Incorrect default signal (`ad_storage`)

bad_ad_storage

Description

Google Consent Mode is active, but the default signal sets an incorrect value for ad_storage. This parameter controls whether analytics-related cookies are enabled before the user gives consent. If the value is anything other than "denied", Google may begin tracking before consent is obtained, which defeats the purpose of Consent Mode.

Possible causes

1. If your CMP is not integrated via Google Tag Manager:

   • A hardcoded gtag command like:

     gtag('consent', 'default', {
       ad_storage: 'granted'
     });

     is present somewhere in your code or injected by another script.

2. If your CMP is integrated via Google Tag Manager:

   • The ad_storage field in the Default Consent Mode Settings is not set to "denied" ;

   • Another tag in GTM may override the value with a different gtag call.

What to check

If you are not using Google Tag Manager:

• Search your codebase for any gtag('consent', 'default', {...}) command;

• Remove or modify any line that sets ad_storage to "granted" or another incorrect value.

If you are using Google Tag Manager:

• Open your CMP tag (e.g., ABconsent – Sirdata CMP) ;

• In the "Default Consent Mode Settings" section, make sure Analytics is set this way: