The Cookie Consent Audit evaluates whether your franchise website’s cookie banner, tracking practices, and privacy disclosures are legally compliant, transparent, and free of manipulative “dark patterns”, while still supporting high-quality franchise lead generation.
For franchise brands, cookie consent is more than a compliance requirement — it is a trust signal. This audit ensures that non-essential cookies are used lawfully and transparently, visitors are given clear and meaningful choices, and data collection practices align with franchise industry best practices, FTC disclosure expectations, and applicable privacy regulations.
The audit identifies gaps, risks, and opportunities across your website and provides actionable recommendations prioritized by severity, impact, and effort to fix.
The Cookie Consent Audit reviews your website across multiple dimensions to ensure compliance, transparency, and operational readiness. Each item is assessed for status, severity, and priority, helping teams understand what must be addressed immediately versus what can be improved over time.
Vendor Due Diligence and Data Processing Agreements
Confirms that third-party vendors handling personal data are properly vetted and governed by formal agreements.
Privacy Law References
Ensures applicable regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA/CPRA) are referenced where required.
Privacy Policy Review Date Documentation
Verifies the privacy policy includes a visible and current “last updated” date.
Data Retention Policy
Confirms that data storage duration and retention practices are clearly defined.
FDD Integration of Privacy Practices
Reviews alignment between website data practices and Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) requirements.
Franchise-Specific Data Practices Disclosure
Ensures franchise-level data collection, sharing, and usage practices are clearly disclosed.
International Prospect Considerations
Evaluates whether cross-border or international data requirements are addressed when applicable.
Cookie Consent Banner
Reviews visibility, clarity, and behavior of the consent banner.
Cookie Categories Definition
Confirms cookies are clearly categorized (e.g., necessary, analytics, marketing).
Marketing Consent Mechanism
Ensures explicit consent is obtained where required for marketing and tracking technologies.
Consent Withdrawal Mechanism
Verifies users can easily change or revoke consent after their initial selection.
Consent Record Documentation
Confirms consent choices are logged, stored, and auditable.
Consent Management Platform (CMP) Implementation
Evaluates whether a CMP is used and configured correctly.
Prospect Identification Disclosure
Ensures visitor identification or tracking practices are clearly explained.
Third-Party Vendor Disclosure
Confirms all third-party data processors are disclosed.
Do Not Sell My Personal Information Link
Verifies required opt-out links are present where applicable.
Privacy Policy Language Clarity
Reviews whether policy language is clear, understandable, and non-deceptive.
Privacy Policy Link Accessibility
Confirms privacy policy links are easily accessible throughout the site.
Staff Training on Privacy Practices
Ensures internal teams understand privacy obligations and proper data handling.
Mobile-Optimized Consent Experience
Confirms consent tools function correctly on mobile and tablet devices.
A well-executed cookie consent experience helps your brand:
Meet regulatory and FTC disclosure expectations
Reduce legal and reputational risk
Avoid manipulative or misleading consent patterns
Build trust with prospective franchisees
Support compliant, high-quality lead generation
This audit provides a clear roadmap to improve compliance while maintaining strong marketing performance.