How Cision transformed privacy management and scaled compliance with DataGuard

Transforming privacy management and scaling compliance

Navigating privacy compliance at Cision is complex, with a vast client network and strict regulations to follow. The company processes large volumes of sensitive data daily—from journalist contacts to consumer engagement metrics—while ensuring compliance with evolving laws like GDPR. To stay ahead, Cision needed a scalable, efficient, and user-friendly solution to streamline cookie consent management, data mapping, and data subject request (DSR) processing without disrupting operations.

Challenge

Managing large volumes of data for 75,000 organizations worldwide, Cision needed a privacy solution that could keep up with their scale and complexity. However, their previous provider introduced friction and inefficiencies in three key areas:

1. 1. Cookie and consent management
      

      Cision’s global reach required precise, adaptable cookie compliance—but their existing solution was complex and inefficient. Managing consent across multiple markets became a time-consuming burden, impacting both compliance teams and the user experience.

   2. Data mapping
      

      With thousands of data points flowing daily, Cision needed a clear, structured way to identify and track personal data. Their previous provider lacked the agility and automation necessary for accurate, up-to-date data mapping, leading to inefficiencies.

   3. Handling 10,000+ data subject requests (DSRs) per year
      

      Compliance requests flooded Cision’s system, requiring 10,000+ email verifications annually. The manual, multi-step verification process of their previous provider slowed down response times and added unnecessary friction, increasing the workload for internal teams.  

      1. 1.  

Solution

Cision had previously used a different solution but was looking for a more intuitive and cost-effective alternative. They needed a seamless transition, reliable support, and a platform that could keep up with their evolving privacy needs.

After evaluating DataGuard’s platform, Cision quickly saw the benefits of making the switch. Robert Beaugie, VP, Global DPO & AI Governance Officer at Cision, highlighted his experience with DataGuard’s platform and support:

Key reasons why Cision chose DataGuard

• More efficient cookie and consent management 
  DataGuard streamlined cookie compliance across multiple global markets, improving efficiency. Automated consent tracking reduced manual work, while expert migration support ensured a smooth transition.
• Faster and more accurate data mapping 
  Cision gained clearer, faster visibility into its data flows. Automated mapping tools simplified data identification and categorization, cutting down manual effort and improving accuracy.
• Streamlined data subject request (DSR) management
  Handling 10,000+ email verifications annually was a bottleneck. DataGuard eliminated unnecessary verification steps, reducing workload and speeding up compliance workflows.
  
• Customer support and transparent pricing
  DataGuard’s privacy experts ensured seamless implementation and fast issue resolution. Cision also valued DataGuard’s transparent pricing, a cost-effective alternative to other solution’s rising costs.

Results

With DataGuard, Cision gained a scalable, efficient, and user-friendly solution that reduced compliance workload and improved operational efficiency. 

• 3x improvement in cookie and consent management efficiency, ensuring faster, more compliant handling of user preferences. 

• 40% increase in data mapping efficiency, enabling better oversight and control over personal data. 

• A more streamlined DSR process, reducing the burden of verifying 10,000+ emails annually. 

• A seamless implementation, thanks to DataGuard’s team of experts and hands-on assistance. 

With DataGuard, Cision can focus on what they do best—helping brands tell their stories—while staying fully compliant with global privacy regulations.