Google Analytics has a few rules and best practices when it comes to data collection. In this article, we will go over the question of “What data does Google Analytics prohibit collecting?” and some best practices to follow.
What Are Some Best Practices to Follow When Using Google Analytics?
Before answering: “What data does Google Analytics prohibit collecting?”, it is important to understand some best practices when using the platform.
- Only track data that aligns with your business goals and objectives. This means not collecting unnecessary or irrelevant data, as it can clutter your analysis and make it harder to focus on what truly matters for your business.
- Make sure you have obtained appropriate consent from users before collecting and tracking their data.
- Respect user privacy by adhering to all applicable legal guidelines and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe.
- Regularly review your data collection practices and update them as needed to ensure they align with your business goals and comply with any changes in legal guidelines.
So, What Data Does Google Analytics Prohibit Collecting?
While Google Analytics is a powerful tool for tracking website traffic and user behavior, there are certain types of data that it does not allow to be collected. This includes any personally identifiable information (PII) from users, such as names, social security numbers, financial information, or email addresses. Google also prohibits the tracking of sensitive categories such as race, religion, or health data without explicit consent from the user.
IP addresses are not considered personally identifiable information by Google, but they are generally considered sensitive information under GDPR guidelines. As such, it is best to anonymize IP addresses before collecting and tracking them in Google Analytics. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you collect the data that is most important to you while still protecting the privacy of your users.
Remember, when it comes to data collection, always prioritize user privacy and adhere to any applicable legal guidelines. Only track the information that aligns with your business goals and obtain appropriate consent from users before collecting their data.
How to Avoid Sending PII (Personally Identifiable Information)?
Now that you know the answer to “what data does Google Analytics prohibit collecting”, here are some tips on how to avoid sending PII to the platform. PII includes any sensitive information that can be used to identify an individual, such as their name, social security number, financial information, and more.
It is prohibited for Google Analytics to collect PII, so users need to make sure they have filters or other measures in place to avoid sending this type of data. It’s also essential to note that IP addresses, when not masked or truncated, can also be considered PII. To ensure compliance with GDPR, consider anonymizing IP addresses before tracking them in Google Analytics.
One way to avoid sending Personally Identifiable Information is to carefully review the parameters and variables you are tracking, and remove any that may contain this type of information. You can also set up filters within Google Analytics to exclude specific data from being collected and reported on. Additionally, make sure to obtain appropriate consent from users before collecting and tracking their data, as this is also a way to avoid collecting Personally Identifiable Information.
How Can You Ensure That Your Data Is Not Being Collected?
Having learned the answer to “what data does Google Analytics prohibit collecting”, it is also important to understand how individuals can ensure that their data is not being collected. One way to do this is to check your browser settings and make sure that you have not enabled any tracking of your online activities. You can also disable cookies, which can track information about your browsing habits.
You should also make sure to anonymize IP addresses to prevent them from being linked to specific individuals. Finally, if you plan on collecting data from children under the age of 13, you must obtain prior parental consent. By following these guidelines, you can be assured that your data collection practices will comply with Google’s policies.
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