Fix "Get Privacy Ready" in Google AdSense: GDPR & CCPA Consent Setup (Step-by-Step)

Learn how to fix "Get Privacy Ready" & Setup GDPR and CCPA consent

Do not be alarmed if you receive the warning “Get privacy ready – Action required to comply with GDPR and CCPA” when you go into your AdSense account. This tutorial will walk you through the process of resolving the issue and ensuring that your site conforms with Google’s upgraded privacy and consent requirements (particularly Consent Mode v2).

❓ Why are you seeing this warning?

Since March 2024, Google requires all AdSense publishers running advertising in the European Economic Area (EEA) and California to comply with:

GDPR (the General Data Protection Regulation)
CCPA (The California Consumer Privacy Act)

To continue to serve targeted advertising, you must employ Google Consent Mode v2 and a user-facing consent banner.

Step-by-Step Guide for Fixing "Get Privacy Ready" in AdSense.

Step 1: Choose a Consent Management Platform.

Google requires you to utilize a Google-certified CMP to display a compliant cookie banner and acquire user consent.

Popular Google-certified CMPs include CookieYes (free plan available).

Complianz
Quantcast
OneTrust
Usercentrics

CookieYes and Complianz are the most simple plugins for WordPress users to install.

Step 2: Install CMP plugin on WordPress (e.g. CookieYes).

Go to the WordPress dashboard > Plugins > Add New.

Search for “CookieYes” and install it.

Activate the plugin.

Follow the setup wizard.

Select your region (GDPR, CCPA, etc.).
Customize the banner layout and colors.
If prompted, select Google Consent Mode (v2).

Step 3: Turn on Google Consent Mode v2 (required).

Most CMPs now integrate straight into Consent Mode v2.
If your CMP does not automatically enable it, you can manually add the Consent Mode script.
Manual Setup (Advanced)

gtag(‘consent’, ‘default’, {
ad_storage: ‘denied’,
analytics_storage: ‘denied’,
wait_for_update: 500
});

gtag(‘js’, new Date());
gtag(‘config’, ‘G-XXXXXXX’); // Replace with your Google Analytics/Ads ID
</script>

This script sets default storage to “denied” until the user gives consent.

Step 4: Sync CMP with Google AdSense/Tag Manager

If using Google Tag Manager (GTM):

Visit tagmanager.google.com.
Add a Consent Initialization Trigger.
Update your AdSense and GA4 tags to respect the Consent Mode.
Set Consent Rules.

ad_storage: permitted or denied.
analytics_storage: permitted or denied.

CMP plugins like as CookieYes or Complianz typically handle this automatically.

Step 5: Test your setup.

Visit your website in incognito mode.
Ensure the cookie consent banner appears.
To ensure that Consent Mode is operating, use Google’s Tag Assistant or the Consent Mode Checker.

Step 6: Confirm in AdSense

once activated.

Go to Google AdSense dashboard.
Click on the “Privacy & Messaging” section.
The “Get privacy ready” notice should be gone within a few hours or days.

If not:

Re-check your CMP integration.
Ensure the Consent Mode is triggering before the adverts load.
Use Google’s tools for debugging

Final thoughts

Fixing the “Get privacy ready” warning is critical if you want to continue earning money through AdSense. Google has prioritized privacy, and Consent Mode v2 is the new standard.

Using this guide, you will:

Maintain compliance with GDPR and CCPA.
Avoid AdSense penalties.
Increase user trust with transparent consent methods.