This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers and publishers should always seek legal advice before taking action with respect to the matters discussed in this article.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a critical European privacy regulation that went into effect on May 25th, 2018. This regulation requires any organization that processes, stores, accesses, or hosts the personal data of EU residents to comply with stringent data privacy laws, regardless of the organization's physical location. In this article, we will explore what the GDPR entails, how Ezoic has prepared to help publishers comply with these regulations, and provide answers to frequently asked questions regarding GDPR and Ezoic's services. Our aim is to offer clear, accurate information to assist you in navigating GDPR compliance effectively. Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

On May 25th, 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect in all EU member states. It applies to any organization that processes, stores, accesses, or hosts the personal data of EU residents, regardless of the organization’s physical location. GDPR aims to coordinate data privacy laws across Europe and safeguard EU residents' data privacy. For more information, Google provides further information at https://www.cookiechoices.org/

Ezoic has taken several steps to ensure compliance with GDPR:

1. IP Address Encryption: Ezoic encrypts IP addresses to protect users' personal data.
2. User Tracking Control: Ezoic offers users the ability to remove tracking of any sites they have visited.
3. Cookie Notifications: Publishers can update their cookie-collecting notifications to ensure compliace with GDPR requirements.

Additionally, Ezoic provides a Consent Management App to help publishers manage user consent. This app is free for all Ezoic publishers. If you prefer using a third-party modal provider, you can make this selection within the app and follow the instructions for integration. For those who already have their own modal prompt, Ezoic's tool allows linking your own Consent Dialog with Ezoic’s system to ensure full compliance.

Ezoic also offers a data lookup tool that allows users to view and request the deletion of any personal information collected about them. This tool enhances transparency and user control over their personal data.

For more detailed instructions on using the Consent Management App, including integrating third-party consent tools, publishers can refer to the related article Installing the Consent Management App.

1. Ensure Transparency: Always inform users about the collection of their Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and obtain their consent before processing their data. Transparency fosters trust and compliance with GDPR requirements.

2. Leverage Ezoic’s Consent Management App: Utilize the free Consent Management App provided by Ezoic to manage user cookie consent efficiently. This app helps in obtaining and managing user consent, ensuring GDPR compliance.

3. Encrypt IP Addresses: Make sure to encrypt IP addresses to enhance user data security. Ezoic offers this feature to align with GDPR guidelines.

4. Update Cookie Notifications: Regularly update your cookie consent notifications to keep users informed about any changes in data collection and processing practices. Ezoic provides tools for easy updates to these notifications.

5. Use Geolocation for Modal Prompts: Show the GDPR modal prompt only to EU residents by determining their location through IP addresses. This helps in targeting compliance efforts effectively.

6. Integrate Third-Party Consent Tools: If you are using a third-party consent management tool, ensure it is properly integrated with Ezoic’s Consent Management App. Follow the provided in-app instructions to link and synchronize consents.

7. Regularly Review Data Protection Practices: Periodically review and update your data protection measures. Utilize tools like Ezoic’s data lookup tool to allow users to view and delete their personal data, maintaining compliance with GDPR.

8. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with any changes in GDPR regulations and Ezoic’s updates regarding data protection and consent management. Regularly check related articles and resources provided by Ezoic.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your site remains compliant with GDPR and builds trust with your users through transparent and secure data handling practices.

Who will be shown the modal prompt?
The modal prompt will only appear for EU residents. Using IPs and relating them back to geolocations, the location of the user will be determined, and if they are within the EU, they will be shown the modal prompt. If they are not within the EU, then they will not be shown the modal prompt.

How can Ezoic help with GDPR?
Ezoic has created a Consent Management App to help you with compliance and managing your user cookie consent, or to enable you to have your own consent management platform work with Ezoic.

Is there an extra fee for Ezoic’s Consent Management App?
No, Ezoic’s Consent Management App is free for all Ezoic publishers.

Can I use a third-party modal provider?
There are some third-party modal and consent management providers. Many of them charge for the service. If you want to use one of these instead of Ezoic's free app, you can make that selection in the app and follow the in-app instructions.

What if I already have my own modal prompt?
The “3rd Party Consent Management” setting can be enabled if you have already taken steps towards making your original site compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation, which came into effect on 25th May 2018. If you are using another consent tool, our tool allows publishers to link your own Consent Dialog with Ezoic’s in order that Ezoic’s tool can call back to your 3rd Party Consent tool.

What about my personal data protection with Ezoic?
Ezoic improves your internet experience by storing some basic information about your browsing history. You have the right to view the information that Ezoic has collected about you and to request the deletion of any personal information we may have. You can use the data lookup tool to complete these actions: http://g.ezoic.net/EzoicUserDataProtection.html