KeyCDN
KeyCDN is a content delivery network that serves static assets including images, CSS, and JavaScript files from globally distributed edge servers. It processes visitor IP addresses for request routing and may set performance-related cookies. As infrastructure, it delivers third-party resources without independently collecting behavioral data.
Overview
KeyCDN is a Swiss-operated content delivery network that serves static website assets from edge locations distributed across approximately 30 points of presence globally. It is used by website operators to reduce page load times by serving files from servers geographically close to the visitor. Unlike advertising-oriented CDNs, KeyCDN is infrastructure-focused and does not operate a behavioral tracking or audience profiling business.
What This Script Does
KeyCDN operates at the infrastructure layer. When a website uses KeyCDN, visitor browsers make requests to KeyCDN's edge servers (typically at subdomains of kxcdn.com or custom CNAMEs) to retrieve static files: JavaScript libraries, CSS stylesheets, images, fonts, and video files.
IP address processing: Every request to a KeyCDN edge server logs the visitor's IP address for routing decisions, cache hit/miss tracking, and abuse prevention. These logs are retained for a limited period per KeyCDN's data retention policies.
Cookies: KeyCDN itself does not set behavioral tracking cookies. If the delivered scripts (i.e., the content being served) set cookies, those are the responsibility of the website operator, not KeyCDN. KeyCDN may set __cfduid-equivalent edge cookies for connection state in some configurations, but these are technical infrastructure cookies scoped to connection management.
No cross-site tracking: KeyCDN does not aggregate visitor data across multiple websites for advertising or analytics purposes. Its data processing is limited to fulfilling delivery requests.
Consent & Compliance
GDPR and ePrivacy Directive: KeyCDN processes IP addresses as personal data under GDPR. As a data processor acting on behalf of the website operator, KeyCDN requires a Data Processing Agreement. IP address processing for CDN routing falls under the legitimate interests basis (Article 6(1)(f)) as it is necessary for the technical delivery of the service. The ePrivacy Directive consent requirement does not apply to infrastructure cookies strictly necessary for the transmission of the communication.
CCPA/CPRA: IP addresses are personal information under CCPA. KeyCDN acts as a service provider, and data transfer to KeyCDN for delivery purposes does not constitute a sale or sharing of personal information.
Consent category: essential. KeyCDN serves the same role as the host server's own infrastructure. Its processing is necessary for delivering the website.
Should You Block This Without Consent?
No.
Blocking KeyCDN without consent would prevent static assets from loading, breaking the website's functionality. KeyCDN does not set behavioral tracking cookies or build user profiles. It processes IP addresses only as necessary to deliver content, which qualifies as essential processing under GDPR's legitimate interests basis and the ePrivacy Directive's exemption for technically necessary cookies.
Is KeyCDN GDPR compliant?
KeyCDN's trackers are classified as essential (strictly necessary), so they are generally exempt from prior consent under the GDPR. You should still list them in your cookie policy and privacy notice so visitors know they are there.
Consent Categories
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Tracked Domains (1)
keycdn.comEssentialkeycdn.com is an essential domain operated by KeyCDN, used to keep the site working, including security, load balancing, and sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Manage consent for KeyCDN
ConsentStack automatically detects and manages KeyCDN trackers so your site stays compliant with global privacy regulations.