> How the Media.net contextual ad network uses cookies, processes data, and transfers it to the US, plus how to run it under the GDPR and ePrivacy. > > Canonical: https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/media-net Advertising # Media.net Marketing Media.net is one of the largest contextual advertising networks. It serves display and native ads that are matched to the content of a page and to the interests of the visitor. To select ads, cap frequency, and measure performance, it sets advertising cookies and processes IP addresses, device information, and browsing signals. For European publishers this makes Media.net an advertising technology that requires prior consent and a transparent disclosure to users. [Block Media.net until consent](https://app.flowconsent.com/auth/sign-up?utm_source=flowconsent.com\&utm_medium=referral\&utm_campaign=advertising) · [Scan my site](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/scan) At a glance - Category [Advertising](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising) - Consent Marketing - Prior consent Required - Documented cookies 3 - Third-party domains 4 - Servers United States Overview ## What does Media.net do? ## What Media.net is Media.net is a global advertising network best known for contextual ads, where the creative is matched to the meaning of the surrounding page. It also supports display, native, and header bidding formats. Publishers add a Media.net tag to their pages, and the network selects, serves, and measures ads in real time, sharing revenue with the site owner. ## What data and cookies it collects To choose and measure ads, Media.net sets advertising cookies that identify the browser, cap how often an ad is shown, and record impressions and clicks. It processes the IP address, device and browser characteristics, the page context, and interaction signals. When behavioural targeting is enabled, this information can be combined across sites to build interest profiles, and data may be shared with downstream advertising partners. ## GDPR and ePrivacy implications Advertising cookies and identifiers are personal data under the GDPR, and storing or reading them on a device is governed by the ePrivacy Directive. Because Media.net is an advertising network that can profile users and share data with partners, both frameworks apply and the publisher acts as a controller for the collection that happens on its pages. Clear information and a record of the processing are required. ## Consent requirements Advertising requires prior consent. The Media.net tag must not set cookies or call ad partners until the visitor has accepted the advertising category, and consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and easy to withdraw. Many publishers manage this through a consent management platform that supports the IAB Transparency and Consent Framework so that consent signals reach Media.net and its partners. ## Data transfers outside the EU Media.net processes data in the United States, so transfers outside the European Economic Area must rely on the EU US Data Privacy Framework or on Standard Contractual Clauses, supported where appropriate by additional safeguards. Because ad selection involves a chain of partners, the publisher should understand who receives data and on what legal footing. ## Practical compliance steps Load the Media.net tag only after advertising consent, integrate a consent framework so partner vendors receive the signal, sign the relevant contracts, and document the processing in your records. Keep your cookie policy and vendor list accurate, set retention limits, and review the configuration whenever you add new ad formats or partners. Compliance ## Media.net and the GDPR Media.net is classified as “Marketing”. On a site that targets European visitors, it must only load after the visitor consents, and it must be listed in your cookie policy. - Legal basis Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR) - Risk level high - Applicable regulations GDPR, ePrivacy Directive ### Impact assessment (DPIA) Media.net delivers behavioural and contextual advertising at scale, so assess the categories of data shared with ad partners, the use of advertising identifiers, the retention periods, and the transfers to the United States. A data protection impact assessment is advisable where targeting builds detailed profiles. ### Sample text for your banner > We work with Media.net to show advertising and to measure how it performs. Media.net may set cookies and read device information to select relevant ads. These technologies run only after you accept advertising cookies. Cookies and trackers ## What Media.net sets and contacts - Tracking method JavaScript ad tag, cookies, server side ad selection and header bidding - Server location United States - Data transferred outside the EU Data is processed by Media.net Advertising in the United States and by its ad serving partners. Transfers rely on the EU US Data Privacy Framework and on Standard Contractual Clauses. ### Cookies set (3) | Name | Type | Duration | Purpose | | ---------- | --------- | -------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | visitor-id | Marketing | 1 year | Identifies the browser so that ads can be selected and their display frequency capped. | | mnet\_uuid | Marketing | 1 year | Advertising identifier used for targeting and to measure campaign performance. | | mnetq | Marketing | 30 days | Stores ad interaction data such as impressions and clicks for reporting. | ### Third-party domains contacted (4) - `media.net` - `static.media.net` - `contextual.media.net` - `adservetx.media.net` Questions ## Frequently asked questions about Media.net Can't find your question? Write to us, we answer fast. [Write to us](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/demo) ### What cookies does Media.net set? Media.net sets advertising cookies that identify the browser, limit how often an ad is shown, and record impressions and clicks. They are used for ad selection and measurement rather than the core operation of your site, so they belong in the advertising category of your consent banner. ### Do I need consent for Media.net? Yes. Media.net delivers advertising and can profile users, which requires prior consent under the ePrivacy Directive and the GDPR. The ad tag should fire only after the visitor accepts advertising cookies. ### What is the legal basis