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GDPR & Cookie Consent Integration

Learn how to integrate Affonso's tracking script with cookie consent software to comply with GDPR and privacy regulations.

Silvestro
Written by Silvestro
Updated more than a month ago

GDPR & Cookie Consent Integration

If you're using cookie consent software or need to comply with GDPR regulations, Affonso's tracking script supports a special consent mode that respects user privacy choices.

How Consent Mode Works

When consent mode is enabled, the tracking script operates in two phases:

Before Consent (Privacy-First):

  • Detects affiliate parameters in the URL
  • No cookies are set until user gives consent
  • No personal data collected (no IP address, browser info, location data, etc.)

After Consent:

  • Enables full affiliate tracking with user permission
  • Sets the affonso_referral cookie for attribution
  • Enables discount codes and enhanced functionality

Installation

Add the consent-enabled tracking script to your website's <head> section:

<!-- Standard Affonso script with consent mode enabled -->
<script
  async
  defer
  src="https://affonso.io/js/pixel.min.js"
  data-affonso="YOUR_PUBLIC_PROGRAM_ID"
  data-cookie_duration="YOUR_COOKIE_DURATION"
  data-requires-consent="true"
></script>

This is the same script as always - just with one additional attribute:

  • data-requires-consent="true" enables privacy-first mode
  • The script will wait for window.affonsoConsentGranted() before setting cookies
  • Without this attribute, the script works in standard mode (sets cookies immediately)

Integration with Cookie Consent Software

Popular Cookie Consent Platforms

The consent mode works with all major cookie consent platforms:

  • Cookiebot
  • OneTrust
  • CookieYes
  • Iubenda
  • Klaro
  • Cookie Notice
  • Termly
  • Custom consent solutions

Step-by-Step Integration

  1. Install the consent-enabled script in your <head> tag (see code above)
  2. Add consent callback to your consent platform configuration
  3. Handle URL parameter propagation with custom code (see below)
  4. Test the integration to ensure proper functionality

Consent Platform Configuration

Important: Only add the consent callback function - NOT the entire script again.

When a user accepts cookies, your consent software should call:

// Add this to your consent platform configuration
// DO NOT add the script tag again - it's already in your <head>
window.affonsoConsentGranted();

This function must be called:

  • ✅ When user first accepts cookies (on any page)
  • ✅ On every page load if user has already given consent
  • ✅ After page navigation if consent was previously granted

Example integrations:

Cookiebot

// Add this to your consent platform - NOT a new script tag
window.addEventListener('CookiebotOnAccept', function() {
  if (Cookiebot.consent.marketing) {
    window.affonsoConsentGranted();
  }
});

// Also check on page load if consent was already given
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
  if (typeof Cookiebot !== 'undefined' && Cookiebot.consent.marketing) {
    window.affonsoConsentGranted();
  }
});

OneTrust

// Add this to your consent platform - NOT a new script tag
function OptanonWrapper() {
  if (OnetrustActiveGroups.includes('C0004')) { // Marketing cookies
    window.affonsoConsentGranted();
  }
}

// Also check on page load
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
  if (typeof OnetrustActiveGroups !== 'undefined' && OnetrustActiveGroups.includes('C0004')) {
    window.affonsoConsentGranted();
  }
});

CookieYes

// Add this to your consent platform - NOT a new script tag
document.addEventListener('cookieyes_consent_update', function(event) {
  if (event.detail.accepted.includes('advertisement')) {
    window.affonsoConsentGranted();
  }
});

// Also check on page load if consent exists
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
  // Check if marketing cookies are already accepted
  if (localStorage.getItem('cookieyes-consent')) {
    const consent = JSON.parse(localStorage.getItem('cookieyes-consent'));
    if (consent.advertisement) {
      window.affonsoConsentGranted();
    }
  }
});

Custom Consent Solution

// When user clicks "Accept All" or "Accept Marketing"
function handleConsentAccepted() {
  // Your consent logic here...
  
  // Then notify Affonso
  window.affonsoConsentGranted();
}

// Also check on every page load if consent was already given
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
  if (hasUserGivenConsent()) { // Your consent check function
    window.affonsoConsentGranted();
  }
});

How URL Propagation Works

Important: URL parameter propagation does NOT happen automatically. You need to implement this with custom code.

In consent mode, the affonso_id parameter is added to the URL for session continuity:

What happens automatically:

yoursite.com?ref=affiliate123
↓ (Affonso script adds affonso_id)
yoursite.com?ref=affiliate123&affonso_id=cm123abc456

What you need to implement:

yoursite.com/pricing?affonso_id=cm123abc456  ← You must preserve this
yoursite.com/features?affonso_id=cm123abc456  ← when users navigate

Why this matters: If the affonso_id parameter is lost during navigation, attribution won't work when the user gives consent later.

URL Propagation Implementation

You need to ensure the affonso_id parameter is preserved when users navigate between pages. This requires custom code on your website.

General approach:

  1. Check if affonso_id exists in the current URL
  2. Add it to all internal navigation links
  3. Preserve it during form submissions and redirects

Implementation depends on your website technology:

  • Static websites: Update all <a> tags with JavaScript
  • Single Page Applications: Handle in your router
  • Server-side frameworks: Add parameter to link generation

Testing Your Integration

1. Test Without Consent

  1. Visit your site with a test parameter: yoursite.com?atp=test
  2. Check that no affonso_referral cookie is set
  3. Verify that affonso_id is added to the URL for session continuity
  4. Check your Affonso dashboard - you should see a minimal entry without personal data

2. Test With Consent

  1. On the same page, accept cookies through your consent banner
  2. Check that affonso_referral cookie is now set
  3. In your Affonso dashboard, the entry should now show complete attribution data (IP, location, browser)

3. Test Navigation

  1. Navigate to another page on your site
  2. Verify that affonso_id parameter is preserved in the URL
  3. If you give consent on a subpage, it should still work correctly

Troubleshooting

Cookie Not Set After Consent

  • Ensure window.affonsoConsentGranted() is called after the user accepts
  • Check browser DevTools Console for any JavaScript errors
  • Verify the consent function is called only once per page

Tracking Lost Between Pages

  • Ensure affonso_id parameter is preserved in navigation for proper attribution
  • Check that your SPA router doesn't strip query parameters
  • Verify internal links include the affonso_id parameter when in consent mode

Affiliate Attribution Not Working

  • Test the complete flow: affiliate link → consent → purchase
  • Check that both the script and consent integration are functioning properly
  • Verify your payment provider integration includes the referral data

API Reference

Available Functions

// Check if consent is required
window.Affonso.isConsentRequired(); // returns true/false

// Get current referral ID (works in both modes)
window.Affonso.getReferralId(); // returns ID or null

// Manually trigger consent (if needed)
window.affonsoConsentGranted(); // returns Promise<boolean>

## Legal Compliance

This consent mode helps you comply with:

- **GDPR** (General Data Protection Regulation)
- **CCPA** (California Consumer Privacy Act)
- **ePrivacy Directive** (Cookie Law)
- **LGPD** (Brazilian General Data Protection Law)

**Important:** This technical implementation helps with compliance, but you should consult with legal experts to ensure your complete setup meets all regulatory requirements.

## Next Steps

After setting up consent mode:

- [Connect your payment provider](/help/getting-started/connect-payment-provider)
- [Test your complete affiliate flow](/help/getting-started/testing-guide)
- [Set up affiliate recruitment](/help/getting-started/recruit-affiliates)

**Need help?** Contact us at [support@affonso.io](mailto:support@affonso.io)

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