Privacy Monthly: DecemberEu adopts Data Act, noyb challenges the European Commission's political advertising, Meta faces a wave of litigation, and more. Dec 7, 20232d ago
The Privacy NewsletterHey, my name is Adriaan, I'm the founder of Simple Analytics. About once a month, I share insights and privacy updates in our newsletter. Unsubscribe with 1 click. Newsletter Notify me of new blog posts
Host analytics on Cloudflare ZarazUsing Cloudflare Zaraz to host analytics from your own domain and bypass ad-blockers. Dec 6, 20233d ago
Google Analytics PricingGoogle Analytics pricing. Is it really free? Google Analytics 360 starts at $50K a year. Nov 17, 2023
Analytics without a cookie bannerSimple Analytics makes popups-free web analytics possible. Here's how! Nov 12, 2023
Road to 1 Million ARR - October updateThe path to 1 million ARR - October update ($24,165 MRR). Dries at Simple Analytics, Pricing, Roadmap, Numbers. Nov 10, 2023
CCPA and Data Protection: all there is to knowThe CCPA is one of the most important US data protection law. Here is what individuals and companies need to know! Nov 9, 2023
Enterprise AnalyticsSimple Analytics is a powerful, intuitive, lightweight, and privacy-friendly web analytics solution for enterprises. Nov 8, 2023
Privacy Monthly: November 2023EDPB bans personalized advertising for Meta, 23andMe leaks genetic data for 4M users, and more. Nov 7, 2023
Delete Act: all you need to knowLearn what the new California law is about, and how it will impact businesses. Oct 25, 2023
Mobile App Tracking Under FireNew cases against mobile apps may lead to stricter enforcement against mobile apps. Oct 17, 2023
The road to 1 Million ARR - September UpdateThe path to 1 Million ARR - September Update ($23,151 MRR). From Bari to Bali, Internet friend and our business goals. Oct 16, 2023
Privacy Monthly: October 2023French MP challenges DPF, class actions against Google and X, and more. Oct 6, 2023
First challenge to the EU-US data transfer frameworkFrench MP challenges the new data transfer framework, but procedural requirements may hinder his action. Sep 26, 2023
Direct Marketing under GDPRHow to handle direct marketing under the GDPR and be 100% compliant in different member states. Sep 18, 2023
Road to 1 million ARR - August UpdateThe path to 1 million ARR - August update ($22,689 MRR). UniHosted, Features, Indie Hackers meetup, numbers. Sep 13, 2023
CCPA vs CPRA: what is new?What is the CPRA, and how did it change Californian privacy law? Sep 12, 2023
Privacy Monthly: September 2023Finland cracks down on EU-Russia data transfers, India passes data protection bill, Meta to offer paid subscriptions, and more! Sep 8, 2023
A/B Testing with Simple AnalyticsOptimize your conversion rate and increase sales with effective A/B testing with Simple Analytics. Sep 6, 2023
Dobbs v. Jackson ruling is a privacy messDobbs v. Jackson ruling triggered anti-abortion laws and a privacy crisis tied to women's data use. Aug 29, 2023
Privacy Monthly: August 2023EU-US data transfer framework finalized, EU Commission looking to break up Google’s businesses over antitrust concerns, and more. Aug 24, 2023
What are your rights under the CCPA?This blog discusses your rights under the CCPA and how to exercise them. Aug 16, 2023
When does the CCPA apply?The CCPA only applies to some companies and organizations: here's which! Aug 11, 2023
How does the HIPAA compare to the CCPA and GDPR?We looked at the HIPAA, the CCPA, and the GDPR to highlight similarities and differences. Aug 11, 2023
Why Meta is in a world of troubleThe Bundeskartellamt ruling is a big deal for Big Tech. Here's why. Aug 9, 2023
CJEU: cookie-based analytics collects sensitive dataNew CJEU ruling finds that cookie-based analytics collects sensitive data- and more bad news for Big Tech. Aug 9, 2023
Road to 1 million ARR - July updateThe path to 1 million ARR - July update ($22,117 MRR). Churn, SaaS Friends, Customer Stories, Work in progress, Sweden banned GA. Aug 8, 2023
All about the new Data Transfer FrameworkOn July 10, the European Commission adopted its long-anticipated adequacy decision for the United States. Will it prevail? Aug 2, 2023
Road to 1 Million ARR - June updateThe path to 1 million ARR - June update ($19,959 MRR). The big GA4 migration, traffic spike after Pieter Levels tweet, our new office, and radio show BNR. Jul 19, 2023
What is PHI under HIPAA?HIPAA defines PHI as identifiable health information created by entities covered by the law. Jul 19, 2023
Sweden declares Google Analytics illegal Sweden declares Google Analytics illegal and fines companies for violating GDPR. Jul 3, 2023
Searching for GA4 Alternatives? Top 10 Reliable Options for Google AnalyticssExplore top GA4 alternatives for better data tracking and analytics in 2023 and beyond. Jun 23, 2023
Ultimate HIPAA Compliance Checklist: Essential Steps for Healthcare ProvidersHIPAA isn't just about privacy. It includes security, portability rules, and more. Ensure you're a covered entity, business associate, or subcontractor. Jun 22, 2023
Privacy Monthly: June 2023Eventful May: Meta's €1.2B fine, Linkedin's GDPR woes, Big Tech & US abortion data, EU-US data transfer disputes, and Ana Talus as EDPB Chair. Jun 9, 2023
