Google Analytics has long been the go-to tool for analyzing user behavior on websites. However, growing concerns over data privacy and the enforcement of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe have led many website administrators to reconsider its use. Is it time to look for a more privacy-respecting alternative?
Google Analytics vs GDPR: Where’s the conflict?
The core issue is that Google Analytics collects personal data (such as IP addresses and cookies) and transfers it to servers in the United States. This practice conflicts with the GDPR and other European data protection laws.
In 2022, several European data protection authorities (like the CNIL in France and DSB in Austria) declared the use of Google Analytics illegal, on European websites, citing its failure to adequately protect user data from access by U.S. authorities.
Why is continued use risky for your business?
- Risk of financial penalties for non-compliance with GDPR.
- Loss of user trust.
- Incompatibility with increasingly strict privacy policies.
More private and GDPR-compliant alternatives
Fortunately, there are tools that prioritize privacy and are designed to comply with GDPR without sacrificing functionality. Some of the most notable include:
1. Matomo
- Open source.
- Allows 100% local data storage.
- Full control over your data.
- Can be configured to work without cookie consent.
2. Plausible
- Lightweight, fast, and privacy-focused.
- Doesn’t use cookies or collect personally identifiable information.
- Open source and hosted in the EU.
3. Fathom Analytics
- Clean, user-friendly interface.
- Compliant with GDPR, HIPAA, PECR, and CCPA.
- Doesn’t track individual users.
4. Simple Analytics
- No cookies, no personal tracking.
- Anonymous data.
- Ideal for privacy-focused websites.
What if I still want to use Google Analytics?
If you still need to use Google Analytics, we recommend:
- Anonymizing IP addresses.
- Implementing explicit cookie consent.
- Reviewing and updating your privacy policy.
- Considering a switch to Google Analytics 4, which improves legal compliance in some areas (though not all).
Your privacy matters: Choose solutions that match your values
At Cantalupe we believe that web analytics should be a tool for improvement—not a privacy threat. We help you:
- Assess your current analytics setup.
- Implement a privacy-focused alternative.
- Ensure full compliance with GDPR and related regulations.
📧 Contact us and build a safer, legally compliant, and value-aligned digital analytics strategy.
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