

  What is server-side tracking ? 

  Server-side tracking refers to a method where user data is collected directly by a server rather than through a user’s browser.

  The key advantage of server-side tracking is that data collection, processing, and storage occur directly on the website’s server.

  For example, when a visitor interacts with any website, the server captures that activity through the backend system, allowing for greater data control and security. 

  Client-side tracking vs. server-side tracking 

  There are two methods to collect user data : client-side and server-side. 

  Let’s understand their differences. 

  Client-side tracking : Convenience with caveats

  Client-side tracking embeds JavaScript tags, pixels or other scripts directly into a website’s code. When a user interacts with the site, these tags fire, collecting data from their browser. This information might include page views, button clicks, form submissions and other user actions. 

  The collected data is then sent directly to third-party analytics platforms like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics, or internal teams can also analyse it.

  This method is relatively easy to implement. That’s because marketers can often deploy these tags without needing extensive developer support, enabling quick adjustments and A/B testing. 

  However, there are some challenges. 

  Ad blockers and browser privacy settings, such as Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP), restrict the ability of third-party tags to collect data. 

  This results in data gaps and inaccuracies skewing analytics reports and potentially leading to misguided business decisions. 

  Reliance on numerous JavaScript tags can also negatively impact website performance, slowing down page load times and affecting user experience. This is especially true on mobile devices where processing power and network speeds are often limited.

  

  Now, let’s see how server-side tracking changes this.

  Server-side tracking : Control and reliability

  Server-side tracking shifts the burden of data collection from the user’s browser to a server controlled by the business. 

  Instead of relying on JavaScript tags firing directly from the user’s device, user interactions are first sent to the business’s own server. Here, the data can be processed, enriched, and analysed. 

  This method provides numerous advantages, including enhanced control over data integrity, improved privacy, and more, which we discuss in the next section.

  Benefits of server-side tracking 

  Server-side tracking offers a compelling alternative to traditional client-side methods, providing numerous business advantages. Let’s take a look at them.

  Improved data accuracy

  This method reduces inaccuracies caused by ad blockers or cookie restrictions by bypassing browser limitations. As a result, the data collected is more reliable, leading to better analytics and marketing attribution.

  Data minimisation

  Data minimisation is a fundamental principle in data protection. It emphasises that organisations should collect only data that is strictly needed for a specific purpose. 

  In server-side tracking, this translates into collecting just the essential data points and discarding anything extra before the data is sent to analytics platforms. It helps organisations avoid accumulating excessive personal information, reducing the risk of data breaches and misuse.

  For example, consider a scenario where a user purchases a product on an e-commerce website. 

  With client-side tracking scripts, the system might inadvertently collect a range of data, including the user’s IP address, browser type, operating system and even details about other websites they have visited. 

  However, for conversions, the organisation only needs to know the purchase amount, product IDs, user IDS, and timestamps. 

  Server-side tracking filters unnecessary information. This reduces the privacy impact and simplifies data analysis and storage.

  Cross-device tracking capabilities

  Server-side tracking provides a unified view of customer behaviour regardless of the device they use, allowing for more personalised and targeted marketing campaigns. 

  In-depth event tracking

  Server-side tracking helps businesses track events that occur outside their websites, such as payment confirmations. Companies gain insights into the entire customer journey, from initial interaction to final purchase, optimising every touchpoint. 

  Enhanced privacy compliance

  With increasing regulations like GDPR and CCPA, businesses can better manage user consent and data handling practices through server-side solutions. 

  Server-side setups make honouring user consent easier. If a user opts out, server-side logic can exclude their data from all outgoing analytics calls in one central place. 

  

  Server-side methods reassure users and regulators that data is collected and secured with minimal risk. 

  In sectors like government and banking, this level of control is often a non-negotiable part of their duty of care. 

  Extended cookie lifetime

  Traditional website tracking faces growing obstacles as modern browsers prioritise user privacy. Initiatives like Safari’s ITP block third-party cookies and also constrain the use of first-party cookies. 

  Other browsers, such as Firefox and Brave, are implementing similar methods, while Chrome is beginning to phase out third-party cookies. Retargeting and cross-site analytics, which rely on these cookies, encounter significant challenges.

  Server-side tracking overcomes this by allowing businesses to collect data over a longer duration. 

