Joomla Plugins

It’s a Joomla plugin that enhances user privacy by detecting the Global Privacy Control (GPC) browser header and dynamically adjusting Joomla Access Levels. It enables or disables tracking components, modules, or plugins based on a user’s privacy preferences, ensuring compliance with their opt-out requests.

GPC is a browser-level signal (e.g., the Sec-GPC: 1 header) that allows users to indicate they do not want their data shared or sold. It’s supported by privacy-focused browsers like Firefox and Brave, as well as extensions like Privacy Badger, and is legally recognized under laws like California’s CCPA. Learn more at globalprivacycontrol.org.

The plugin checks for the GPC signal when a user visits your Joomla site:

• If GPC is disabled (no signal), it adds a specified access level, allowing tracking elements (e.g., cookies) to function.
• If GPC is enabled (signal present), it removes that access level, blocking those tracking elements. This happens automatically for both logged-in users and guests, requiring no user interaction.

No, it’s not a plug-and-play solution. It requires careful planning and configuration. You need to create an Opt-In group and access level in Joomla, assign them in the plugin settings, and link tracking components, modules, or plugins to those levels for it to work effectively.

As an administrator, you’ll:

• Create an Opt-In group and access level in Joomla.
• Configure the plugin to use that access level.
• Assign tracking-related components, modules, or plugins to the access level so they activate or deactivate based on the GPC signal.

Yes, the plugin adjusts access levels for all visitors—logged-in users and guests alike—based on their GPC settings, ensuring consistent privacy protection across your site.

Its power lies in its flexibility, but that requires thoughtful configuration. Since every Joomla site has unique components and privacy needs, the plugin demands strategic setup to align with your specific tracking elements and privacy goals.

It respects GPC signals, which are legally enforceable opt-out requests in regions like California under the CCPA. By disabling tracking features when GPC is enabled, it helps your site comply with privacy laws and builds trust with users.

While "System - Do Not Track" responded to the older Do Not Track (DNT) header, "System - Global Privacy Control" uses the newer GPC signal, which has stronger legal backing (e.g., under CCPA). GPC is a more modern and enforceable standard for privacy preferences.

It’s ideal for privacy-focused administrators who want to respect user preferences and comply with emerging privacy standards. It gives you granular control over tracking features while automating the process, making it a smart choice for sites prioritizing user trust.

If a browser doesn’t send a GPC signal (e.g., older browsers or those without privacy extensions), the plugin assumes GPC is disabled and grants the specified access level, allowing tracking components to function as usual.

Not effectively. The plugin relies on Joomla’s Access Level system to enable or disable features. You’ll need a basic understanding of how to create and assign access levels to make it work as intended.

It can control any Joomla components, modules, or plugins that set tracking cookies or engage in data-sharing activities, as long as they’re assigned to the access level specified in the plugin settings.

It’s best for sites where privacy is a priority and administrators are willing to invest time in configuration. Casual sites with minimal tracking or no privacy focus might not need its advanced capabilities.

Test it by enabling GPC in a supported browser (e.g., Firefox with privacy settings turned on) and checking if tracking components (like analytics modules) are disabled. Compare this to behavior with GPC off to confirm the plugin’s effect.