Tool Overview:
Cookiebot

About Cookiebot

Cookiebot is a consent management platform (CMP) that helps websites collect and manage user consent for cookies and tracking technologies. The platform, created by Usercentrics, provides automated scanning and blocking of cookies until users provide consent, along with documentation of user preferences. The solution is delivered as a cloud-based service that can be implemented through JavaScript integration.

What does Cookiebot do?

The core functionality of Cookiebot centers around its scanning technology that detects cookies and trackers across websites. The scanner performs monthly deep scans to identify all cookies, including third-party trackers and what Cookiebot terms 'trojan horses' - trackers loaded within other cookies. Once detected, cookies are automatically categorized and blocked until explicit user consent is obtained through a customizable consent banner.

The platform handles consent collection through interactive banners that allow users to provide granular consent for different categories of cookies: necessary, preferences, statistics, and marketing. These consent choices are documented and stored for up to 12 months to help demonstrate compliance. The system also provides users with the ability to modify or withdraw their consent through a privacy trigger that must be as accessible as the initial consent mechanism.

For implementation, Cookiebot offers several integration options including direct JavaScript implementation, WordPress plugins, and connections with popular platforms like Google Tag Manager. The solution includes geotargeting capabilities to display relevant consent notices based on user location and supports over 40 languages for banner localization.

What makes Cookiebot different?

Cookiebot uses its scanning technology that claims to detect hidden trackers loaded within other cookies. The platform emphasizes automated processes over manual implementation, positioning itself as a 'plug-and-play' solution that requires minimal technical expertise to set up and maintain.

Cookiebot has obtained certification as a Google Gold Tier CMP Partner and supports frameworks like IAB TCF 2.2 and Google Consent Mode v2. This enables the platform to signal user consent choices to advertising vendors and ensure compliance with evolving requirements from major advertising platforms.

Use cases and industries

The platform serves organizations that need to comply with data privacy regulations like GDPR, ePrivacy Directive, and CCPA. This includes businesses operating in or targeting users in the EU, California, and other jurisdictions with active privacy laws. The solution offers different pricing tiers based on website size, with a free version available for sites with fewer than 50 subpages.

Primary users include marketing teams who need to maintain advertising capabilities while respecting privacy choices, technical teams responsible for implementation, and legal teams concerned with regulatory compliance. The platform is particularly relevant for organizations using Google services like Analytics and Ads, as it provides certified integration with Google's consent requirements.