GDPR Compliance
Data Privacy

Cleo Ensures GDPR Compliance and Preserves Data Integrity with Darwin 

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

Key issues

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.

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.

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:
1

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. 
2

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.
3

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.
4

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.

want the same

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

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.

Regulations shouldn’t hold your business back from achieving exceptional results

Book a Demo with Darwin today