# Incorrect default signal (\`ad\_user\_data\`)

#### Description

Google Consent Mode is active, but the `default` signal sets an incorrect value for `ad_user_data`. This parameter controls users'data processing for ad personalization. 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:

     ```js
     gtag('consent', 'default', {
       ad_user_data: 'granted'
     });
     ```

     is present somewhere in your code or injected by another script.
2. If your CMP **is integrated via Google Tag Manager**:
   * The `ad_user_data` 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_user_data` 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 `Advertising` is set this way:

<figure><img src="https://1869615683-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MUspPnkTFMlMDdGxvAb-1972196547%2Fuploads%2FtBtcm2OGP3EshwcRUvEf%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5f0ea668-609c-45db-add9-c1ccb5934732" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>