Similar Technologies Policy Guide: Cookies, SDKs, Pixels, and More

Cookies are only one part of tracking; pixels, SDKs, local storage, and device IDs also need disclosure. This guide shows how to create a similar technologies policy that explains what you use, why you use it, how users can control it, and how to stay compliant with GDPR/UK GDPR and CPRA.

Reuse your CTA banners and link to the Cookie Policy Generator, Privacy Policy Generator, and Terms of Service Generator for a consistent legal stack.

What to cover in a similar technologies policy

Types of technologies

Cookies (essential, analytics, advertising, functional), pixels/tags, SDKs, local/session storage, device IDs, fingerprinting techniques (if used).

Purposes

Performance, security/fraud prevention, analytics, personalization, advertising/retargeting, A/B testing.

Partners

List key partners (analytics, ad networks, A/B testing, chat, video embeds) and link to their policies.

Consent and choices

Opt-in for non-essential tracking in EU/UK, Do Not Sell/Share and GPC handling for CPRA, and non-personalized ads where applicable.

Retention

Cookie lifespans, SDK data retention, and how often you rescan/update the list.

Settings and opt-outs

Explain banner controls, browser settings, in-app controls, and partner opt-outs. Provide contact information.

Example table of technologies and purposes

Technology	Purpose	Consent needed?	Retention	Partner
Essential cookies	Load site, security, preferences	No (legitimate interests/contract)	Session to 12 months	First-party
Analytics cookies/SDKs	Measure traffic and usage	Yes in EU/UK	13 months typical	Analytics provider
Advertising pixels	Ads/retargeting, frequency capping	Yes in EU/UK; opt-out for CPRA	Vendor-defined	Ad platforms
Local storage	Save settings, cache	Depends on purpose	Until cleared	First-party
Device IDs	Attribution, push notifications	Consent in EU/UK; opt-out CPRA	Vendor-defined	Mobile platforms

Step-by-step: create and publish your policy

1) Inventory trackers

Scan your site/app to list cookies, pixels, SDKs, local storage entries, and device identifiers. Categorize by purpose.

2) Draft clear disclosures

Describe types, purposes, retention, partners, and user choices. Use plain language and tables. Link to partner policies.

3) Configure consent and opt-outs

Implement a banner for EU/UK, Do Not Sell/Share and GPC handling for CPRA, and non-personalized ads where required. Store consent logs.

4) Link everywhere

Footer, cookie banner, privacy policy, help center, app stores, and consent settings. Use a canonical URL.

5) Maintain a changelog

Record additions/removals of trackers, partner changes, and consent mechanism updates. Note dates and versions.

6) Review quarterly

Re-scan trackers, refresh tables, verify banner behavior, and update partners and retention.

Common mistakes to avoid

Hidden pixels and SDKs

Undisclosed trackers risk enforcement. Scan regularly and align your tables with reality.

Consent bypass

Do not fire non-essential trackers before consent in EU/UK. Respect declines and allow easy changes.

No CPRA opt-outs

If you share identifiers for ads, provide Do Not Sell/Share and honor GPC.

Stale retention data

Update lifespans and partner details; avoid “as long as necessary” without specifics.

Broken links

Test partner links and policy URLs; fix them after tool changes.

Enforcement examples and references

• Sephora (2022): $1.2M CPRA settlement for tracker disclosures and opt-outs (California AG).
• Belgian DPA (IAB TCF, 2022): highlighted the need for accurate consent signals.
• Meta (2023): about €1.2B GDPR fine (Reuters) underscores transparency and transfer safeguards.
• ico.org.uk for UK cookie and similar tech guidance.

Implementation checklist

• Scan and inventory cookies, pixels, SDKs, local storage, and device IDs.
• Categorize by purpose and update tables with retention and partners.
• Implement consent banner (EU/UK), Do Not Sell/Share and GPC for CPRA, and non-personalized ads as needed.
• Link the policy in footer, banner, privacy policy, and consent settings.
• Maintain a changelog and version history; store consent logs.
• Review quarterly and after adding/removing tools or partners.

30/60/90 plan

• 30 days: Inventory trackers, draft policy tables, deploy/update banner, link policy in footer/banner/privacy page.
• 60 days: Publish partner/subprocessor list, implement Do Not Sell/Share and GPC handling, start consent and changelog logging.
• 90 days: Re-scan trackers, refresh retention and partner details, update policy and changelog, and notify users if practices change materially.

Metrics and QA

• Consent opt-in/opt-out rates by region and device.
• Do Not Sell/Share opt-outs and GPC detection success.
• Broken link rate for partner and policy URLs.
• Accuracy of tracker inventory vs. scans.
• Time to update policy after adding/removing trackers.
• Percentage of users choosing non-personalized ads where offered.
• SLA compliance for responding to opt-out and access requests related to tracking.

Roles and responsibilities

• Legal/Privacy: Own policy text, partner list, consent/legal compliance, changelog.
• Engineering: Implement banner, blocking, GPC handling, and consent logging.
• Product/Design: Place links and tables for readability; ensure mobile-friendly layout.
• Marketing: Manage pixels/SDKs, maintain inventory, and ensure disclosures match campaigns.
• Security: Oversee scanning cadence and ensure trackers do not introduce security risk.

