How to configure Osano consent manager alongside Google Analytics 4 [GA4]
Google Analytics 4 allows users to:
- Collects both website and app data to better understand the customer journey
- Uses event-based data instead of session-based
- Includes privacy controls such as cookieless measurement, and behavioral and conversion modeling
- Predictive capabilities offer guidance without complex models
- Direct integrations to media platforms help drive actions on your website or app
Because of how GA4 is installed and executes on the page, Osano must be configured in a way that supports appropriate tracking behavior.
Option 1: Google Analytics Classification RECOMMENDED
When classifying your Google Analytics cookies and scripts, you must ensure that both the scripts and the cookies responsible for Google Analytics have the same classification category. Osano recommends the "Analytics" category for full compliance. This includes the following:
https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js
_ga
_ga_<unique_id>
This is the most compliant option but does present difficulties if loading a plethora of content via Google Tag Manager (gtag) all with different purposes.
Option 2: Google Consent Mode
Implement Google Consent Mode.
This allows Google to control the loading of their content in the way they expect it. Note that for this method to function appropriately, all Google Analytics content must be classified as "Essential" within the Osano application. Read more about setting up Google Consent Mode.
Option 3: Google Tag Manager
Implement the Osano tag via Google Tag Manager
Implementing Osano in this way allows Google control over tag sequencing. It is not recommended as it (1) requires more setup and maintenance work and (2) can put compliance at risk.
If you choose this route, Osano cannot confirm website compliance.
Read more about installing Osano via Google Tag Manager.