Meta Limited Data Use (LDU) for WordPress

Control how Meta processes user data to align with CCPA and other USA regulations

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What is Meta Limited Data Use

Limited Data Use (LDU) is a Meta feature that restricts how user data is processed to help businesses comply with privacy laws. It allows businesses to limit data usage for specific users based on location and legal requirements.

How Does LDU Work?

Meta’s Limited Data Use (LDU) feature works by adjusting how user data is processed based on compliance requirements. Businesses can enable LDU using:

  • Meta Pixel – Adding LDU parameters to pixel events to indicate when data should be restricted.
  • Conversions API – Sending user data with LDU flags to control how Meta processes it.

 

When LDU is enabled, Meta automatically applies data restrictions for users in supported US states, limiting data usage for ad targeting and measurement.

Meta’s Limited Data Use (LDU) and Affected States

This feature applies only to users from certain U.S. states, listed in the table below.

If the detected location matches one of the affected states, Meta will check the LDU flag provided with your Pixel or Conversions API (CAPI) events. If the flag is present, Meta will process the data under LDU restrictions, which may impact ad targeting and measurement.

State Meta Business Tools (Pixel, API, SDK) Audience Network SDK Customer List Custom Audiences
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware ✓ (Effective Dec 18, 2024) ✓ (Effective Dec 18, 2024)
Florida
Montana
Nebraska ✓ (Effective Dec 18, 2024) ✓ (Effective Dec 18, 2024)
New Hampshire ✓ (Effective Dec 18, 2024) ✓ (Effective Dec 18, 2024)
New Jersey ✓ (Effective Dec 18, 2024) ✓ (Effective Dec 18, 2024)
Oregon
Texas

LDU is NOT a GDPR Compliance Solution

Meta’s Limited Data Use (LDU) is designed to help businesses comply with state-specific privacy laws in the U.S., but it is not a solution for GDPR compliance.

Key Differences Between GDPR and LDU:

Different Regions Covered

  • LDU applies only to a limited number of U.S. states (see table above).
  • GDPR applies to all countries in the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA).

 

Handling of User Consent

  • Under GDPR, businesses must completely block tracking until the user explicitly consents to data collection.
  • LDU does not require blocking tracking—instead, it allows businesses to limit how data is processed based on user location.

 

Why Website Owners Must Implement Location-Based Consent Solutions

Because different privacy laws apply based on a user’s location, website owners must use a consent management system that adapts to each visitor’s region.

How PixelYourSite and ConsentMagic Handle LDU Compliance


PixelYourSite and ConsentMagic work together to ensure website owners can properly implement Meta’s Limited Data Use (LDU) based on user location and consent preferences.

PixelYourSite’s LDU Support


PixelYourSite provides a dedicated filter that allows developers to send Meta Pixel and Conversions API (CAPI) events with the appropriate LDU flag. This ensures that user data is processed according to Meta’s privacy requirements for affected U.S. states.

ConsentMagic’s LDU Rule


ConsentMagic leverages PixelYourSite’s LDU filter to implement a dedicated LDU rule. This rule:


✅ Targets website visitors from supported U.S. states where LDU applies.
✅ Uses a consent type called “Inform and Opt-Out.”
✅ Allows tracking by default but gives users the option to opt-out.

How “Inform and Opt-Out” Works

  • When a visitor arrives from a state where LDU applies, they are informed that tracking is active.
  • If the user chooses to opt-out, PixelYourSite will automatically send Meta Pixel and API events with a negative LDU flag. This tells Meta not to process their data for advertising.

 

Why This Matters

By combining PixelYourSite’s LDU filter with ConsentMagic’s location-based consent rule, website owners can:


✔ Ensure compliance with U.S. state privacy laws.
✔ Differentiate consent settings for different regions.
✔ Provide users with transparency while maintaining ad tracking effectiveness where allowed.