OneTrust Technology Intelligence

What is OneTrust?

OneTrust is a privacy, security, and data governance platform. Founded in 2016 by Kabir Barday and Blake Brannon, OneTrust helps organizations comply with privacy regulations and manage data responsibly.

OneTrust provides tools for consent management, cookie compliance, data subject requests, privacy assessments, and third-party risk management. The platform supports compliance with GDPR, CCPA, LGPD, and other privacy laws worldwide. OneTrust is used by over 14,000 customers, from small businesses to Fortune 500 enterprises, making it the most widely deployed privacy management solution.

Product Suite

Consent Management

• Cookie Consent: GDPR-compliant banners
• Preference Center: User choice management
• Mobile Consent: App privacy compliance
• Universal Consent: Cross-platform preferences

Privacy Management

• Data Discovery: Find personal data
• Data Mapping: Track data flows
• DSAR: Data subject access requests
• Assessments: Privacy impact assessments

GRC (Governance, Risk, Compliance)

• Third-Party Risk: Vendor assessments
• Ethics: Speak-up and compliance programs
• ESG: Environmental, social, governance
• Audit Management: Compliance auditing

Security

• Trust Intelligence: Risk monitoring
• Security Assurance: Questionnaire automation
• Attack Surface: External risk scanning
• Certifications: SOC 2, ISO 27001 tracking

Use Cases

GDPR Compliance

European companies implement OneTrust for GDPR requirements. Cookie banners capture consent before tracking. Data mapping documents processing activities. DSARs fulfill access and deletion requests within deadlines.

US State Privacy Laws

Organizations comply with CCPA, CPRA, and other US laws. Opt-out mechanisms for data sales. Consumer request portals handle rights requests. Universal consent applies across properties.

Global Privacy Program

Multinational corporations manage privacy globally. Single platform covers all jurisdictions. Localized consent experiences per region. Centralized reporting for privacy officers.

Vendor Risk Management

Enterprises assess third-party data processors. Automated questionnaires evaluate vendors. Continuous monitoring tracks vendor security. Contract management ensures DPA compliance.

Cookie Compliance

Websites implement compliant cookie banners. Auto-blocking prevents cookies before consent. Scanning identifies all cookies and trackers. Preference center lets users manage choices.

Data Discovery

Organizations find personal data across systems. Scanning discovers structured and unstructured data. Classification identifies sensitive information. Retention policies enforce data minimization.

Code Examples

Cookie Banner Integration

<!-- OneTrust Cookie Consent -->
<script src="https://cdn.cookielaw.org/scripttemplates/otSDKStub.js"
    data-domain-script="your-domain-id"
    type="text/javascript"
    charset="UTF-8">
</script>

<script type="text/javascript">
function OptanonWrapper() {
    // Called when consent is captured
    if (OnetrustActiveGroups.includes('C0002')) {
        // Performance cookies accepted
        loadAnalytics();
    }
    if (OnetrustActiveGroups.includes('C0004')) {
        // Targeting cookies accepted
        loadAds();
    }
}
</script>

Consent-Based Script Loading

<!-- Blocked until consent -->
<script type="text/plain" class="optanon-category-C0002">
    // This analytics code only runs if user consents
    gtag('config', 'GA_MEASUREMENT_ID');
</script>

<!-- Marketing scripts -->
<script type="text/plain" class="optanon-category-C0004">
    // Facebook Pixel loads only with consent
    fbq('init', 'YOUR_PIXEL_ID');
</script>

JavaScript API

// Check if consent given for category
function hasConsent(categoryId) {
    return OnetrustActiveGroups.includes(categoryId);
}

// Listen for consent changes
document.addEventListener('OneTrustGroupsUpdated', function() {
    if (hasConsent('C0002')) {
        initializeAnalytics();
    }
});

// Open preference center programmatically
function openPrivacySettings() {
    OneTrust.ToggleInfoDisplay();
}

Google Tag Manager Integration

// GTM trigger based on OneTrust consent
window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
window.dataLayer.push({
    'event': 'OneTrustGroupsUpdated',
    'OnetrustActiveGroups': OnetrustActiveGroups
});

Platform Comparison

OneTrust vs CookieYes

• Scale: OneTrust enterprise-focused
• Pricing: CookieYes more affordable
• Features: OneTrust comprehensive platform
• Simplicity: CookieYes easier setup

OneTrust vs Cookiebot

• Scope: OneTrust full privacy platform
• Cookie Focus: Cookiebot cookie-specialized
• Enterprise: OneTrust better for large orgs
• SMB: Cookiebot simpler for small sites

Strengths

• Comprehensive privacy platform
• Global regulation support
• Enterprise-grade features
• Strong vendor ecosystem
• Continuous regulatory updates

Considerations

• Enterprise pricing
• Complex for small sites
• Implementation requires expertise
• Many modules to configure
• Can be overwhelming initially