The new CNIL recommendations on tracking opens and clicks in emails introduce new recommendations for professionals who use tracking pixels in their campaigns. ➡️ Click here to read our full article on the topic.
However, even if the CNIL does not require you to collect new consent from your existing contact database, you must inform the contacts you collected before 14 April 2026 about the use of tracking technologies and give them the option to object to them. This communication must be carried out before 14 July 2026.
This step is essential to continue using tracking data in your existing database in line with CNIL recommendations.
Two solutions to inform your contacts
The CNIL provides two ways to inform your contact database:
- send a dedicated email for this information;
- add an information box in one of your usual emails (newsletter, etc.).
The choice mainly depends on your communication strategy on the subject.
Option #1: send a dedicated email
The dedicated email is the most explicit solution. It helps draw your contacts’ attention to this change and explains, with complete transparency, how their data is used. The goal is not to request new consent from your existing database, but to inform them about the use of tracking pixels and allow them to easily object to it.
Your message can in particular specify:
- the data that may be collected (opens, link clicks, etc.);
- the purpose of this tracking (measuring performance, improving content, personalizing communications…);
- how the contact can disable this tracking.
Email example :
Subject: Consent requirements for email tracking are evolving
Hello,As part of the CNIL’s new recommendations and our commitment to transparency, we would like to inform you that our emails may use tracking pixels in our email communications.
Tracking these pixels allows us in particular to:
- offer you more relevant communications tailored to your areas of interest;
- better understand the content that interests you;
- measure the performance of our campaigns (opens and clicks).
If you do not want your interactions with our emails to be tracked, you can object at any time by clicking the link below:
👉 I object to the tracking of my emails
Your choice will have no impact on the receipt of our communications; you will continue to receive our emails if you are subscribed to our communications.
To learn more about how we process your personal data, you can also consult our privacy policy.
Thank you for your trust.
Option #2: add an information box to your emails
If you communicate regularly with your database, you can also choose to add an information box in your newsletters or marketing campaigns during the transition period. This solution makes it possible to progressively inform all of your contacts without having to send a dedicated campaign.
The box must be easy to see and explain clearly:
- that your emails use tracking pixels;
- the purpose for which they are used;
- how to object to tracking.
Information box example:
ℹ️ Information regarding the tracking of our emails
As part of CNIL recommendations, we inform you that our emails may use tracking pixels (opens and clicks) in order to offer you more personalized content and continue to measure the relevance of our communications.
You can object to this tracking at any time by clicking here: [Link to object to tracking].
Some good practices
Whatever solution you choose, prefer a simple and transparent message. Avoid overly legal phrasing and clearly explain why you use these tracking technologies. Also remember to keep proof of this communication (send date, target audience, content sent, etc.), which may be useful in case of an audit.