  When a website’s server directly sets a cookie, that cookie often lasts longer than cookies created by JavaScript code running inside the browser. This lets websites get around some of the limits browsers put on tracking and allows them to remember a visitor when they return to the site later, which gives better customer insights. Plus, server-side tracking typically classifies cookies as first-party data, which is less susceptible to blocking by browsers and ad blockers.

  Server-side tracking : Responsibilities and considerations

  While server-side tracking delivers powerful capabilities, remember that it also brings increased responsibility. Companies must remain vigilant in upholding privacy regulations and user consent. It’s up to the organisation to make sure the server follows user consent, for example, not sending data if someone has opted out.

  Server-side setups introduce technical complexity, which can potentially lead to data errors that are more difficult to identify and resolve. Therefore, monitoring processes and quality assurance practices are essential for data integrity. 

  How does server-side tracking work ? 

  When a user interacts with a website (e.g., clicking a button), this action triggers an event. The event could be anything from a page view to a form submission.

  The backend system captures relevant details such as the event type, user ID and timestamp. This information helps in understanding user behaviour and creating meaningful analytics.

  The captured data is processed directly on the organisation’s server, allowing for immediate validation. For example, organisations can add additional context or filter out irrelevant information.

  Instead of sending data to third-party endpoints, the organisation stores everything in its own database or data warehouse. This ensures full control over data privacy and security.

  Organisations can perform their own analysis using tools like SQL or Python. To visualise data, custom dashboards and reports can be created using self-hosted analytics tools. This way, businesses can present complex data in a clear and actionable manner.

  How to implement server-side tracking ?

  Server-side tracking can work in four common ways, each offering a different blend of control, flexibility and complexity.

  1. Server-side tag management

  In this method, organisations use platforms like Google Tag Manager Server-Side to manage tracking tags on the server, often using containers to isolate and manage different tagging environments. 

  

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  This approach offers a balance between control and ease of use. It allows for the deployment and management of tags without modifying the application code, which is particularly useful for marketers who want to adjust tracking configurations quickly.

  2. Direct server-to-server tracking via APIs

  This method involves sharing information between two servers without affecting the user’s browser or device. 

  A unique identifier is generated and stored on a server when a user interacts with an ad or webpage. 

  If a user takes some action, like making a purchase, the unique identifier is sent from the advertiser’s server directly to the platform’s server (Google or Facebook) via an API. 

  It requires more development effort but is ideal for organisations needing fine-grained data control.

  3. Using analytics platforms with built-in server SDKs

  Another way is to employ analytics platforms like Matomo that provide SDKs for various programming languages to instrument the server-side code. 

  This eases integration with the platform’s analytics features and is a good choice for organisations primarily using a single analytics platform and want to use its server-side capabilities.

  4. Hybrid approaches

  Finally, organisations can also combine client- and server-side tracking to capture different data types and maximise accuracy. 

  This method involves client-side scripts for specific interactions (like UI events) and server-side tracking for more sensitive or critical data (like transactions). 

  While these are general approaches, dedicated analytics platforms can also be helpful. Matomo, for example, facilitates server-side tracking through two specific methods.

  Using server logs

  Matomo can import existing web server logs, such as Apache or Nginx, that capture each request. Every page view or resource load becomes a data point. 

  Matomo’s log processing script reads log files, importing millions of hits. This removes the need to add code to the site, making it suitable for basic page analytics (like the URL) without client-side scripts, particularly on security-sensitive sites.

  Using the Matomo tracking API (Server-side SDKs)

  This method integrates application code with calls to Matomo’s API. For example, when a user performs a specific action, the server sends a request to Matomo.php, the tracking endpoint, which includes details like the user ID and action. 

  Matomo offers SDKs in PHP, Java C#, and community SDKs to simplify these calls. These allow tracking of not just page views but custom events such as downloads and transactions from the backend, functioning similarly to Google’s Measurement Protocol but sending data to the Matomo instance. 

  Data privacy, regulations and Matomo

  As privacy concerns grow and regulations like GDPR and CCPA become more stringent, businesses must adopt data collection methods that respect user consent and data protection rights. 

  Server-side tracking allows organisations to collect first-party data directly from their servers, which is generally considered more compliant with privacy regulations.

  Matomo is a popular open-source web analytics platform that is committed to privacy. It gives organisations 100% data ownership and control, and no data is sent to third parties by default.

  

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  Matomo is a full-featured analytics platform with dashboards and segmentation comparable to Google Analytics. It can self-host and provides DoNotTrack settings and the ability to anonymise IP addresses.

