Cookie script for Joomla: how to implement notification of data collection in accordance with 152-FZ

CMS Joomla websites are often used by government, educational, and commercial organizations in Russia. But despite the powerful functionality of the system, many resources still do not implement mandatory notification of cookie collection, which threatens to violate Federal Law No. 152-FZ "On Personal Data".

We'll tell you why a cookie notification is required, and how to embed a valid banner on a Joomla website in just a couple of minutes using a ready-made script from QForm.

Why does a Joomla website need a cookie banner according to Law 152-FZ

If your site uses at least one of the following tools:

• Yandex.Metrica, Google Analytics;
• feedback forms, appointments, and applications;
• CRM integrations or online chats;
• user authorization or personal account,

then personal data begins to be processed, including through cookies.

So you have to:

1. Notify the user about cookie collection;
2. To obtain his consent to data processing;
3. Provide access to the privacy policy.

Otherwise, Roskomnadzor may qualify this as a violation of Law No. 152-FZ, which entails administrative liability under Article 13.11 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation.

A simple solution: a ready-made script from QForm

In order not to develop a notification from scratch and not to embed complex extensions, you can use the free cookie banner script from QForm.:

• Does not require registration;
• Does not use cookies by itself;
• Compatible with Joomla 3 and Joomla 4/5;
• Supports customization of appearance and text;
• Meets the requirements of 152-FZ: it contains a notification, a link and a consent button.

How to embed a cookie script in a Joomla template

Step 1: Open the website template file

Go to the Joomla admin panel:
Extensions → Templates → Website Templates → index.php

Or via FTP or file manager:

bash

/templates/your_template/index.phpcopy

Find the </body> tag and paste it in front of it:

html

<script src="https://cdn.qform.io/cookie/cookie-banner.js" async></script>copy

This code will already ensure the banner output with a standard text that complies with Russian legislation.

Step 2 (optional): Customization for your website

If you want to change the colors, text, or link, add a settings object before the main script.:

php

<script>
    window.qformCookieSettings = {
        backgroundColor: '#f9f9f9',
        buttonColor: '#007bff',
        fontColor: '#000000',
        fontSize: '14px',
        position: 'bottom',
        messageText: 'We use cookies for analysis and convenience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to their use.',
policyText: 'For more information, see the privacy policy',
        privacyLink: '<?php echo JRoute::_('index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=42'); ?>',
        cookieExpiryDays: 30
    };
</script>
<script src="https://cdn.qform.io/cookie/cookie-banner.js" async></script>copy

Here, JRoute::_() is a built-in Joomla function that generates a valid link to an article with a policy.

Why is QForm a reasonable choice for websites in Russia

Support for new versions of Joomla

The script works on both Joomla 3.x and Joomla 4/5, where templates use template.html.twig or an updated structure. You can:

• Insert the code directly into the template;
• Or through an HTML code type module (if the template supports modular footer positions).

Conclusion

Any website in Russia, including those running on Joomla, is required to notify users about cookie collection. The solution from QForm is:

• legally correct approach;
• technically easy implementation;
• a free tool with no restrictions.

Add a script from QForm and your site will comply with the requirements of Law No. 152-FZ, while maintaining user trust and the technical purity of the code.