More troubles for Google AnalyticsA German and an Austrian court both ruled against Google Analytics. Legal issues rooted in Schrems II and US surveillance. Jun 8, 2023
The path to 1M ARR - May UpdateMonthly update: New faces at the office and a growing marketing team. A viral post on Indie Hackers improved CTAs and MRR at $18900. Jun 6, 2023
Data Processing AgreementsExplore the roles of data controllers and processors under GDPR, learn about data processing agreements, and discover how to ensure GDPR compliance in data disclosures. Jun 1, 2023
Minimal Product AnalyticsProduct analytics tools help understand user behavior & feature adoption, leading to improved UX & business success. Simple Analytics is a cost-effective, easy-to-use option. Jun 1, 2023
Facebook data transfers declared illegalMeta ordered to shut down US data transfers for Facebook and fined €1.2 billion for GDPR violations. The decision impacts European data transfer cases and might lead to a Facebook blackout in Europe. May 22, 2023
Is Google Analytics CCPA-compliant?CCPA Guide: Understanding its impact on web analytics & Google Analytics compliance. May 22, 2023
Debug Simple Analytics scriptAd blockers may cause Simple Analytics not to show visitors; disable ad blockers to verify script installation & see dashboard data. May 19, 2023
Help us with your inputSimple Analytics seeks user stories on why and how they use the service, with benefits like free months, promotion, and backlinks. Share your privacy-first journey! May 17, 2023
Import your Google Analytics data to Simple AnalyticsImport Google Analytics data to Simple Analytics in a few clicks and save your historical data. May 16, 2023
Cookie banners: How to stay GDPR compliant?Cookie banners ask for user consent and are required for non-essential cookies. However, using cookieless analytics can improve user experience and ensure privacy compliance. May 16, 2023
GDPR Compliance ChecklistDanish authority shares GDPR checklist for small businesses: understand data processing, maintain security, and minimize data for compliance. May 16, 2023
Privacy Monthly: May 2023ChatGPT case sends waves across the EU, Europe at risk of Facebook blackout, LIBE committee rejects adequacy decision, and more. May 9, 2023
Why is my Simple Analytics data different from Google Analytics?Different numbers between Google Analytics & Simple Analytics can be due to ad blockers, robots, and cookie banners. May 5, 2023
Simple Analytics: Privacy-first website analyticsSimple Analytics focuses on privacy-first web analytics, no tracking or cookies, with insights, EU-hosting, & transparent approach. May 4, 2023
Improve your e-commerce performance with analyticsAnalytics can help optimize sites for better conversions and higher revenue. A guide to tracking user movement, user engagement and effectiveness of your campaigns. May 3, 2023
European Facebook blackout is closer than we thinkIrish DPC may suspend EU-US Facebook data transfers & fine Meta. Outcome could impact millions & set precedent for digital privacy. May 2, 2023
Know your website’s Carbon Emissions - and how to reduce itMeasure and reduce your website's carbon footprint with Zifera's Carbon Test, optimize code and design, and showcase your commitment to a sustainable future. May 2, 2023
The path to 1M ARR - April 2023April update: Simple Analytics grows towards 1M ARR. Adriaan's vacation, new Amsterdam office, Ankit joins the team, SEO focus, improved documentation, blog translations, and better April numbers. May 2, 2023
Privacy issues of chatGPT: This is what's ahead of usItaly's ban on ChatGPT leads to EU task force creation, raising questions about legal issues and GDPR compliance for commercial AI's. Apr 24, 2023
Does Google sell your data?Google doesn't sell data, but discloses it via real-time bidding (RTB) systems. Privacy concerns arise as personal data is shared with advertisers, blurring the line on data "sales.". Apr 17, 2023
How to migrate to GA 4: A step-by-step guideFollow our step-by-step guide to smoothly migrate from Universal Analytics to GA4 before the July 1, 2023 deadline. Apr 17, 2023
How does Google Analytics collect data?Discover how Google Analytics works, collects data, and affects privacy. Explore privacy-friendly alternatives for valuable insights without compromising visitor data. Apr 14, 2023
Meta's Privacy Fiasco: A Cautionary Tale for Big TechExplore Meta's ongoing privacy issues, the impact of recent court rulings, and the growing public concern for digital privacy in the tech industry. Apr 13, 2023
HIPAA compliant website analyticsIs Google Analytics HIPAA compliant? Learn about how to comply with HIPAA for website analytics. Mar 30, 2023
Privacy Monthly: March 2023A lot has happened over the past month in privacy-land. This issue covers crackdowns on Meta, WhatsApp, TikTok and Google. Mar 30, 2023
Content Marketing Metrics that you should be trackingContent Marketing Metrics that you should be tracking with Simple Analytics for improved SEO. Mar 28, 2023