  Governments and organisations requiring data sovereignty, such as the EU Commission and the Swiss government, choose Matomo for web analytics due to its strong compliance posture.

  Balancing data collection and user privacy

  Ad blockers and other restrictions prevent data from being accurate. Server-side tracking helps get data on the server and makes it more reliable while respecting user privacy. Matomo supports server-side tracking, and over one million websites use Matomo to optimise their data strategies. 

  Get started today by trying Matomo for free for 21 days, no credit card required.

• Why Matomo is the top Google Analytics alternative

  17 juin, par Joe

  You probably made the switch to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) when Google stopped collecting Universal Analytics (UA) data in July 2023. Up to that point, UA had long been the default analytics platform, despite its many limitations. 

  This was mostly because everyone loved its free nature and simple setup. A Google account was all you needed — even a free legacy G-Suite account worked perfectly. Looking at the analytics for just about any website was easy.

  That all changed with GA4, which addressed many of UA’s shortcomings by introducing a completely new way to model website data. Unfortunately, this also meant you couldn’t transfer historical data from UA into GA4, leading to more criticism. 

  Then there’s the added cost. GA4 is still free, but its limited functionality encourages you to upgrade to the enterprise version, Google Analytics 360 (GA360). Sure, you get lots of great functionality, less data sampling, and longer data retention periods, but it comes at a hefty price — $50,000 per year, to be exact.

  There are other options, though, and Matomo Analytics is one of the best. It’s an open-source, privacy-centric platform that offers advanced features of GA360 and more. 

  In this article, we’ll compare GA4, GA360, and Matomo and give you what you need to make an informed decision.

  Google Analytics 4 in a nutshell

  Google Analytics 4 is a great tool to use to start learning about web analytics. But soon enough, you’ll likely find that GA4 doesn’t quite cover all of your needs. 

  For example, it can’t provide a detailed view of user experiences, and Google doesn’t offer dedicated support or onboarding. There are other shortcomings, too.

  Data sampling

  Google only processes a selected sample of website activity rather than every individual data point. Rather than looking at the whole picture, it sets a threshold and selects a [hopefully] representative sample for analysis. 

  This inevitably creates gaps in data. Google attempts to fill them in using AI and machine learning, inferring the rest from data patterns. Since the results rely on assumptions and estimates, they aren’t always precise.

  In practical terms, this means that the accuracy of GA4 analysis will likely decline as website traffic increases.

  

  (Image source)

  Data collection limits

  GA4’s 25 million monthly events limit seems like a lot, but they add up quickly. 

  All user interactions are recorded as events, including :

  • Session start : User visits the site.
  • Page view : User loads a page (tracked automatically).
  • First visit : User accesses the site for the first time.
  • User engagement : User stays on a page for a set time period.
  • Scroll : User scrolls past 90% of the page (enhanced measurement).
  • Click : User clicks on any element (links, buttons, etc.).
  • Video start/complete : User starts or completes a video (enhanced measurement).
  • File download : User downloads a file (enhanced measurement).

  For context, consider a website averaging 50 events per session per user. If every user logs on every third day, on average, you’ll need 10,000 individual visitors a month to reach that 25 million. But that’s not the problem. 

  The problem is that collection limits in GA4 affect your ability to capture, secure, and analyse customer data effectively.

  Customisation

  GA4 users also face configuration limits that restrict their customisation options. For example : 

  • Audience limits : Since only 100 audiences are allowed, it’s necessary to combine or optimise segments rather than track too many small groups. 
  • Retention limits : Data retention is limited to only 14 months, so external storage solutions may be necessary in situations where historical data needs to be preserved.
  • Conversion events : GA4 will only track up to 30 conversion events, so it’s best to focus on high-value interactions (e.g., purchases and lead form submissions). 
  • Event-scoped dimensions : Since e-commerce operations are limited to 50 event-scoped dimensions, they need to carefully consider custom dimensions and key metrics. This makes it important to be selective about which product details to track (color, size, discount code, etc.).

  Data privacy

  GA4 isn’t GDPR-compliant out of the box. In fact, Google Analytics 4 is banned in seven EU countries because they believe the way it collects and transfers data violates GDPR.

  Data privacy regulations may or may not be a big concern, depending on where your customers are. However, if some are in the UK or any of the 30 countries that make up the European Economic Area (EEA), you must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 

  It tells your customers that you don’t respect their data if you don’t. It can also get very expensive.