for Media.net? Consent under Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR is the correct basis for advertising and profiling. Legitimate interest is not appropriate for personalised advertising that relies on cookies and shared identifiers. ### Does Media.net send data to the United States? Yes. Media.net is a United States company and processes data there, so transfers rely on the EU US Data Privacy Framework or Standard Contractual Clauses. Partners in the advertising supply chain may also receive data, so review the vendor list. ### Is a DPIA needed for Media.net? A data protection impact assessment is advisable when advertising builds detailed profiles or operates at large scale. Document the data shared with partners, the identifiers used, the retention, and the international transfers. ### How do I deploy Media.net compliantly? Block the Media.net tag until advertising consent is given, integrate the IAB Transparency and Consent Framework so partners receive the signal, sign the relevant contracts, and disclose Media.net in your privacy and cookie notices. ### Are there alternatives to Media.net? Alternatives include Google AdSense, Amazon Publisher Services, and various header bidding partners, as well as contextual only solutions that avoid behavioural profiling. Contextual advertising without profiling can reduce the consent burden. ### How do I update my cookie policy for Media.net? List the Media.net cookies with their purpose and duration, label them as advertising, name Media.net and its partners as recipients, and mention the United States transfer. Keep the list current as the vendor set changes. Same category ## More services: Advertising [See the whole category](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising) ### [Rakuten Advertising](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/rakuten-advertising) [Rakuten Advertising is a marketing platform that equips businesses with tools to amplify their digital presence and drive customer acquisition. It supports audience segmentation, campaign automation, and cross-channel engagement. Rakuten Advertising provides real-time analytics and reporting dashboards for performance measurement and strategy optimization. By combining data intelligence with marketing execution, Rakuten Advertising helps deliver the right message to the right audience at the right time.](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/rakuten-advertising) [Marketing](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/rakuten-advertising) · ### [LeadByte](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/leadbyte) [LeadByte is a digital marketing technology that helps businesses reach, engage, and convert their target audience online. It provides advanced targeting, campaign management, and performance analytics capabilities. LeadByte enables marketers to deliver personalized experiences across channels, optimize campaign ROI, and gain actionable insights into customer behavior. With automation features and data-driven optimization, LeadByte empowers marketing teams to achieve measurable growth.](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/leadbyte) [Marketing](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/leadbyte) · ### [Reddit](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/reddit) [Reddit is a foundational web service that powers critical website functions and digital experiences. It provides reliable infrastructure, seamless integration capabilities, and consistent performance across all devices and browsers. Reddit supports modern development practices and scales with growing business needs. With a focus on stability and compatibility, Reddit ensures your website delivers a smooth, uninterrupted experience to every visitor and search engine crawler.](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/reddit) [Marketing](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/reddit) · ### [Black Crow](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/black-crow) [Black Crow is an AI-powered platform that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to help businesses automate processes, generate insights, and enhance digital experiences. It provides intelligent automation, natural language processing, and predictive analytics. Black Crow integrates with existing workflows and tools to deliver AI-driven optimization across marketing, customer service, and operations. With scalable infrastructure, Black Crow makes advanced AI accessible to all teams.](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/black-crow) [Marketing](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/black-crow) · ### [PureCars](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/purecars) [PureCars is a web technology service that provides essential functionality for websites and digital platforms. It delivers core capabilities that support site operations, content delivery, and user experience optimization. PureCars integrates seamlessly with modern web architectures, ensuring reliable performance and compatibility across browsers and devices. Trusted by businesses worldwide, PureCars helps organizations maintain robust websites that meet user expectations and technical requirements.](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/purecars) [Marketing](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/purecars) · ### [Interago](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/interago) [Interago is a digital marketing technology that helps businesses reach, engage, and convert their target audience online. It provides advanced targeting, campaign management, and performance analytics capabilities. Interago enables marketers to deliver personalized experiences across channels, optimize campaign ROI, and gain actionable insights into customer behavior. With automation features and data-driven optimization, Interago empowers marketing teams to achieve measurable growth.](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/interago) [Marketing](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/advertising/interago) ## Make your site compliant today. Free up to 25,000 sessions a month. No credit card, no commitment. [Create my banner](https://app.flowconsent.com/auth/sign-up?utm_source=flowconsent.com\&utm_medium=referral\&utm_campaign=general) · [Scan my site](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/scan)