Google Consent Mode V2 – Important Update
If you use Google Ads and/or Analytics, please read this and act now. Website changes are required!
Below is an extract from a recent email we sent to our marketing clients about important changes introduced by Google regarding data privacy and how this impacts websites and cookie control. Bottom line is that if you want to continue using Google Analytics and/or Ads and don’t want to risk account suspension, you need to act now if you haven’t done so already. So if you simpy host a website with us and use analytics and/or ads, we recommend reading on as important changes are required.
The background to Consent Mode V2 and what you need to do
Google is making significant changes to ads and analytics services which are being mandated in line with national and international privacy polices. This is known as Google Consent Mode V2.
You can read more at the link at the base of this update, but in summary, all services which Google provides such as Analytics and Ads must now offer a facility where users can opt out of tracking when they visit your website. Essentially this is a significant update to the old “cookies” policies which have been in place for some years. These were primarily informational and in most cases did not allow automatic opt out from tracking for website users; however the new systems default to “no tracking” and users have to opt-in.
When are the changes needed?
Google actually mandated this work from March of this year, however many providers in the UK held off to see if our independent status ex the EU would allow us to remain as-is. However, this is not the case and UK compliance has been confirmed.
When happens if I don’t update my website?
If you do not update the cookie implementation and tracking options on your website, Google will very likely suspend your analytics and ads accounts. The suspension notices will start early in May and whilst a short period will be allowed to allow rectification, we are advised directly from Google that the account suspensions will happen. This means that you will no longer have useful analytics reporting or the ability to use Google Ads effectively. These are both essential tools that we use for many of our clients.
What does this mean to you?
Unfortunately if you do not update your dental website cookies and tracking compliance as discussed above, you will likely lose access to analytics and ads functionality. These are the essential tools we use to optimise and promote clients websites.
Third-party marketing
If you use a third-party marketing service, they should have contacted you with regard to this. If not, please get in touch with them and ask them to explain how they are complying or more importantly, how are they ensuring you comply.
What difference will users see on my website after the work has been completed?
When users visit your website they will see a new form of cookie banner with a selection of tracking types they can either allow or disallow. This in turn allows or disallows certain types of tracking data which flows back to Google Analytics/Ads.
In reality many users simply click “allow all” for this type of tracking and so the effect on Google’s services should hopefully be minimised. However, website owners now have to provide the option to provide granular opt outs to meet the new legislation.
Google’s information page
Please see what Google has to say about the updates at the link below – please remember that the UK is included.
https://support.google.com/tagmanager/answer/13695607
Summary
Google Consent Mode V2 has arrived and you cannot ignore it. If you haven’t already authorised us to complete the website upgrade work required, please get in touch with the Dental Media web team on 01332 672548. If you are not a client and need assistance to meet these new requirements, we can also help; please call us for advice.