Does Facebook pixel require consent?

In general, it’s regarded as best practice to obtain consent from users before collecting their data, including through the use of tracking technologies like Facebook Pixel, but it depends on the specific laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires that companies obtain the explicit consent of users before collecting and processing their personal data. This includes data collected through the use of tracking technologies like Facebook Pixel.

Is your Facebook pixel firing?

Cookie consent can potentially interfere with the firing of the Pixel. If the user has not given consent to allow cookies, then the Pixel will not be able to collect and send data to Facebook / Instagram (Meta).

If consent is given through your cookie banner, the pixel will load.

How to check if your pixel is firing?

Install the Facebook Pixel Helper Chrome extension

Go to your website and click on the Pixel Helper icon in your browser. Check if the Pixel Helper is detecting the Facebook Pixel on your site.

If it is, it will display information about the events being fired by the Pixel.

Which types of Facebook pixels are there?

There are three main types of Facebook Pixels:

1. Base Pixel: This is the standard Facebook Pixel that can be installed on your website to track conversion events, such as page views, purchases, and sign-ups. The Base Pixel is the starting point for most businesses and provides a foundation for more advanced tracking.
2. Custom Conversions Pixel: This type of pixel allows you to create custom events that can be tracked in addition to the standard events tracked by the Base Pixel. Custom Conversions can be used to track specific actions on your website, such as clicks on a particular button or visiting a specific page.
3. Custom Audiences Pixel: This type of pixel allows you to create Custom Audiences based on specific conversion events tracked by your Pixel. Custom Audiences can be used to target advertisements to users who have taken specific actions on your website, such as making a purchase or signing up for your email list.

You can use one or multiple types of Pixels on your website, depending on your tracking requirements. More Information on Facebook pixel on the Meta website.

How to obtain consent for Facebook pixel?

There are various steps you can take for obtaining consent from users to collect their data through tracking technologies like Facebook Pixel:

1. Cookie Consent Banners: This involves displaying a cookie banner on your website that informs users about your use of cookies and tracking technologies, and allows them to accept or reject the use of these technologies. (when rejecting, the pixel will not fire).
2. Privacy Settings: You can also offer users the ability to control their privacy settings, such as allowing or blocking the use of cookies and tracking technologies in the internet browser.
3. Privacy Statement: Make sure to include a clear and detailed privacy statement on your website that informs users about your use of cookies and tracking technologies, and how their data is collected and processed. Have a look at the CookieInfo Privacy Statement here.

Want to make sure that website visitors opt-in for cookies and pixels? Have a look at the CookieInfo Custom Cookie Banner Designs. They are designed to respect privacy, but also to get high opt-in percentages on marketing and statistics cookies.

Want a more technical explenation on implementing cookie consent for Facebook with Cookiebot? Have a look at this knowledge base article.