  Limited attribution models

  Attribution models track how different marketing touchpoints lead to a conversion (such as a purchase, sign-up, or lead generation). They help businesses understand which marketing channels and strategies are most effective in driving results.

  GA4 supports only two of the six standard attribution models previously supported in Universal Analytics. Organisations wanting data-driven or last-click attribution models will find them in Google Analytics. But they’ll need to look elsewhere if they’re going to use any of these models :

  • First click attribution
  • Linear attribution
  • Time decay attribution
  • Position-based attribution (u-shaped)

  GA360 isn’t a solution either

  Fundamentally, GA360 is the same product as GA4, without the above limits and restrictions. For companies that pay $50,000 (or more) each year, the only changes involve how much data is collected, how long it stays and data sampling thresholds.

  Above all, the GDPR-compliance issue remains. That can be a real problem for organisations with operations that collect personal data in the EEA or the UK.

  And the problem could soon be much bigger than just those 31 countries. Many countries currently implementing data privacy laws are modelling their efforts on GDPR, which may rule out both GA4 and GA360.

  

  What makes Matomo the top alternative ?

  No data limits

  One way to overcome all these challenges is to switch to Matomo Analytics. 

  There’s no data sampling and no data collection limits whatsoever with on-premise implementation. Matomo also supports all six attribution models, is open source and fully customisable and complies with GDPR out of the box. 

  Imagine trying to change your business strategy or marketing campaigns if you’re not confident that your data is reliable and accurate.

  It’s no secret that data sampling can negatively affect the accuracy of the data, and inaccurate data can lead to poor decision-making.
  

  With Matomo, there are no limits. We don’t restrict the size of containers within the Tag Manager nor the number of containers or tags within each container. You have more control over your customers’ data. 

  And you get to make your decisions based on all that data. That’s important because data quality is critical for high-impact decisions. 

  Open source

  Open-source software allows anyone to inspect, audit, and improve the source code for security and efficiency. That means no hidden data collection, faster bug fixes, and no vendor lock-in. As a bonus, these things make complying with data privacy laws and regulations easier.

  Matomo can also be modified in any way, which provides unlimited customisation possibilities. There’s also a very active developer community around Matomo, so you don’t have to make changes yourself — you can hire someone who has the technical knowledge and expertise. They can : 

  • Modify tracking scripts for advanced analytics
  • Create custom attribution models, tracking methods and dashboards
  • Integrate Matomo with any system (CRM, eCommerce, CMS, etc.)

  Data ownership

  Matomo’s open-source nature also means full data ownership. No third parties can access the data, and there’s no risk of Google using that data for ads or AI training. Furthermore, Matomo follows privacy-first tracking principles, meaning that there’s :

  • No third-party data sharing
  • Full user consent control
  • Support for cookie-less tracking
  • IP Anonymisation, by default
  • Do Not Track (DNT) support

  All of that underlines the fact that Matomo collects, stores, and tracks data 100% ethically.

  On-premise and cloud-based options

  You can use the Matomo On-Premise web analytics solution if local data privacy laws require that you store data locally. Here’s a helpful tip : many of them do. However, this might not be necessary. 

  Due to GDPR, several countries recognise the EEA as an acceptable storage location for their citizens’ data. That means servers hosted in any of those 30 countries are already compliant in terms of data location. 

  Alternatively, you could embrace modernity and choose Matomo Cloud — our servers are also in Europe. While GA4 and GA360 are cloud-based, Google’s servers are in the US, and that’s a big problem for GDPR.

  

  Comprehensive analytics

  If you need a sophisticated web analytics platform that offers full control of your data and you have privacy concerns, Matomo is a solid choice. 

  It has built-in behavioural analytics features like Heatmaps, Scroll Depth and Session Recording. These tools allow you to collect and analyse data without relying on cookies or resorting to data sampling.

  Those standout features can’t be found in GA4 or GA360. Google also doesn’t offer an on-premise solution.

  The one area where Matomo can’t compete with Google Analytics is in its tight integration with the Google ecosystem : Google Ads, Gemini and Firebase. 

