Most websites that have been built in the last few years have Google Analytics installed. Whenever any third party tool is used on a website, some digging should be done to see what your obligations are as those terms will determine whether you’ll be allowed to use the service long-term. Google Analytics’ Terms of Service require you to have a Privacy Policy on your website – one of many reasons that Razorfrog encourages including an up-to-date policy for all of our client sites.
Google Analytics is a commonly used web analytics service that provides website owners with vital metrics such as:
- Number of visitors to your site;
- Where those visitors are coming from (e.g. Google search results or Facebook);
- What keywords the visitors are searching for to find your website;
- How long users spend on your website.
Google is able to gather all of this valuable information via a tracking code installed on your website. In order to use this service, you have to agree to Google’s Terms of Service, which has a very specific set of requirements for your privacy disclosures. Here’s a screenshot of Google’s privacy requirements:
In order to use Google Analytics, you are required to have a Privacy Policy in place, and must post the Privacy Policy with disclosure regarding the use of Google Analytics. It is required that you have a clear and comprehensive cookie disclosure statement and must make sure that the user agrees to your Privacy Policy. While Google can’t possibly check every single website that uses Google Analytics for a Privacy Policy, failure to have one would put you against the terms of service of an important element of your website.
Not sure if you have an up-to-date policy, or need a hand posting a new policy? Feel free to get in touch.
