Suche
Mein Konto
Alarming study: Google Analytics endangers our data!
The effects of bureaucracy on the domestic economy will be illuminated on September 13, 2025. Learn more about data protection and alternatives to Google Analytics.
Alarming study: Google Analytics endangers our data!
In an alarming phrase, an current analysis for the use of Google Analytics in Salzburg has rekindled the discussion about data protection and bureaucracy. According to the results of [RTS Salzburg] (https://www.rts-salzburg.at/clip/alarming- Study Buerocracy-Buerocracy-Hwaecht-Heimische-wirtschaft/), the services offered by Google process a variety of data, including technical connection data such as IP addresses, temporal queries and browser information and usage data that is anonymous to create anonymous Statistics and optimization of content are used.
The legal basis of this data processing is based on the consent of the user in accordance with Article 6 (1) a of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). According to Google, a large part of this information is processed in the USA, which is repeatedly criticized due to data protection concerns. The cloud act, which enables authorities access to data from EU citizens, raises additional questions because the standards there do not meet the requirements of the GDPR.
The problem of data transmission
The situation is precarious by a statement by Google, which confirms that all data collected by Google Analytics is processed in the USA. According to DRD-DSGVO.de, a violation of data protection standards, since the tool is used against Article 44 of the GDPR without the express consent. This transmission of data to the USA could even result in legal consequences, because procedures against Google have already been initiated.
In addition, the data protection organization NOYB emphasizes that the transmission of the data mentioned is not only questionable in Europe, but also for ethical and legal reasons. The ECJ has declared the Privacy Shield, a data protection agreement between the EU and the USA, invalid, and so the question remains: How safe are our data really?
Alternatives to Google Analytics
More and more website operators are looking for data protection-friendly alternatives to Google tools. According to [Globeriadatenschutz.de] (https://www.globeriadatenschutz.de/welchche-datenschutzfreundliche-getter-get-es-zu-google- analytics/), there are numerous options that meet the requirements of the GDPR and thus also remain more compliant with the data protection regulations. The recommended alternatives include:
- Matomo: Diese Plattform kann auf eigenen Servern betrieben werden und anonymisiert IP-Adressen.
- Plausible Analytics: Ein leichtgewichtiges Tool, das ohne Cookies arbeitet und keine personenbezogenen Daten speichert.
- Fathom Analytics: Dieses in Kanada gehostete Tool verzichtet ebenfalls auf Cookies und speichert keine personenbezogenen Daten.
- eTracker: Ein deutsches Tool, das auch eine Zustimmungshandhabung für die Nutzer bietet.
- Simple Analytics: Minimalistisch gestaltet, vermeidet auch dieses Tool Cookies und sammelt keine personenbezogenen Daten.
These alternatives can not only help to strengthen the trust of users, but also to avoid legal problems.
Steps to GDPR conformity
It is particularly important to provide users transparently about the processing of their data. Website operators should adjust your data protection declarations and make sure that you obtain the consent correctly, as required in Article 6 (1) lit. a of the GDPR. A data protection audit can also uncover and eliminate weaknesses in the data processing process.
The discussion about data protection and the use of Google tools clearly shows that companies and operators of websites have to deal more intensively with the legal regulations in order to act successfully and at the same time legally. Time is ripe to show a good hand for data protection, because trust goes through the browser!