  Key things to consider before switching to Matomo

  There are pros and cons to switching from GA4 (or even GA360) to Matomo. That’s because no software is perfect. There are always tradeoffs somewhere. With Matomo, there are a few things to consider before switching :

  • Learning curve. Matomo is a full-featured analytics platform with many advanced features (session replay, custom event tracking, etc.). That can overwhelm new users and take time to understand well enough to maximise the benefits.
  • Technical resources. Choosing a Matomo On-Premise solution requires technical resources, such as a server and skills.
  • Third-party integration. Matomo provides pre-built integration tools for about a hundred platforms. However, it’s open source, so technical resources are required. On the plus side, it does make it possible to add to the list of APIs and connectors.

  Head-to-head : GA4 vs GA360 vs Matomo

  It’s always helpful to look at how different products stack up in terms of features and capabilities :

  	GA4	GA360	Matomo
  Data ownership			✔
  Event-based data	✔	✔	✔
  Session-based data			✔
  Unsampled data			✔
  Real-time data	✔	✔	✔
  Heatmaps			✔
  Session recordings			✔
  A/B testing			✔
  Open source			✔
  On-premise hosting			✔
  Data privacy	Subject to Google’s data policies	Subject to Google’s data policies	GDPR, CCPA compliant ; full control over data storage
  Custom dimensions	Yes (limited in free version)	Yes (higher limits)	Yes (unlimited in self-hosted)
  Attribution models	Last click, data-driven	Last click, data-driven, advanced Google Ads integration	Last click, first click, linear, time decay, position-based, custom
  Data retention	Up to 14 months (free)	Up to 50 months	Unlimited (self-hosted)
  Integrations	Google Ads, Search Console, BigQuery (limited in free version)	Advanced integrations (Google Ads, BigQuery, Salesforce, etc.)	100+ integrations (Google Ads, WordPress, Shopify, etc.)
  BigQuery export	Free (limited to 1M events/day)	Free (unlimited)	Paid add-on (via plugin)
  Custom reports	Limited customisation	Advanced customisation	Fully customisable
  Scalability	Suitable for small to medium businesses	Designed for large enterprises	Scalable without limits (self-hosted or cloud)
  Ease of use	Simple, requires onboarding	Steeper learning curve	Flexible, setup-intensive.
  Pricing	Free	Premium (starts at $50,000/year)	Free open-source (self-hosted) ; Cloud starts at $29/month

  So, is Matomo the right solution for you ?

  That’d be a ‘yes’ if you want a Google Analytics alternative that ticks all these boxes :

  • Complies natively with privacy laws and regulations
  • Offers real-time data and custom event tracking
  • Enables a deeper understanding of user behaviour
  • Allows you to fine-tune user experiences
  • Provides full control over your customers’ data
  • Offers conversion funnels, session recordings and heatmaps
  • Has session replay to trace user interactions
  • Includes plenty of readily actionable insights

  Find out why millions of websites trust Matomo

  Matomo is an easy-to-use, all-in-one web analytics tool with advanced behavioural analytics functionality.

  It’ll also help you future-proof your business because it supports compliance with global privacy laws in 162 countries. With an ethical alternative like Matomo, you don’t need to risk your business or customers’ private data.

  It’s not just about avoiding fines. It’s also about building trust with your customers. That’s why you need a privacy-focused, ethical solution like Matomo. 

  See for yourself : download Matomo On-Premise today, or start your 21-day free trial of Matomo Cloud (no credit card required).

• Consent management platforms : Keys to compliance and user trust

  14 juin, par Joe

  Today’s marketing managers and data analysts face a tricky balancing act : gaining meaningful customer insights while respecting user privacy. Finding ways to navigate the maze of complex privacy regulations while managing consent at scale can be daunting. 

  Consent management platforms (CMPs) offer a solution. They allow companies to collect data ethically, manage user consent efficiently, and comply with privacy regulations like Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

  This guide explains everything you need to know about CMPs : how they function, why they’re essential for data governance, and how they work hand-in-hand with analytics platforms to promote transparency and build trust with users.

  What is a consent management platform (CMP) and what is it for ?

  A consent management platform (CMP) helps organisations collect, organise, and store user consent for personal data processing purposes. In short, it’s a tool that ensures data collection respects user privacy and complies with regulations like the GDPR and CCPA.

  Without a CMP, businesses could face hefty fines and penalties for violating data privacy laws in different parts of the world. This shows how vital these tools are to all modern businesses.

  How do consent management platforms work ?

  CMPs give users a clear and straightforward way to provide explicit consent for data collection. These platforms manage both the technical aspects of consent storage and the user experience on your site or app.

