DMA Cookie Consent
The DMA cookie consent requirements are changing how small businesses must handle user tracking in 2025. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduces stricter rules for cookie banners and consent mechanisms that directly affect websites using services from Google, Meta, and other major platforms.
What is DMA Cookie Consent?
DMA cookie consent refers to the specific requirements introduced by the Digital Markets Act for obtaining user permission before setting cookies or tracking visitors. These DMA cookie consent rules became fully enforceable in 2024 and have significant implications for small business websites.
The essential DMA cookie consent principles include:
- Equal prominence for “Accept” and “Reject” buttons
- Clear explanations of cookie purposes
- Granular vendor and purpose controls
- Easy access to consent management
Small businesses using Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or similar tools must implement proper DMA cookie consent mechanisms to remain compliant.
How to Implement DMA Cookie Consent
Implementing DMA cookie consent on your website involves several key steps:
1. Cookie Audit
First, identify all cookies your website uses:
- Necessary cookies for basic functionality
- Preference cookies for user settings
- Statistics cookies for analytics
- Marketing cookies for advertising
2. Choose a Consent Manager
Select a consent management platform that supports DMA cookie consent requirements:
- Cookiebot
- OneTrust
- Usercentrics
- CookieFirst
3. Design Your Cookie Banner
Your DMA cookie consent banner must include:
- Equally visible Accept and Reject buttons
- Clear, non-technical explanations
- Option to customize preferences
- Link to your privacy policy
4. Technical Implementation
Ensure your DMA cookie consent solution:
- Blocks all non-essential scripts until consent
- Stores consent preferences securely
- Activates only approved services
- Logs consent for compliance purposes
DMA Cookie Consent Best Practices
Follow these best practices for DMA cookie consent:
- Make rejection as simple as acceptance
- Avoid manipulative design patterns
- Provide clear purpose explanations
- Offer granular controls for different purposes
- Maintain an accessible consent management tool
- Respect user choices throughout your site
- Keep your cookie list current and accurate
Common DMA Cookie Consent Questions
Is DMA cookie consent different from GDPR consent?
Yes, DMA cookie consent introduces stricter requirements, particularly regarding the equal prominence of rejection options and cross-platform data sharing limitations.
When did DMA cookie consent become mandatory?
The Digital Markets Act became enforceable in March 2024, making DMA cookie consent mandatory for websites using services from designated gatekeepers.
Do I need to update my cookie banner?
Most likely yes. Many existing cookie banners don’t meet the equal prominence requirements specified in DMA cookie consent regulations.
Can I still use Google Analytics with DMA cookie consent?
Yes, but only after obtaining proper consent through a compliant banner. Configure Google Analytics to operate in “consent mode” and activate only after user permission.
DMA Cookie Consent for Different Business Types
E-commerce Websites
For online stores implementing DMA cookie consent:
- Configure Facebook Pixel to activate only after marketing consent
- Set up Google Analytics in consent mode
- Separate remarketing consent from analytics consent
- Clearly explain how purchase data may be shared
B2B Service Websites
For B2B websites implementing DMA cookie consent:
- Use privacy-enhanced mode for embedded content
- Configure LinkedIn tools with proper consent checks
- Separate form submission consent from tracking consent
- Explain data processing in business-relevant terms
DMA Cookie Consent Resources
Our DMA cookie consent toolkit includes:
- Ready-made banner templates
- Configuration guides for popular platforms
- Compliance checklists
- Privacy policy templates
Join our mailing list to receive our free DMA cookie consent implementation guide.
🔗 Keep Exploring:
👉 What is GDPR+? A Simple Guide for SMEs
👉 GDPR in 2025: What’s Actually Changing
✅How DPO & Privacy Support Helps You Stay Compliant
At DPO & Privacy Support, we help businesses proactively fix the same issues that led to actual GDPR fines in 2025:
- 🍪 Non-compliant cookie banners?
We audit and redesign cookie banners to ensure they offer true choice — no dark patterns, no vague consent. - 📄 Outdated or unclear privacy notices?
We draft clear, lawful, and user-friendly privacy notices that meet regulator expectations across the UK and EU.
👉 Review or update your privacy notice → - 📬 Struggling with DSARs?
We build practical DSAR workflows and train your team to handle them quickly and lawfully.
👉 Need DSAR help? Talk to us → - 🔗 Sharing data with vendors or adtech tools?
We help you secure proper consent and create transparent, documented data sharing practices.
👉 Get vendor privacy contracts reviewed → - 🤝 No DPA in place with processors?
We draft and review GDPR-compliant Data Processing Agreements and Standard Contractual Clauses.
👉 Let us handle your DPAs and SCCs → - 👤 Need ongoing expert support?
Our DPO-as-a-Service gives you expert guidance, audit support, and documentation — without hiring full-time.
👉 Explore our DPO support plans →
