Websites that use Google’s ‘Analytics’ technology may be breaking the law, according to several German data protection authorities.
Federal and regional data protection officials have raised concerns about the amount of personal information Google Analytics collects on each user without their knowledge or consent.
Any website that uses the technology may be breaching the user’s right to privacy and subject to a €50,000 fine.
Google Analytics provides detailed information to website owners about the activities of their site’s visitors. This information can include the visitor’s location, the amount of time that they spend on the site and the search terms they used to find the site.
Gary Davis, The Deputy Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) of Ireland says that “While the German Data Protection Authority has not yet raised theses issues on a European level, where there is an issue of concern it would be discussed across all data protection authorities.”
Mr Davis emphasised that while privacy laws may be slightly stricter in Germany than in Ireland both countries are subject to the European Data Protection Directive. The directive requires companies that are not based in the EU but operate in the bloc to comply with EU data protection law.
He added that this issue does highlight the need for Irish people to be more aware of how their personal data is being collected and used online.