  Here’s a simplified breakdown :

  • Cookie consent banners : The CMP displays a banner whenever a user visits your website. This banner explains the types of personal information collected and for what purpose.
  • User choice : The user can accept or reject cookies and trackers. They can often customise their preferences to choose which specific data types they’re willing to share.
  • Preference storage : The CMP stores the user’s choices. This information helps ensure that you only collect and process the permitted data.
  • Integration with other systems : CMPs integrate with other systems, such as analytics platforms and advertising networks, to ensure that data collection and processing comply with the user’s choices throughout the customer experience.

  

  A key feature of CMPs is their role in shaping privacy policy design. This design encompasses the layout, visual elements, and cues employed to seek user consent.

  A recent study by Karlstad University in Sweden showed that privacy policy design significantly influences user comprehension and willingness to disclose information. In other words, it affects consent rates considerably and is key to enhancing data collection.

  Importance of consent management for compliance

  As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, consent management is taking centre stage. Although it applies to all technologies and systems that gather or handle personal data, few instances are as relevant as smart homes.

  Smart home devices have unique access to our personal spaces and private lives. They represent a unique challenge to consent management since one person is potentially granting access to personal data from themselves and other people who may be inside or around the house.

  A 2023 study by the University College London and the University of Oxford pointed out that clear design principles and granular, contextual permission structures are essential in these situations.

  However, consent management isn’t just best practice. It’s a widespread legal requirement. Not meeting these requirements can result in hefty penalties and reputational damage to your organisation.

  Consent management under GDPR

  The European Union’s GDPR is a data protection law applicable to organisations that process the personal data of individuals residing in the European Economic Area (EEA). It’s based on the principle of opting in.

  The GDPR is one of the strongest data privacy laws globally. For non-compliance, fines can be up to €20 million or 4% of the company’s total global turnover (whichever is higher).

  It’s also one of the most heavily enforced privacy laws. According to enforcementtracker.com, Meta was fined €1.2 billion in 2023, with GDPR fines reaching over €2 billion that year alone. In the UK, the largest GDPR fine is €22.05 million, according to Statista. It pays to comply.

  The GDPR has specific rules around consent, including that it must be :

  • Freely given : Users must not be pressured or coerced.
  • Specific : Must be given for specific data processing purposes.
  • Informed : Users must be provided with clear and concise information.
  • Unambiguous : Permission must be granted through clear and affirmative action, such as checking a box or tapping a button.

  CMPs help you meet these requirements by providing a transparent and user-friendly way to obtain and manage consent.

  Consent management under CCPA

  The CCPA is another privacy protection law for businesses collecting personal information from California residents. It grants Californians the right to know what data is being collected about them, to prevent it from being sold, and to request its deletion.

  CMPs support CCPA compliance by enabling users to exercise their rights and ensuring transparent data collection practices.

  Managing consent under other regulatory frameworks

  In addition to the GDPR and CCPA, numerous other privacy regulations can impact your organisation. These regulations include :

  • The COPPA in the US
  • Brazil’s LGPD
  • Japan’s APPI
  • Canada’s PIPEDA.
  • Australia’s Privacy Act 1988 

  A CMP will help streamline the process by providing a clear, practical framework to ensure you meet all applicable requirements.

  Key features to look for in a CMP

  Choosing the right CMP is crucial for global business.

  Here are some key features to consider :

  Custom banners

  Consent banners are often among users’ first digital interactions with your brand. It should be clear, concise and visually appealing. Look for a CMP that allows you to :

  • Customise the banner’s design to match your website’s branding and aesthetics.
  • Control the banner’s positioning for optimal visibility.

  End-user management tools

  The CMP should also offer a user-friendly interface allowing visitors to grant, manage and withdraw consent.

  This includes customisable banners, granular permissions, and a preference centre. The latter is a dedicated space where users can manage their preferences anytime.

  Integration capabilities with existing systems

  The CMP should integrate with your existing technology stack, including your analytics platform, marketing automation tools and CRM. This integration ensures a smooth workflow and prevents data silos.

  How to select the right CMP for your organisation

  To find the perfect CMP, focus on your specific needs and priorities. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision :

  Assessing organisational needs and goals

  Start by clearly defining your organisation’s requirements. Consider the following :

  • Types of data collected : What personal data do you collect (for example, cookies, IP addresses, location data) ?
  • Compliance requirements : Which privacy regulations must you comply with (GDPR, CCPA, COPPA) ?
  • Website or app complexity : How complex is your website or app in terms of user interactions and data collection points ?
  • Budget : How much are you willing to invest in a CMP ?

