CookieYes Technology Intelligence

What is CookieYes?

CookieYes is a comprehensive cookie consent management platform that helps websites comply with privacy regulations including GDPR, CCPA, LGPD, and other data protection laws worldwide. Founded in 2018, CookieYes has grown to serve over 1.5 million websites globally, providing website owners with an easy-to-implement consent banner solution that respects user privacy choices while enabling compliant data collection and analytics.

The platform automatically scans websites to detect cookies and tracking technologies, categorizes them appropriately, and generates compliant consent banners that allow visitors to make informed choices about their data. When users decline certain cookie categories, CookieYes blocks those scripts from loading, ensuring that consent preferences are actually enforced rather than merely recorded. This technical enforcement is what regulators require for true GDPR compliance.

CookieYes offers both free and premium tiers, making privacy compliance accessible to organizations of all sizes from small business websites to enterprise applications. Integration requires minimal technical knowledge, with most implementations completed by adding a single JavaScript snippet to website headers. The WordPress plugin simplifies setup further for the millions of sites running on that platform.

The consent management system maintains detailed records of user consent that can be presented to regulators if required. These audit logs capture when consent was given, what information was presented, and what choices users made. This documentation is essential for demonstrating GDPR compliance and responding to data subject requests or regulatory inquiries.

Detection of CookieYes on a website indicates the organization takes privacy compliance seriously and has implemented technical measures to respect user consent choices. Websites using CookieYes are typically mindful of GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy regulations that require obtaining and documenting user consent before collecting personal data through cookies and tracking technologies.

CookieYes Platform Features

Automatic Cookie Scanning: CookieYes crawls your website to automatically detect all cookies and tracking technologies in use. The scanner identifies first-party and third-party cookies, their purposes, and expiration times. Regular re-scans catch new cookies added through updates or new integrations. Scanning reports provide complete visibility into your site's data collection practices. Unknown cookies are flagged for manual review and categorization. The scanner can be scheduled to run automatically at specified intervals.

Customizable Consent Banners: The banner builder allows complete customization of appearance to match your brand. Color schemes, fonts, button styles, and layouts can all be adjusted through a visual editor. Banner position options include bottom bar, top bar, popup, and corner widget. Text can be customized in multiple languages for international audiences. Preview functionality shows exactly how banners will appear on desktop and mobile devices. Multiple banner styles are available including minimalist and comprehensive options.

Cookie Categories and Script Blocking: Cookies are organized into standard categories: Necessary, Functional, Analytics, Performance, and Advertisement. Users can accept or decline each category independently through the preference center. When users decline cookie categories, CookieYes prevents those scripts from executing entirely. This ensures consent choices are technically enforced, not just recorded. Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, and other common trackers are blocked automatically when consent is denied.

Consent Logging and Audit Trail: Every consent interaction is recorded with timestamp, user identifier, choices made, and banner version shown. Consent records can be exported for regulatory inquiries. Proof of consent protects organizations in case of complaints or audits. Records show exactly what information was presented when consent was obtained. Configurable retention periods match your data governance policies. The audit trail supports GDPR accountability requirements.

Multi-Regulation Support: Templates support GDPR (EU), CCPA (California), LGPD (Brazil), POPIA (South Africa), and other privacy laws. Geolocation detection shows appropriate consent experiences based on visitor location. Different consent modes apply for different jurisdictions automatically. Auto-blocking mode enforces stricter EU requirements while opt-out approach applies where appropriate. The platform stays updated as regulations evolve.

Google Consent Mode Integration: Native integration with Google Consent Mode ensures Google Analytics and Google Ads respect user consent choices. When consent is denied, Google's tags operate in cookieless mode collecting aggregated data. When consent is granted, full measurement capabilities are enabled. This integration maintains marketing effectiveness while respecting privacy preferences.

CookieYes Use Cases

GDPR Compliance for EU Traffic: European websites implement compliant cookie banners that meet GDPR's strict consent requirements. Users must actively consent before non-essential cookies are placed. The consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous. CookieYes provides all required elements: clear information about cookie purposes, granular category choices, easy withdrawal of consent, and documented proof of consent for regulatory inquiries.

CCPA Compliance for California Visitors: California businesses provide required opt-out options for the sale of personal information. The "Do Not Sell My Personal Information" link can be displayed automatically for California visitors. Consumer privacy rights under CCPA are honored through the preference center. Geolocation ensures California-specific requirements are met while other visitors see appropriate experiences.

WordPress Websites: The CookieYes WordPress plugin provides seamless integration for the world's most popular CMS. Automatic cookie scanning detects all cookies used by WordPress themes and plugins. Integration with popular plugins like Google Analytics, WooCommerce, and contact forms works out of the box. Plugin settings are accessible directly from WordPress dashboard. Compatibility with caching plugins ensures banner displays correctly even with aggressive caching.

E-commerce Stores: Online stores must balance marketing tracking with privacy compliance. CookieYes allows conversion tracking when consent is given while respecting user choices. Integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and other e-commerce platforms simplifies implementation. Remarketing pixels can be blocked until explicit consent is obtained. Analytics continue to inform business decisions while maintaining compliance.

