Cookie Consent and Google Analytics 4 [GA4]

Use the below guide to ensure seamless integration between Osano's cookie consent solution and Google Analytics for a comprehensive understanding of user interactions on your website or app.

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>

Option 2: Google Consent Mode (Recommended)

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.