  Comparing features and pricing

  Once you thoroughly understand your needs, you can compare the features and pricing of various CMPs. Look for key features like :

  • Customisable banners
  • Granular options
  • Preference centre
  • Integration with existing systems
  • Analytics and reporting

  Once you’ve shortlisted a few options, compare the pricing and choose the best value for your budget. Take advantage of free trials before committing to a paid plan.

  Checking verified user reviews

  Read user reviews on platforms like G2 or Trustpilot to get an idea of the strengths and weaknesses of different CMPs. Look for reviews from similar organisations regarding size, industry and compliance requirements.

  Integration with a privacy-focused analytics platform

  A consent management platform acts as the bridge between your users and your analytics and marketing teams. It ensures user preferences are communicated to your analytics setup, so data collection and analysis align with their choices and comply with privacy regulations. 

  Finding a consent manager integration that works with your analytics setup is essential for businesses.

  Top five consent management platforms

  The CMP market is pretty competitive, with many players providing excellent solutions. According to Emergen Research, it was valued at $320.9 million in 2021 and is growing at 21.2%.

  Here are five of our top choices 

  1. usercentrics

  usercentrics is a comprehensive CMP with customisable banners, granular consent options and a preference centre.

  

  usercentrics geolocation rulesets page (Source : Usercentrics)

  This Google-certified CMP allows you to create global and regional consent rules to ensure compliance with local regulations like GDPR, CCPA and LGPD. For a smooth implementation, usercentrics provides access to a knowledgeable support team and a dedicated customer success executive.

  It’s worth noting that Usercentrics is the CMP we use here at Matomo. It helps us in our mission to collect and analyse data ethically and with a privacy-first mindset.

  • Key features : Customisable banners, granular permissions, cross-domain and cross-device capabilities, automatic website scans, reporting and analytics.
  • Pricing : Usercentrics offers a free plan and four paid subscription plans from €7 to €50 per month.

  2. Osano

  Osano is a user-friendly CMP focusing on transparency and ease of use.

  

  Osano’s main dashboard (Source : Osano)

  Osano can scan websites for tracking technologies without impacting the user experience.

  • Key features : Customisable banners, multi-language support, granular consent options, a preference centre and access to a knowledgeable team of compliance specialists.
  • Pricing : Osano offers a self-service free plan and a paid plan at $199 per month.

  3. Cookiebot

  Cookiebot is another popular CMP with numerous integration options, including Matomo and other analytics tools. 

  

  Cookiebot consent banner options (Source : Cookiebot)

  • Key features : A cookie scanner, a privacy trigger or button allowing users to change their consent settings, a consent management API and advanced analytics.
  • Pricing : Cookiebot offers a free plan and paid plans ranging from €7 to €50 per month.

  4. CookieYes

  CookieYes is well-suited for small businesses and websites with basic privacy needs. 

  

  CookieYes cookie banner options (Source : CookieYes)

  It offers various features, including multilingual support, geo-targeting, privacy policy generation, and a preference centre. CookieYes also integrates with analytics and CMS tools, making it easy to implement as part of your stack.

  • Key features : Customisable consent banners, granular consent options, preference centre, integration with Matomo, reporting and analytics.
  • Pricing : You can use CookieYes for free or subscribe to one of their three paid plans, which range from $10 to $55 per month.

  5. Tarte au Citron

  Tarte au Citron is an open-source, lightweight, and customisable CMP developed in France.

  

  (Source : Tarte au Citron)

  Its focus is on transparency and user experience. It provides many features free of charge, but many do require some technical knowledge to deploy. There’s also a paid subscription with ongoing support and faster implementation.

  Tarte au Citron integrates with Matomo, which is also open-source. If you’re building an open-source stack for your analytics, Matomo and Tarte au Citron make an excellent pair.

  • Key features : Open-source, customisable consent banners, integration with Matomo, works with over 220 services.
  • Pricing : You can deploy the open-source core for free, but Tarte au Citron offers three paid licenses starting at €190 for one year and reaching €690 for a lifetime license.

