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Cookie Consent Options for Partnerize Tracking

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Overview

All of Partnerize's first party tracking methodologies rely on a click ID (clickref) being stored either client or server side as a 1st party cookie. If the clickref isn't stored, then in most cases, Partnerize is unable to attribute the conversion to a click and the sale won't be attributed to the affiliate channel.

In order to comply with legal obligations, clients in EMEA may already use an opt-in process (such as a cookie consent banner) to determine which cookies to permit on their websites at all times, and which to permit only after consent

Partnerize cannot provide legal advice on whether and in what cases the clickref cookie should be restricted for visitors who have not affirmatively consented. 

However, recent developments, including guidance from the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), has raised the possibility that in some cases certain affiliate cookies, namely for cash-back and loyalty programs requested by the consumer, could be deemed “strictly necessary”

Clients must make the determination of how to treat cookies on their own websites.  If clients wish to handle the clickref cookie differently for specific partners (e.g., partners identified as cashback or loyalty partners) or across all partners, the following options are available:

  1. Require Cookie Consent for all Partners 
  2. Exempt All Partners from Cookie Consent 
  3. Exempt Only Cashback/Loyalty Partners from Cookie Consent

Pre-requisites

Before proceeding with any option, you should:

  • Review Current Cookie Consent Logic: Work with your technical teams to assess how the clickref cookie is currently stored for the affiliate channel.
  • Consult Internal Teams: Partnerize cannot advise on the legal interpretation of cookies. Discuss internally to determine which option best suits

Option 1: Require Cookie Consent for all Partners

Update your cookie consent logic to store the clickref only after the consumer opts in via the cookie consent mechanism.

Option 2: Exempt All Partners from Cookie Consent 

Update your cookie consent settings to exempt all partners. Partnerize will append a clickref parameter containing a unique alphanumeric value, which your site must detect and store regardless of whether the consumer opts in or out of cookie consent. Work with your technical team to implement this update.

Option 3: Exempt Only Cashback/Loyalty Partners from Cookie Consent

Update your cookie consent settings specifically for cashback or loyalty partners. Partnerize will append a parameter with value partnertype=Cashback/Loyalty and regardless if consumer opts in / out the clickref should be stored. Please follow steps below to enable this option :

3.1 Enablement Steps

Stage Task Description Owner
Client Request enablement Client ask to enable parameter "partnertype" Client
Enable “partnertype” for test partner Partnerize enables "partnertype=Cashback/Loyalty" for a test partner only (no impact to live partners) Partnerize
Client implement partnertype consent logic

Update your site logic to 

i). detect the "partnertype" parameter in the URL via a Partnerize redirect

ii).if "partnertype=Cashback/Loyalty", ensure the clickref is stored in both LocalStorage and Cookies, regardless of user consent

iii). If the "partnertype" parameter is absent or does not match Cashback/Loyalty, apply your existing cookie consent rules

Client
Test Perform click tests - see 3.2 Testing section Client / Partnerize
Deploy Changes Deploy the updated cookie consent logic to your live site only upon successful testing Client
Enable “partnertype” at campaign level

Enable partnertype+__PUBMETHOD__ so this applies to all traffic for your campaign


__PUBMETHOD__ will be substituted with the relevant partner type 

Partnerize
Monitor Performance Monitor sales performance and report any issues to Partnerize Client / Partnerize

 

3.2 Testing

Please perform the below tests to ensure the clickref is stored in both LocalStorage and Cookies regardless if cookie consent is accepted / rejected.

Scenario 1: Approve/Accept cookie consent

  1. Click through Partnerize test link which will be provided
  2. Ensure the partnertype is populated with "Cashback/Loyalty"
  3. Make note of “clickref” value within browser
  4. Approve/Accept cookie consent
  5. Review if clickref cookie is created 
  6. e,g) On Chrome 
    • Right click Page > Inspect > Application 
      • On left hand side Under Storage > Cookies check if clickref is stored

Expected Result :  clickref is stored 

Note: The clickref may not appear in the browser if your implementation is server-side. Please consult your technical team for assistance.

Scenario 2 :Deny/Reject cookie consent

  1. Clear all cookies and repeat the above steps.
  2. Reject cookie consent in step 4.
  3. Confirm the clickref is still stored for traffic with "partnertype=Cashback/Loyalty".

Expected Result :  clickref is stored 

Note: For all non-partnertype=Cashback/Loyalty traffic, ensure your existing cookie consent rules are applied.

 

Next Steps

If you have questions and require further support please get in touch with Support

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