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PowerReviews is a ratings, reviews and questions platform that also syndicates customer content across a network of retailer and brand websites. It loads third party JavaScript that renders review content and collection forms, sets browser cookies and may use local storage and read device and browser information. Because these technologies are not strictly necessary, the ePrivacy Directive and GDPR require prior consent before they load. PowerReviews requires an explicit consent checkbox on the write a review form for EU locales, since the reviewer data may be shared and syndicated. PowerReviews acts as a data processor for the merchant and is operated from the United States, so personal data is transferred outside the EEA and the UK under Standard Contractual Clauses. Merchants are controllers and should obtain consent and sign a processing agreement.
PowerReviews is a ratings, reviews and questions platform used by brands and retailers to collect customer content and syndicate it across a network of retailer and brand websites. It helps increase the volume and reach of reviews by distributing them beyond a single storefront.
PowerReviews provides review and rating collection, question and answer features, and syndication that distributes content to a retailer network. It loads its features through JavaScript served from PowerReviews infrastructure and offers a dashboard for managing content.
When the script loads it can read browser and device information and may set cookies and use local storage to support display and collection of reviews. Customers who submit a review provide their name, email and review content, which may then be syndicated to other retailer websites in the network.
Because the cookies are not strictly necessary, the ePrivacy Directive requires prior consent before the script loads. PowerReviews requires an explicit consent checkbox on the write a review form for EU locales, because reviewer data may be shared and syndicated. The merchant is the controller and PowerReviews acts as a processor.
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Valid consent must be obtained before the script loads, and it should be blocked until the visitor agrees. PowerReviews operates from the United States, so personal data leaves the EEA and the UK, relying on Standard Contractual Clauses. Reference the transfer, the syndication and the safeguards in your privacy notice and records of processing.
Place PowerReviews behind your consent manager so it loads only after consent, enable the explicit consent checkbox on the review form, sign a data processing agreement and document the transfer and syndication safeguards. List the cookies in your cookie policy, set retention periods and test that declining keeps the widget disabled.
Websites using PowerReviews must obtain user consent under GDPR regulations.
DPIA considerations
A full data protection impact assessment is not always mandatory for a reviews widget, but a documented assessment is recommended because PowerReviews syndicates content across a retailer network and transfers data to the United States. Consider that reviewer data may be displayed on third party retailer sites, the explicit consent required on the review form, and the cookies set on the storefront. Document the processor relationship, the legal bases, the syndication scope and retention periods. Syndication and wider distribution can raise the risk profile.
Sample consent text
We use PowerReviews to collect and display ratings and reviews, which may be syndicated to retailer sites. This sets cookies and may share data with PowerReviews in the United States. Please accept to enable reviews, or decline to keep them disabled.
Third-party domains contacted
powerreviews.comui.powerreviews.comdisplay.powerreviews.comCookies placed
| Name | Type | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| pwr_session | third party | Session | Maintains a session for the ratings and reviews widget while the visitor browses. |
| pwr_visitor | third party | Up to 1 year | Recognises returning visitors and supports display and collection of reviews across pages. |
| pwr_local_storage | JS first party | Persistent until cleared | Local storage used to cache review widget state in the browser. |
PowerReviews uses cookies for user preferences — inform visitors with a consent banner.
The PowerReviews script can set cookies and use local storage to support the display and collection of reviews and questions, and may read browser and device information. Exact names vary by configuration and version, so audit your storefront with browser tools to confirm what is placed. These cookies are not strictly necessary for the store to function.
Yes. Because the cookies are not strictly necessary, the ePrivacy Directive and GDPR require prior consent before the script loads in the EEA and the UK. PowerReviews also requires an explicit consent checkbox on the write a review form for EU locales, since reviewer data may be shared and syndicated.
Consent is the appropriate basis for the cookies and for collecting and syndicating reviewer data, which is why PowerReviews mandates an explicit checkbox on the review form for EU locales. PowerReviews acts as a processor and the merchant as controller, so the controller must secure that consent.
Yes. PowerReviews is operated from the United States and content may be syndicated across a retailer network, so personal data is transferred outside the EEA and the UK. These transfers rely on Standard Contractual Clauses, which you should reference in your privacy notice and records of processing.
A DPIA is not always mandatory for a reviews widget, but a documented assessment is recommended because PowerReviews syndicates content to third party retailer sites and transfers data to a third country. The syndication and wider distribution can raise the risk profile, making a DPIA advisable.
Place PowerReviews behind your consent manager so it loads only after consent, enable the explicit consent checkbox on the review form, sign a data processing agreement and document the transfer and syndication safeguards. List the cookies in your cookie policy and test that declining keeps the widget disabled.
Alternatives include other reviews and syndication platforms such as Bazaarvoice, Yotpo, Trustpilot, Stamped and Feefo. Most load third party scripts that set cookies and several offer syndication, so the same consent, syndication and transfer considerations apply regardless of provider.
List PowerReviews under marketing or functional cookies in your cookie policy, describe its purpose including syndication, name the provider and country, indicate the cookies and their durations, and link to the PowerReviews privacy policy. Keep the entry in sync with what your consent manager blocks and allows.