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Google Analytics and Cookies

Google analytics and cookies is something which is known worldwide now due to privacy concerns.

 Here we are not talking about the sugary kind. We are talking about computer cookies. 

Cookies store passwords, usernames and other details about users.

The one benefit of cookies to businesses is that they can give very detailed and beneficial information on a visitor’s behaviour to the site. 

The comprehensive data gathered can create a more tailored experience that can aid you in building a valuable bond with your target audience and potential customers.

Yet there are different tools available too that deploy cookies and aid businesses in obtaining information. Globally, the most used tool in this regard is Google Analytics.

But how does Google Analytics works anyway that its use has become so widespread? Google Analytics also uses cookies as tools. But how?

Well, readers, keep on reading as we dive deeper into this topic.

Google-Analytics And Cookies

It is a useful tool as it uses various types of cookies, each for different purposes.

Each cookie present in Google Analytics has its function as every cookie records the different data types.

For instance, if one cookie concentrates on tracing each unique visitor. The other records time visitor has spent on each page. These features eventually allow you unique insight into each visitor’s online behaviour.

Google Analytics Cookie Consent and GDPR:

 Google Analytics uses cookies, and since after GDPR, you need the consent of users before the processing and storing of data. This consent is eventually called cookie consent.

Cookie consent can be obtained by using cookie consent banners and pop-ups. User’s consented data obtained via cookie banners and pop-ups gives insight into consumer or potential consumer behaviour, which helps in relevant advertising that can accelerate your business.

Do you know.. not having a suitable cookie consent banner can decrease your profits. Restyle your banners with Seers highly customisable cookie consent banners with your logo, colour, and 28 different languages. Sign in and start for free and maximise your profits.

But does Google Analytics takes consent before the collection of cookies from its visitors? Leading us to the question:

Is Google Analytics GDPR compliant?

  • By default, Google Analytics is not GDPR compliant.
  • In accordance with GDPR, you must obtain the explicit consent of end-users to activate Google analytics cookies.
  • In your website’s privacy policy, you should explain all personal data processing.

Using Seers Consent Management Platform can automate the whole Google Analytics GDPR compliance process. Sign in for free

Key Changes Google Analytics made to be GDPR compliant:

If your website uses Google Analytics, then Google is your data processor. That’s a chief role under GDPR. As Google controls data from all around the globe, it had to take some measures to comply with GDPR standards. There are some additional features given below:

1. The Mechanism of Data Deletion:

Google Analytics now provides the ability to delete information of visitor in case they request it. Yet there are some serious limitations too. 

By default, it doesn’t allow you to delete the records in relation to the individual visitor. Rather it clears all page titles or user ID you have gathered.

To erase the data related to a specific cookie or user ID, Google Analytics User Deletion API should be employed. However, you have to make changes to integrate this feature into your account.

2.Updated Conditions of Data Processing:

In furtherance, Google has made some important alterations to their data processing terms and conditions. 

Most importantly, these terms are data processing agreement. The most important document you should sign with each entity to whom you grant access to your visitor’s data.

The new document enlists your role, responsibilities, such as informing and gathering consent from European residents.

3. Existing Tools Complying with GDPR:

Google Analytics is generous enough to remind its users of all privacy settings present in their accounts. The tools and features are given below:

  • Data sharing settings
  • IP anonymisation
  • Customisable cookie settings
  • Data erasure on account termination
  • Privacy Controls

4.Privacy Policy:

Google, keeping in view its large scale usage, has included new GDPR terms in the standard contract. Here Google declares itself as a data processor in regards to Analytics and Analytics 360. 

Google states:

Google Analytics and Google Analytics for Firebase remain processors for Analytics data that is not shared and used under this setting.”

If you activate settings related to data sharing in your Google Analytics account in order to share data with Google Ads. Google becomes the shared controller of data:

“When Google Analytics customers enable the data sharing setting for “Google products & services” (Google Analytics) and accept the “Measurement Controller-Controller Data Protection Terms” (which incorporates the EU User Consent Policy), Google is, for GDPR purposes, a controller of the data that is shared and used under this setting.”

5. Settings Related to Data Retention:

Google furthermore has introduced settings of data retention. This gives you control over how long user data is stored before automatic deletion. The default setting here is 26 months.

How can I make Google Analytics GDPR compliant on your website?

There are few points with which you can make your website’s Google Analytics compliant with GDPR.

  • First, obtain end-user consent for all the Google Analytics Cookies on your website before their activation.
  • Write a transparent cookie policy, giving all the details about google analytics cookies in operation, like their provider, duration, purpose, and technical details. 
  • You should also turn on IP anonymisation in your Google Analytics account and make sure that it uses the pseudonymous identifiers.
  • It is also important for you to compile extensive information about your website’s privacy policy about all the Google Analytics cookies present in your domain, and what type of personal data your website processes.

So, Obtain your cookie consent and accelerate your business with Seers highly customized cookie consent banners. Also, Maximize your profits by restyling your banner with your own logo and branding. Sign in and start for free.

Cookie Consent Disable Google Analytics:

Yes, the cookie consent rejection can disable your Google Analytics.

Thus, shutting down all the cookies that might record your visitor behaviour. 

Which can help in creating a rich inventory of users, which might create new opportunities for you in terms of advertising and digital marketing—resulting in accelerating your business profits and revenues.

Nonetheless, It is a disastrous situation for businesses and E-Commerce platforms that are highly dependent upon this data. Now What to do? Where to go?

However, nothing to do and nowhere to go? Just sign in to get Seers Consent Management Platform integrated with Google Consent Mode. But what does this mean?

Google Consent Mode is a huge deal !!

Google Consent Mode means that even if the user does not provide you access to data. You do not have to fear the loss of profits and revenues.

Say No Advertisement loss :

Your website will still receive aggregated and non-identifying basic measurements and modelling data- ensuring your income and profits. To know more about google Consent Mode it working, and services, Click here

Also, Configure your business needs and accelerate your profits by using Seers Consent Management solutions integrated with Google Consent Mode and Child  Privacy Consent management solutions. In compliance with IAB too. Sign in and start for free

FAQS:

What is Google Analytics?

Google Analytics is a free web analytics tool made by Google to help website owners analyse their web traffic. It can aid you in tracking your digital marketing effectiveness.

Am I able to track users without cookies?

Yes, with Seers Consent Management Platform compliant with Google Consent Mode, you can receive valuable key metrics and basic measurements from your website analytics tools without the use of cookies. 

So, If your end-user on your website opts out from cookies, Seers Consent Management Platform compliant with Google Consent Mode makes sure that your website still has vital insights about your website performance. 

In short full compliance without breaking your website analytics.