Google Analytics Lost Track of Millions of Its Users

Google was recently under investigation by the EU for “its control” over search engines and mobile apps. AndroidPolice discovered that Google Analytics has been criticized by some European countries, citing “violations of the General Data Protection Regulations”. To challenge Google Analytics, a blogger posted their blog to point out that three European Union members have been banned. This will allow web administrators to track and analyze site visitors.

Which countries have banned Google Analytics?

According to the report, the French National Commission on Freedom of Liberation (CNIL) announced a ban in February 2022. However, the Austrian Data Protection Authority has blocked the service since January. It joined the call for an Italian ban. The tech giant’s services have been banned in all three countries.

Google Analytics: Why EU countries ban it

The Italian government banned limiting unregulated data transmissions to Italy. This decision was also supported by two other countries. These countries are concerned about large amounts of unregulated user data, such as IP addresses. Cookies are used to collect data and send it to the US so that it can be viewed by the US government or third parties.

This is a violation of the EU’s GDPR because the company does not promise fair processes if things go wrong. The Italian government mentioned Caffeina Media as a local provider of web services. The government has given the company 90 days to transfer its account. The Court of Justice of the European Union issued a 2020 decision entitled “Schrems II”. There are many reasons to ban Analytics. This decision overturns Privacy Shield’s previous principles that were meant to protect encrypted data transfers to America.

Google’s attempt to overcome the ban

According to the report, Google appeals were rejected by the appropriate authorities. The report states that Google cannot even show it is capable of anonymizing European user information before sending it to the US encryption. It is also stated that Google would not share user data with any third party or the US government.

What is Google Analytics-4?

Google has announced that Universal Analytics will cease to exist by 2023. Universal Analytics supports the majority of Google Analytics clients. Site visitors are collected using trackers. Google Analytics-4 was launched by the company. Google Analytics-4 is now available. It doesn’t rely on trackers. The report indicates that the EU won’t accept the new version because it uses different data collection methods. Google has struggled over the years in making privacy-friendly web tracks.