  How to implement cookie consent the right way

  Implementing cookie consent requires precision, time and effort. But doing it wrong can result in significant legal penalties and severe reputational damage, eroding user trust and impacting your brand’s standing. Here are the key dos and don’ts of consent :

  

  Provide clear and concise information

  Use plain language that is easy for anyone to understand. Avoid using technical terms or legal jargon that may confuse users.

  Prioritise transparency

  Be upfront about your data collection practices. Clearly state what data you collect, how you use it and who you share it with. Provide links to your privacy and cookie policies for users who want to learn more.

  Offer granular control

  Give users detailed control over as many of their cookie preferences as possible. Allow them to choose which categories of tracking cookies they consent to, such as strictly necessary, performance and marketing cookies.

  Implement user-friendly banners

  Ensure banners are prominently displayed, easy to understand, and use clear and concise language. Also, make sure they’re accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

  Respect “do not track” settings

  It’s essential to honour users’ choices when they enable their “do not track” browser setting.

  Document consent

  Maintain a record of user consent. This will help you demonstrate compliance with data privacy regulations and provide evidence of user consent in case of an audit or investigation.

  Regularly review and update consent policies

  Review and update your customer consent policies regularly to ensure they comply with evolving data privacy regulations and reflect your current data collection practices.

  Cookie consent pitfalls to avoid

  Here are some common pitfalls to avoid that may lead to legal penalties, loss of user trust or inaccurate analytics :

  • Avoid lengthy and complicated explanations. Overwhelming users with dense legal jargon or overly technical details can lead to consent fatigue and reduce the likelihood of informed consent.
  • Don’t force users to accept all cookies or none. Blanket consent options violate user autonomy and fail to comply with regulations like the GDPR.
  • Don’t make information about your data collection practices hard to find. Hidden or buried privacy policies breed suspicion and erode trust.
  • Avoid pre-checking all cookie consents. Pre-checked boxes imply consent without explicit user action, which is not compliant with GDPR and similar regulations. Users must actively opt in, not out.

  Emerging consent management trends 

  Consent management is constantly evolving and driven by new technologies, regulations, and user expectations. Here are some emerging trends to watch out for in the short term :

  • Increased automation : AI and machine learning are helping automate consent management processes, making them more efficient and effective.
  • Enhanced user experience : CMPs are becoming more user-friendly, focusing on providing an intuitive experience.
  • Privacy-preserving analytics : CMPs are being integrated with privacy-preserving analytics platforms, such as Matomo, to enable organisations to gain insights into user behaviour without compromising privacy.
  • Google Consent Mode : In 2024, Google rolled out Consent Mode v2 to align with the Digital Markets Act. Due to upcoming privacy regulations, more versions may be coming soon.

  The Privacy Governance Report 2024 also highlights the increasing complexity of managing data privacy, with more than four in five privacy professionals taking on additional responsibilities in their existing roles. This trend will likely continue in the coming years as more privacy laws are enacted.

  Addressing upcoming privacy regulations

  Data privacy and user consent requirements continue to emerge and evolve. Businesses must stay informed and adapt their practices accordingly.

  

  In 2025, several new privacy regulations are going into effect, including :

  • New state-level privacy laws in eight US states :
    • Delaware (1 January 2025)
    • Iowa (1 January 2025)
    • Nebraska (1 January 2025)
    • New Hampshire (1 January 2025)
    • New Jersey (15 January 2025)
    • Tennessee (1 July 2025)
    • Minnesota (31 July 2025)
    • Maryland (1 October 2025)
  • The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act (which will be implemented from 1 August 2024 through 2 August 2026) and other AI-focused regulations.
  • The UK Adequacy Decision Review has a deadline of 27 December 2025.

  Organisations that collect, process or otherwise handle data from Europe and the above-named US states should proactively prepare for these changes by :

  • Conducting regular privacy impact assessments
  • Reviewing consent mechanisms regularly
  • Implementing data minimisation strategies
  • Providing user-friendly privacy controls

  Future-proofing your consent management strategy

  CMPs are essential for managing consent preferences, protecting user privacy, and earning customers’ trust through transparency and ethical data practices.

  When choosing a CMP, you should consider key features such as integration capabilities, customisation options and user-friendly interfaces.

  Integrating a CMP with a privacy-first analytics solution like Matomo allows you to collect and analyse data in a way that’s compliant and respectful of user preferences. This combination helps maintain data integrity while demonstrating a strong commitment to privacy. 

  Start your 21-day free trial today.