Full Guide: Mastering PECR Compliance for Google Analytics

I’ve seen too many businesses receive those dreaded ICO warning letters about PECR compliance violations.

With recent enforcement data showing 134 out of 200 UK websites receiving compliance warnings, getting your PECR cookies strategy right isn’t optional—it’s business-critical.

Compliance can be overwhelming and feel scary for many website owners. But don’t worry – I’ve got your back!

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about PECR compliance and Google Analytics 4.

Table of Contents:

What is PECR?

PECR stands for Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, and they sit alongside GDPR in the UK.

PECR is a set of rules specifically around electronic communications, like emails, texts, and marketing calls. They also apply to related technologies, like cookies, location data, and directory listings.

According to the Information Commissioner’s Office:

Some of the rules only apply to organizations that provide a public electronic communications network or service. But even if you are not a network or service provider, PECR will apply to you if you:

• market by phone, email, text or fax;
• use cookies or a similar technology on your website; or
• compile a telephone directory (or a similar public directory)

Here’s what makes PECR different from GDPR:

• PECR focuses specifically on electronic communications technology
• GDPR covers broader data protection principles
• Both work together to protect user privacy
• Non-compliance penalties have been dramatically increased for 2025

The High-Stakes Reality Check

The enforcement landscape has transformed. The Data (Use and Access) Bill increases potential fines for PECR compliance breaches to mirror UK GDPR levels—up to £17.5 million or 4% of global turnover.

That’s a massive jump from the previous £500,000 maximum penalty! In 2024 alone, the ICO has already issued multiple fines up to £140,000 for compliance violations.

So, how do you make sure your use of Google Analytics is compliant with PECR?

How to Make Google Analytics PECR Compliant

Since Google Analytics uses cookies, making it PECR compliant is a must.

If you’re familiar with GDPR and making your analytics GDPR compliant, this will be very much the same.

In fact, if you’ve already taken steps to make your website and Google Analytics GDPR compliant, then you are already PECR compliant without taking any further steps.

If you haven’t taken any action yet or would like to revise your compliance, read on!

Method 1: MonsterInsights EU Compliance (Recommended)

If you want to make your Google Analytics tracking compliant, there are two different methods you can use to make that happen.

Method One: In a few clicks, download the MonsterInsights plugin at the Plus level. Then, download and activate the EU Compliance addon.

Once you’ve got the addon installed and activated, you’ll be able to turn on these GDPR-compliant features:

• Anonymize IP addresses
• Disable demographics and interest reports for remarketing and advertising
• Disable UserID and author name tracking
• Disable UserID tracking for eCommerce hits, form tracking hits, and custom dimensions

Go to Insights » Settings and then click the Engagement tab.

Then, go to EU Compliance to adjust your settings.

To really dive into these features and understand why you might want to turn them on, read our complete guide to GDPR and Google Analytics.

Method 2: Cookie Consent Management

You can use a cookie acceptance plugin to obtain explicit consent before loading the Google Analytics tracking script.

MonsterInsights integrates with Cookiebot, one of the top cookie plugins for WordPress. So, if you choose to use a plugin, we recommend this one.

With Cookiebot installed, any website visitors will be able to consent to being tracked or opt out of tracking.

Which PECR Compliance Method is Right for Your Website?

I highly recommend going with the MonsterInsights compliance method. Here’s why:

• We stay up-to-date on laws and update the plugin quickly if anything changes
• Website visitors won’t have to click a button to be tracked or get annoyed by a cookie popup
• There’s no risk of missing tracking data
• It’s an easy-to-understand solution to a complex law

Using a cookie acceptance popup is risky because it relies on your users clicking a button to opt-in to being tracked. If they don’t click it, you don’t get data from their visits at all.

Your Google Analytics tracking code won’t even fire if a user doesn’t click that “Accept” button.

Get Started with MonsterInsights Today!

More Resources on Explicit Consent

I’ve gone over the basics here about how to set up your website and Google Analytics for GDPR and PECR compliance.

For more details about explicit consent and compliance for your website, check out these resources:

• GDPR and Google Analytics – How to Make Your Site Compliant
• How to Make a WooCommerce Site GDPR Compliant
• What are PECR? via the Information Commissioner’s Office
• How to Make Google Analytics Opt-out Links With MonsterInsights
• 7 Best GDPR Plugins to Help You Avoid Heavy Fines

Not using MonsterInsights Plus or above? Upgrade your license to access the EU Compliance addon, plus many other features!

And don’t forget to follow us on YouTube for more helpful Google Analytics tips and tutorials.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do all website cookies require consent under PECR?

No, only PECR cookies that aren’t strictly necessary for core website functionality require consent. Essential cookies for shopping carts, user authentication, and security don’t need consent, but analytics, advertising, and social media cookies do.

How is PECR different from GDPR?

While GDPR covers general data protection, PECR focuses specifically on electronic communications including cookies, emails, and marketing calls. PECR sits alongside GDPR with its own specific consent requirements and penalties.

What are the penalties for PECR non-compliance?

PECR compliance violations can now result in fines up to £17.5 million or 4% of global annual turnover—the same level as GDPR penalties. The ICO issued fines up to £140,000 in 2024 alone, and enforcement is increasing.

Can I use Google Analytics without explicit cookie consent?

Yes, but only with privacy-preserving configurations that comply with PECR regulations. MonsterInsights EU Compliance addon anonymizes data and disables non-essential tracking, allowing analytics without explicit consent requirements.

Do PECR regulations apply to non-UK businesses?

Yes, if your website targets UK users or processes data from UK visitors, you must comply with PECR regulations regardless of your business location. The rules apply to any organization accessible from the UK.

What’s the simplest way to achieve PECR compliance?

The easiest approach is using MonsterInsights with the EU Compliance addon, which automatically implements privacy-preserving measures without technical complexity or data loss from consent barriers. This method maintains compliance while preserving valuable analytics insights.