Cleo Ensures GDPR
and Preserves
Data Integrity
About the client
Cleo Communications, an industry leader in communications software, faced a pressing challenge as GDPR compliance regulations tightened across Europe.
Their ecosystem, serving a global audience, required advanced solutions to balance data compliance with effective analytics collection. Partnering with Darwin, Cleo implemented Google Consent Mode, cookie banner configuration, and BigQuery integration, allowing them to achieve full GDPR adherence without compromising their marketing data. The result? Enhanced regulatory compliance, secure data management, and actionable insights - even for non-consenting users.
Introduction
Mission
Cleo communications is a leading provider of SaaS communication solutions with a strong presence in international markets, including Europe, where regulations like GDPR are pivotal. Known for innovation, Cleo helps organizations streamline communication workflows while navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
Problem Overview
Operating in Europe brought unique challenges for Cleo. GDPR introduced regulations regarding user consent, data privacy, and transparency, which directly impacted analytics and marketing functions. Their challenge was twofold - ensuring absolute compliance to avoid legal risks while maintaining accurate data-driven marketing strategies.
The Problem
Cleo’s marketing team faced several pain points that hindered efficiency and growth, including key issues:
01 Compliance Challenges
Cleo Communications was facing mounting pressure to protect user privacy and fulfill GDPR requirements. However, non-compliance could lead to costly lawsuits and loss of reputation. At the heart of the issue was consent management—ensuring users' decisions were respected without deterring overall functionality.
02 Erosion of Data Accuracy
Before implementing advanced solutions, Cleo couldn’t fully capture or process data from users rejecting cookies. This led to incomplete analytics, which in turn impacted marketing campaigns and decision-making. The absence of secure data management systems for non-consenting users only exacerbated the complexity.
03 Balancing Compliance and Marketing Needs
Cleo recognized that strict data regulations shouldn't come at the cost of their ability to market effectively. The team needed a solution where compliance and actionable analytics could coexist harmoniously.
The Solution
Darwin engineered a comprehensive solution to address Cleo's compliance challenges while maximizing data use. Here's how it was achieved:
Advanced Implementation of Google Consent Mode
Darwin expertly configured Consent Mode to ensure user consent decisions were respected while still permitting essential data collection. Visitors who opted out of cookies had their data managed securely in compliance with GDPR requirements.
Effective Cookie Banner Configuration
Darwin worked closely with Cleo’s development team to design and deploy a cookie banner that aligned perfectly with regulatory standards. The banner provided clear, transparent options to users, empowering them to make informed decisions about data sharing.
BigQuery Integration for Enhanced Data Management
For users who rejected cookies, Darwin integrated Google Cloud's BigQuery to securely store anonymized data. By doing this, Cleo maintained data integrity while aligning with privacy standards.
GA4’s Data Modeling for Non-Consenting Users
To mitigate data loss, Darwin leveraged Google Analytics 4's (GA4) data modeling capabilities. GA4 enabled Cleo to recreate and analyze the behavior of non-consenting users in an aggregated format, offering valuable insights without breaching privacy.
The partnership with Darwin delivered remarkable outcomes for Cleo Communications, blending compliance with data-driven growth.
Key Outcomes
100% GDPR Compliance Achieved
Cleo’s ecosystem was brought to full compliance with GDPR requirements, mitigating legal risks and increasing user trust in markets with stringent data regulations.
Superior Analytics Accuracy
With BigQuery integration and GA4 data modeling, Cleo was able to collect critical aggregated insights even from users rejecting cookies. This restored the reliability of their campaigns and informed better business decisions.
Enhanced User Trust and Transparency
The implementation of a clear and transparent cookie banner improved the overall user experience, fostering trust and adherence to ethical data collection practices.
Legal Protection and Market Readiness
Before-and-After
Comparison
Metric
- Compliance
- Consent Management
- Data Analytics Accuracy
- User Trust/Transparency
Before
- Partial compliance
- Ineffective, limited user control
- Fragmented insights, data loss
- Ambiguity in cookie policy
After
- Full legal GDPR adherence
- Advanced Consent Mode
- Aggregated modeling via GA4
- Improved with clear
Client Feedback
Thanks to the proactiveness of the Darwin team, we were able to ensure compliance of our ecosystem products that are served internationally, especially in Europe, which helped us not only cover ourselves from lawsuits but also ensure we don’t miss any data from regulations,
Jenn Bigdeliazari,
Senior Marketing Director, Cleo Communications
With a compliant and efficient data ecosystem now in place, Cleo Communications is equipped to handle regulations as they evolve, guaranteeing long-term success in international markets.
The Darwin team continues to provide ongoing support to optimize systems and ensure everything stays up-to-date.
Collaboration with Darwin has empowered Cleo to strike the perfect balance between legal compliance and effective data analysis, setting them up for sustainable growth in a highly regulated environment.