User Consent Record
Documentation proving when, how, and what a user consented to, essential for demonstrating GDPR and CCPA compliance.
What User Consent Record means
A user consent record is the documented proof of when, how, and to what extent a user provided consent for data processing, tracking, or marketing communications. Under GDPR's accountability principle, organizations must be able to demonstrate that valid consent was obtained. A complete consent record typically includes the identity of the data subject, the date and time of consent, the method of consent (what the user saw and clicked), what specific purposes were consented to, the version of the privacy policy/terms at the time, and any subsequent modifications or withdrawals of consent. Consent management platforms (CMPs) automate consent record keeping. For advertising, consent records are essential for defending against regulatory inquiries about tracking legitimacy, demonstrating compliance during audits, and responding to data subject access requests. Poor consent record keeping is a common audit finding.
Related terms
Consent
A user's explicit or implied permission for data collection, processing, or advertising targeting, required by privacy regulations.
Consent Management Platform
A tool that helps websites and apps collect, manage, and store user consent for cookies and data processing.
GDPR
The General Data Protection Regulation — the EU's comprehensive data protection law governing how personal data is collected, processed, and stored.
Data Subject Access Request
A formal request from an individual to access, correct, or delete their personal data held by an organization.