How to Implement Cookie Consent: Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Websites

Why Cookie Consent Implementation is Critical

With DPDPA 2023 enforcement, implementing proper cookie consent is no longer optional for Indian websites. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process of implementing DPDPA-compliant cookie consent on your website.

Understanding Cookie Consent Requirements

What is Cookie Consent?

Cookie consent is the process of obtaining user permission before placing non-essential cookies on their devices. Under DPDPA 2023, you must:

• Obtain explicit consent for non-essential cookies
• Provide clear information about cookie purposes
• Allow granular consent by category
• Enable easy consent withdrawal
• Maintain consent records

Types of Cookies

Essential Cookies (No Consent Required)

• Session management
• Authentication
• Security
• Load balancing

Non-Essential Cookies (Consent Required)

• Functional cookies
• Analytics cookies
• Marketing cookies
• Social media cookies

Step-by-Step Implementation Guide

Step 1: Cookie Audit and Discovery

Before implementing consent, you need to know what cookies your website uses:

1.1 Automated Cookie Scanning

Use an automated cookie scanner to:

• Discover all cookies on your website
• Identify cookie categories
• Detect third-party cookies
• Map cookie purposes

1.2 Manual Review

Review the scan results:

• Verify cookie classifications
• Identify cookie purposes
• Document cookie details
• Note third-party services

Step 2: Cookie Classification

Classify cookies into categories:

• Essential: Required for website functionality
• Functional: Enhance user experience
• Analytics: Website performance tracking
• Marketing: Advertising and targeting

Step 3: Cookie Policy Creation

Create a comprehensive cookie policy:

• List all cookies used
• Explain cookie purposes
• Document cookie lifetimes
• Identify third-party cookies
• Provide management instructions

Step 4: Consent Banner Design

Design your consent banner:

• Clear, non-intrusive design
• Plain language explanation
• Granular consent options
• Accept/Reject buttons
• Link to cookie policy
• Mobile-responsive design

Step 5: Consent Management Platform Setup

Choose and configure a consent management platform:

• Select DPDPA-compliant platform
• Configure cookie categories
• Set up consent banner
• Enable pre-consent blocking
• Configure consent recording
• Set up preference center

Step 6: Pre-Consent Cookie Blocking

Implement cookie blocking:

• Block non-essential cookies until consent
• Prevent third-party scripts
• Use consent management platform
• Test blocking functionality

Step 7: Consent Recording

Set up consent recording:

• Generate unique consent IDs
• Record consent timestamps
• Store consent choices
• Track consent withdrawals
• Maintain audit trails

Step 8: Preference Center

Create user preference center:

• Allow consent modification
• Show current preferences
• Enable category-wise control
• Provide easy access

Step 9: Testing and Validation

Test your implementation:

• Test consent banner display
• Verify cookie blocking
• Test consent recording
• Validate preference center
• Test on multiple devices
• Test in multiple languages

Step 10: Launch and Monitoring

Go live and monitor:

• Launch consent banner
• Monitor consent rates
• Track user preferences
• Gather user feedback
• Make improvements

Technical Implementation

Option 1: Using Consently Platform

The easiest way to implement cookie consent:

1. Sign up for Consently account
2. Add widget script to your website
3. Configure cookie categories
4. Customize consent banner
5. Enable automatic cookie scanning
6. Launch and monitor

Option 2: Custom Implementation

If building custom solution:

• Develop consent banner UI
• Implement cookie detection
• Create blocking mechanism
• Build consent storage
• Develop preference center
• Maintain compliance

Code Example: Basic Implementation

Here's a basic example of implementing cookie consent:

<!-- Add Consently Widget -->
<script 
  src="https://www.consently.in/widget.js"
  data-consently-id="YOUR_WIDGET_ID"
></script>

<!-- Your website content -->

Best Practices

User Experience

• Non-intrusive banner design
• Quick loading times
• Clear language
• Easy preference management

Compliance

• Pre-consent blocking
• Granular consent options
• Consent records
• Easy withdrawal

Performance

• Minimal impact on page load
• Efficient cookie blocking
• Optimized consent banner

Common Implementation Mistakes

• ❌ Not blocking cookies before consent
• ❌ Using pre-ticked boxes
• ❌ Vague cookie descriptions
• ❌ Not maintaining consent records
• ❌ Poor mobile experience
• ❌ No preference center

Multi-Language Support

For Indian websites, support multiple languages:

• English
• Hindi
• Regional languages (22 Schedule 8 languages)
• Auto-detect user language
• Allow language selection

Monitoring and Analytics

Track these metrics:

• Consent acceptance rate
• Category-wise consent rates
• Consent withdrawal rate
• Preference center visits
• Banner interaction rates

How Consently Simplifies Implementation

Consently provides:

• Automated Cookie Scanning: Discover all cookies automatically
• Smart Classification: Automatic cookie categorization
• Pre-Built Banner: Ready-to-use consent banners
• Automatic Blocking: Pre-consent cookie blocking
• Consent Records: Automatic consent recording
• Multi-Language: 22 Indian languages supported
• Analytics: Consent rate tracking

Conclusion

Implementing proper cookie consent is essential for DPDPA 2023 compliance. By following this step-by-step guide and using a robust consent management platform like Consently, you can ensure compliance while maintaining excellent user experience.

Start implementing cookie consent today with Consently's free trial. Get automated cookie scanning, consent management, and compliance reporting.