Data sharing preferences updates

Our current end-user consent management process implemented to ensure GDPR compliance has proven more cumbersome for registrants and resellers than we would like. To help simplify the process while remaining GDPR compliant, we are implementing some changes. We plan to reduce the number of consent request emails that registrants receive and also improve the content and design of all registrant touchpoints. The improvements to our end-user consent management process will roll out in two phases.

• Phase one: Minimize the number of consent requests
• Phase two: Implement the new data-sharing preferences design
• What do you need to do?
• Useful links

Phase one: Minimize the number of consent requests

On August 25, 2020, we will begin by reducing the number of consent requests reviewed by Registrants. When purchasing a synchronous domain, the Registrant will only receive one consent request email, and they will not receive a consent request for any subsequent synchronous domains they buy.

Registrants will continue to receive a consent request each time they purchase an asynchronous domain as these registries may not adhere to modern data processing standards. We obtain the Registrant's explicit consent before sharing their data with an asynchronous registry.

The registrant-facing page, which the consent request emails link to, will be renamed. It is currently referred to as the Data Use Consent Preferences page and will be rebranded as Your Data Sharing Preferences. Its content will be made more straightforward with embedded links to helpful resources that will address common registrant concerns. You can view mockups of the new content and final design.

Note: These design changes will not be live until phase two.

The new template is labeled GDPR initial consent request - Synchronous in our messaging platform. This new template will allow for a higher level of customization on your part and is now available in the RCP. 

Phase two: Implement the new data-sharing preferences design

In Q4 of 2020, we will implement the new design for the data sharing preferences page. This page will feature a simplified layout that includes tabs to help the Registrant easily navigate between Tucows' data-sharing practices page and Tucows' TLD details page.

Note: On August 25, 2020, the updated template will fully replace its predecessor, and the old template will be removed.

What do you need to do?

We hope that these changes will reduce the load on your support team. In the short term, there are a few actions you may need to take.

• Customize the new consent-related email templates by August 25, 2020.
• Update your support resources, as needed. These changes will significantly improve the end-user experience, but don't represent any significant changes to the consent-management process flow. Nonetheless, you'll likely want to update your help articles to ensure they reflect the new visuals and content.

Useful links

• New consent-related email templates
• Current data use consent settings page
• New data sharing preferences page
• New data-sharing practices page
• New TLD details page

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