Introduction

In today’s digital landscape, data privacy has become a critical concern for businesses and website owners. With the enforcement of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018, websites that collect data from European citizens are legally required to obtain explicit user consent before storing or managing their personal information.


This regulation aims to enhance transparency and give users greater control over how their data is handled. To comply with GDPR, eDirectory offers a built-in feature that allows website owners to request and record user consent before processing any personal data.


This guide will walk you through the process of enabling the User Consent feature in eDirectory, ensuring your website aligns with GDPR requirements.


What Happens When You Enable User Consent?

Once this feature is activated, a mandatory consent checkbox will appear on all forms across your website. Users must agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy before they can submit any form. This ensures that your website does not collect or store user data without their explicit approval, helping you maintain compliance with data protection laws.


How to Enable the User Consent Feature in eDirectory

To activate this feature, follow these step-by-step instructions within the General Settings section of your eDirectory site manager:


1. Access the Site Manager Dashboard

  • Log into your eDirectory account and navigate to the Site Manager Dashboard.
  • Click on “Settings” in the main menu.




2. Go to General Settings

  • Within the Settings menu, select “General Settings” to access various site configurations.




3. Locate the User Consent Section

  • Scroll down until you find the User Consent section.
  • Look for the option labeled “Require user consent to store data”.


4. Enable the Feature

  • Check the box to activate the user consent requirement.
  • Hit the button 'Save Changes'




Once enabled, this feature ensures that users actively acknowledge and accept the terms before their data is stored, providing transparency and legal compliance.


Why is User Consent Important?

Enforcing user consent for data storage offers several benefits, including:

  • Legal Compliance: Ensures adherence to GDPR and other data protection laws.
  • User Trust: Enhances transparency, making users feel more secure about how their data is handled.
  • Avoiding Penalties: GDPR violations can result in hefty fines, so compliance is essential.


Conclusion

With data privacy regulations becoming increasingly stringent, it’s crucial for website owners to take proactive steps in safeguarding user information. By enabling the User Consent feature in eDirectory, you not only ensure GDPR compliance but also build trust with your audience by demonstrating a commitment to data protection.


For additional compliance measures, you may also want to implement a Cookie Consent Banner on your site. Refer to this article: GDPR - Using Google Tag Manager to place a cookie consent disclaimer