Prioritize user privacy on your Joomla site with "System - Global Privacy Control," a robust plugin that detects the Global Privacy Control (GPC) browser header and adjusts Joomla Access Levels accordingly. This tool automatically adds or removes access for components, modules, or plugins that set tracking cookies, ensuring compliance with users’ preferences to opt out of data sharing or sales—effortlessly and behind the scenes.
How It Works
"System - Global Privacy Control" isn’t a plug-and-play solution; it demands careful planning and configuration to unlock its full potential. As an administrator, you’ll create an Opt-In group and access level, then assign it within the plugin settings. Here’s how it operates:
- When a user arrives with Global Privacy Control disabled (no Sec-GPC: 1 header or equivalent signal), the plugin adds the specified access level, allowing any assigned tracking components, modules, or plugins to run.
- When a user enables GPC (signaling Sec-GPC: 1), the access level is removed, blocking those elements and respecting their privacy preference.
v5.2.0
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This automatic adjustment works for both logged-in users and guests, requiring no user action—privacy protection happens seamlessly in the background. For those unfamiliar with GPC, it’s a browser-level signal (supported by browsers like Firefox, Brave, and extensions like Privacy Badger) that communicates a user’s desire to opt out of data sharing, recognized under laws like California’s CCPA. Learn more at globalprivacycontrol.org.
Why Choose System - Global Privacy Control?
GPC builds on the legacy of the System - Do Not Track plugin, offering a legally enforceable opt-out signal in jurisdictions like California, where businesses must honor it as a valid request under the CCPA. This plugin bridges Joomla’s capabilities with modern privacy standards, giving you granular control over tracking features while respecting user choices. It’s ideal for privacy-focused sites, but success hinges on strategic setup—plan your access levels and assignments to align with your site’s privacy goals.
Features
- Automatic Detection: No user interaction needed—detects GPC signals instantly.
- Dynamic Access Control: Adds or removes Joomla Access Levels based on GPC status, even for guests.
- Privacy Compliance: Ensures tracking components are disabled when users opt out, enhancing trust.
- Flexible Configuration: Requires thoughtful planning to assign components, modules, and plugins effectively.
- EU e-Privacy Directive: Directly and automatically integrates with the System - EU e-Privacy Directive plugin for consent management.
Elevate your Joomla site’s privacy with "System - Global Privacy Control"—the smart choice for administrators committed to respecting global privacy preferences. Ready to implement a cutting-edge privacy solution?
Download the Plugin
System - Global Privacy Control 5.2.0}6
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the "System - Global Privacy Control" plugin?
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.
What is Global Privacy Control (GPC)?
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.
How does the plugin work?
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.
Is this plugin easy to set up?
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.
What kind of setup is required?
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.
Does it work for both logged-in users and guests?
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.
Why isn’t this a simple plug-and-play plugin?
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.
How does this plugin help with privacy compliance?
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.
What’s the difference between this and the "System - Do Not Track" plugin?
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.
Why should I use this plugin on my Joomla site?
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.
What happens if a user’s browser doesn’t support GPC?
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.
Can I use this plugin without understanding Joomla Access Levels?
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.
What types of components does this plugin control?
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.
Is this plugin suitable for all Joomla sites?
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.
How can I tell if my site is respecting GPC after installing this plugin?
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.