Multi-Site Management: Agencies and enterprises managing multiple websites can use CookieYes across their portfolio. Centralized dashboard provides visibility into compliance status across all managed properties. Consistent consent experiences can be deployed across related sites. Client access controls allow appropriate permissions for different stakeholders. White-label options enable branded consent experiences for agency clients.

Publisher Websites: Content publishers using advertising must obtain consent for ad targeting. Integration with IAB Transparency and Consent Framework (TCF) ensures consent signals reach ad platforms appropriately. CMP mode enables compliant programmatic advertising. Publishers can balance monetization with user privacy preferences, offering ad-supported experiences to consenting users while respecting those who opt out.

CookieYes Integration Examples

Basic Implementation

<!-- Add CookieYes script to head section -->
<script id="cookieyes" type="text/javascript"
    src="https://cdn-cookieyes.com/client_data/YOUR_SITE_ID/script.js">
</script>

<!-- The script automatically:
- Displays consent banner on first visit
- Blocks scripts based on user preferences
- Manages consent state across sessions
- Provides preference center functionality
-->

Conditional Script Loading with Data Attributes

<!-- Analytics script blocked until analytics consent given -->
<script type="text/plain" data-cookieyes="cookieyes-analytics">
    (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
    (i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),
    m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)
    })(window,document,'script','https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga');
    ga('create', 'UA-XXXXX-Y', 'auto');
    ga('send', 'pageview');
</script>

<!-- Marketing script requiring advertisement consent -->
<script type="text/plain" data-cookieyes="cookieyes-advertisement">
    !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){...}(window,document,'script',
    'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js');
    fbq('init', 'YOUR_PIXEL_ID');
    fbq('track', 'PageView');
</script>

JavaScript Consent API

// Check if specific category is consented
function checkAnalyticsConsent() {
    if (window.getCkyConsent && window.getCkyConsent().categories.analytics) {
        loadGoogleAnalytics();
    }
}

// Listen for consent changes
document.addEventListener('cookieyes_consent_update', function(event) {
    const consent = event.detail;

    if (consent.accepted.includes('analytics')) {
        loadGoogleAnalytics();
    }

    if (consent.accepted.includes('advertisement')) {
        loadFacebookPixel();
        loadGoogleAds();
    }
});

// Programmatically show consent banner for preference changes
function showPreferenceCenter() {
    if (window.revisitCkyConsent) {
        window.revisitCkyConsent();
    }
}

Google Consent Mode Integration

<!-- Google tags with Consent Mode -->
<script>
// Default consent state before user interaction
window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}
gtag('consent', 'default', {
    'analytics_storage': 'denied',
    'ad_storage': 'denied',
    'ad_user_data': 'denied',
    'ad_personalization': 'denied',
    'wait_for_update': 500
});
</script>

<!-- CookieYes automatically updates consent state -->

Why Websites Choose CookieYes

Easy Implementation: CookieYes requires just a single script tag to implement on most websites. No coding knowledge is needed for basic setup and configuration. The automatic cookie scanner eliminates tedious manual cookie auditing. Template banners work out of the box while allowing extensive customization. Most websites can achieve compliance within an hour of starting. WordPress, Shopify, Wix, and other platform integrations simplify setup further.

True Technical Enforcement: Unlike simple cookie notices that just inform users, CookieYes actually blocks scripts when consent isn't given. This technical enforcement is what GDPR regulators require for compliance. Scripts are prevented from loading entirely, not just cookies from being set. This approach respects user choices meaningfully rather than treating consent as a formality. Marketing teams can still collect data when consent exists.

Affordable Pricing: The free tier provides essential functionality for basic websites up to a certain page limit. Premium features are reasonably priced for growing businesses starting at accessible monthly rates. No per-visitor charges keep costs predictable as traffic grows. Enterprise plans offer advanced features and dedicated support for larger organizations. The ROI is clear when compared to potential fines that can reach millions of euros under GDPR.

Multi-Regulation Compliance: One solution addresses GDPR (EU), CCPA (California), LGPD (Brazil), and other privacy regulations. Geolocation detection shows appropriate consent experiences automatically based on visitor location. No need for separate solutions for different markets. Templates stay updated as regulations evolve, reducing ongoing compliance burden. Legal documentation supports compliance efforts.

Comprehensive Consent Records: Detailed audit logs document every consent interaction. Records include timestamp, user identifier, choices made, and banner version shown. Export functionality supports regulatory inquiries and data subject requests. Proof of consent protects against complaints and demonstrates GDPR accountability. Configurable retention periods match your data governance policies.

Wide Platform Compatibility: Works with any website technology including WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, and custom applications. JavaScript SDK enables integration with single-page applications and modern JavaScript frameworks. WordPress plugin is highly rated and actively maintained. Mobile web support ensures consistent consent experiences across devices. AMP compatibility available for publishers using Accelerated Mobile Pages.

Ongoing Maintenance and Support: Regular cookie scanning catches new tracking added over time through site updates. Platform updates address regulatory changes automatically without action required. Security updates protect consent data. Support team helps resolve implementation questions. Documentation and tutorials guide best practices for various implementation scenarios.