Publication checklist

Surface	Link added	Tested on mobile	Owner	Status
Footer	Similar technologies policy	Yes	Marketing/Eng
Cookie banner	“Read more” link	Yes	Engineering
Privacy policy	Cross-link	Yes	Legal/Privacy
Help center	FAQ entry	Yes	Support
App stores	Privacy URL	Yes	Mobile

Quarterly review checklist

• Re-scan site/app for cookies, pixels, SDKs, local storage, and device IDs.
• Verify banner behavior for EU/UK and Do Not Sell/Share + GPC for CPRA.
• Update partner links, retention, and table entries.
• Review consent logs and changelog; ensure versioning is recorded.
• Confirm policy links are live across templates and languages.

30/60/90 plan (expanded)

• 30 days: Inventory trackers, categorize, draft the policy, deploy banner updates, and add links in footer, banner, and privacy page. Start a changelog.
• 60 days: Publish partner list with retention, implement Do Not Sell/Share and GPC handling, store consent logs, and test across devices and in-app browsers.
• 90 days: Re-scan trackers, refresh tables and retention, update changelog, notify users if practices change materially, and run a governance review for tag approvals.

Testing checklist

• Validate banner behavior for EU/UK (no non-essential trackers before consent).
• Test Do Not Sell/Share link and GPC detection for CPRA.
• Check partner links and policy URLs for 404s on mobile and desktop.
• Confirm “Manage preferences” link reopens the banner and respects past choices.
• Review network calls to ensure only disclosed trackers load.
• Run broken-link checks after adding or changing tags and embeds.

Additional examples to adapt

Consent banner message

“We use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies for performance, analytics, and ads. Choose Accept or Manage preferences. See our Similar Technologies Policy.”

Opt-out instructions

“You can change your preferences anytime via our banner link. California visitors can opt out of sale/sharing via our Do Not Sell/Share page; we honor GPC.”

Local storage disclosure

“We use local storage to save your language and theme preferences. This is essential for site functionality.”

SDK disclosure

“Our mobile app uses analytics and crash-reporting SDKs to improve stability. These are disabled until you consent in EU/UK. See our Similar Technologies Policy for details.”

Security considerations

• Vet SDKs and scripts for security impact; limit permissions and data collection.
• Use Subresource Integrity (SRI) where possible for third-party scripts.
• Restrict who can add new tags; review changes via a tag governance process.
• Monitor network calls to detect unexpected trackers.

Web vs. mobile nuances

• Web: focus on cookies, pixels, local storage, and consent banners.
• Mobile: emphasize SDKs, device IDs, push tokens, and in-app consent screens; ensure store privacy URLs are correct.
• In-app browsers: test banners and links inside social and ad platform browsers to prevent broken consent flows.

Accessibility and UX tips

• Keep tables scannable with clear headings; allow horizontal scroll on mobile.
• Use clear button labels (Accept, Decline, Manage) and sufficient contrast.
• Provide a table of contents and anchor links for long policies.
• Avoid modal traps; ensure banners are dismissible according to consent choices.

Case study

• Situation: A site added a new A/B testing script and retargeting pixel but never updated the similar technologies table or banner.
• Impact: EU visitors received new trackers without consent; ad platform flagged missing disclosures.
• Fix: Rescanned, updated the table and banner categories, blocked trackers until consent, refreshed partner links, and logged the change. Complaints dropped and ad approvals resumed.

Glossary

• Similar technologies: Cookies, pixels, SDKs, local storage, device IDs, and other trackers.
• Non-essential trackers: Analytics, advertising, personalization tools requiring consent in EU/UK.
• GPC: Global Privacy Control signal indicating opt-out preference; honor it for CPRA sale/sharing.
• Subprocessor: Vendor processing personal data under your instructions.
• SRI: Subresource Integrity for verifying third-party scripts.
• Non-personalized ads: Ads that avoid behavioral profiles and can be served when users opt out or decline consent.

Additional resources

• gdpr.eu
• ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-pecr/cookies-and-similar-technologies/
• oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa
• ftc.gov
• Reuters coverage of privacy enforcement for context

Quick recap

• Inventory all trackers (cookies, pixels, SDKs, local storage, device IDs) and disclose them with purposes and retention.
• Gate non-essential tracking by consent, provide Do Not Sell/Share and honor GPC for CPRA, and offer non-personalized ads where relevant.
• Keep partner lists, retention, and tables updated; store consent and changelog records.
• Link the policy in your banner, footer, privacy policy, and settings; test on web, mobile, and in-app browsers.

Final reminders

• Treat cookies, pixels, SDKs, and local storage together; disclose and control them consistently.
• Gate non-essential tracking by consent, honor CPRA opt-outs and GPC, and keep partner lists current.
• Maintain changelogs, consent logs, and versioned tables to prove compliance.
• Link to the Cookie Policy Generator, Privacy Policy Generator, and Terms of Service Generator to keep your legal stack aligned.

Quick recap

• Inventory all trackers, categorize them, and publish clear tables with purposes, retention, and partners.
• Block non-essential trackers until consent in EU/UK; provide Do Not Sell/Share and honor GPC for CPRA.
• Keep partner links, retention, and tables updated; log consent, opt-outs, and version changes.
• Test banners, links, and network calls on web, mobile, and in-app browsers to ensure disclosures match reality.