Germany To Fine Google Analytics Users $75,000
If you run a website (and care about traffic) then you probably use Google Analytics.
I mean why wouldn’t you? Its free, collects tons of data, and integrates straight into AdWords.
Unfortunately for German users of Google Analytics they could soon be fined up to $75,000 U$D for use of a simple tracking code.
Apparently German Government officials say Google Analytics violates privacy laws because it poses a threat to individual internet uses.
As most of your know Google Analytics works by placing a small JavaScript snippet on each page of your website. This small piece of code collects information about each visitor of your website and then sends that information to the mega Google cluster. Information such as the entry keyword, the time on the site, geographical information, and click trends are passed on to Google.
This angers the German Government because their theory is that Google can track movements across the internet down to an individual user.
Now here is the real kicker.
The German government is not going after Google for this breach of privacy. No sire, that would be too easy.
Instead they are fining website owners who use Google Analytics up to $75,000 U$D, and no beer for life. (just kidding about beer part, but check out the size of the beer mugs)
Sorry, where was I . . . ?
I instantly thought that this will give rise to another, smaller, less known service. They will likely take the place of Google analytics for German based websites.
What do you think?
Will this hurt German webmasters in the long run?
Imagine trying to market your website, but with no statistical tracking . . . I know, dumb idea.
For the record, I just tracked your shoe size from reading this article alone.
dang, if only all beer drinkers looked liked that
…without the beer goggles of course
Very impressive posting. I enjoyed it.