Is server-side implementation of Google Analytics the solution?Server-side implementation of Google Analytics is frequently mentioned as the solution to the issue of data transfers. This article explains everything you need to know. Mar 22, 2023
All you need to know about Digital PrivacyWhat is digital privacy? And how can you improve your digital privacy? This article tells you all you need to know about digital privacy. Mar 22, 2023
Norway takes a stance against Google AnalyticsNorway is the latest country to declare Google Analytics in violation with the GDPR. Mar 3, 2023
Everything you need to know about GDPRThe GDPR is one of the most influential and discussed privacy laws worldwide. This article elaborates more on this privacy law and breaks it down to a GDPR FAQ. Feb 24, 2023
Difference between CCPA and GDPRWhat are the main difference and similarities between GDPR and CCPA? Feb 24, 2023
Finland is the latest EU country to crack down on Google AnalyticsThe Finnish data protection authority ruled against the use of Google Analytics. Feb 16, 2023
Is Google Analytics GDPR Compliant?Is Google Analytics GDPR compliant? This is an ongoing debate, so here’s an overview of what’s going on with Google Analytics and its relationship with GDPR. Feb 15, 2023
French watchdog on a fining spreeThe French DPA (CNIL) issued fines to three large tech companies (Apple, TikTok, and Microsoft). It’s early to say, but we might finally see a crackdown on deceptive cookie banners. Feb 14, 2023
EU task force cracks down on cookie bannersThe European Data Protection Board published a report on how to collect consent validly. It's simple: Don't deceive the user. Feb 8, 2023
Privacy Monthly: February 2023The privacy monthly is back with juicy news: the European Data Protection Board has been up to some important stuff, Google faces yet another antitrust lawsuit in the US, and more. Oh, and the US no-f... Feb 3, 2023
3 Privacy Tech Predictions for 20232022 was an exciting year for privacy enthusiasts. Lets look at what ahead in 2023. Jan 18, 2023
Risks of ignoring data privacy in companiesData privacy is widely viewed as a key business principle. Still not in every organisation. Here are the risks of ignoring data privacy. Jan 17, 2023
9 ways to protect user data to be GDPR compliantData breaches are a risk for every company, so processing data in a secure and confidential way is critical for businesses. Jan 13, 2023
Privacy Monthly: January 2023Every month Simple Analytics summarizes the most important privacy events. Here is our January recap. Jan 9, 2023
Google changed Google Maps URL: Your location data is no longer safeYour location data is no longer safe as Google Maps URL changed from being a sub-domain to sub-directory. Jan 4, 2023
What do website analytics allow you to doWebsite analytics tools help optimize visitor experience & track performance; however, choosing a tool depends on your preferences and needs. Dec 13, 2022
GDPR 101: When is consent valid?Consent abuse is not hard. So when is consent actually valid? Let's find out. Dec 13, 2022
Meta's targeted advertising not GDPR compliantThe European Data Protection Board found that Meta has been illegally profiling users for targeted advertising on its platforms. Dec 10, 2022
Privacy Monthly: November 2022Every month Simple Analytics summarizes the most important privacy events. Here is our November recap. Nov 30, 2022
France directs schools to stop using Microsoft Office & Google WorkspaceThe French Minister of Education clarified that French schools should not use Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. Nov 23, 2022
GDPR 101: legal basesTake a closer look at the different legal bases you can use for processing data under the GDPR. Nov 21, 2022
First signs that Biden's EO on Data Transfers will be challengedBaden-Württemberg State Commissioner criticized Biden's Exectuve Order on Data Tranfers. Nov 14, 2022
Hungarian DPA to rule against Google Analytics, according to GDPRtodayHungarian DPA may join the Austrian, French, and Italian DPAs in ruling against the use of Google Analytics. Nov 10, 2022
How to add Google Analytics to your privacy policy?Adding a privacy policy is not the most exciting part of operating your website. However, its a very essential one. This article outlines what to include to make your life easier. Nov 8, 2022
Italian hacktivists against using Google AnalyticsItalian hacktivist organization MonitoraPA sent thousands of emails requiring administrations to drop both GA and Google Fonts. Oct 27, 2022
Privacy Monthly: October 2022Our monthly newsletter covering the privacy news of the past month. Oct 20, 2022
Is Google Analytics 4 GDPR compliant?Google Analytics is sunsetting universal analytics in favor of Google Analytics 4. But how compliant is GA4 really? Oct 14, 2022
Is Google Analytics illegal in Europe?Google Analytics has been declared in violation with GDPR by multiple EU Member States. Is Google Analytics now illegal in Europe? Oct 14, 2022
How to move forward with data transfers between the EU & USEverything you need to know about the do's and don't regarding data transfers under the GDPR. Oct 7, 2022
What we found on Deceptive DesignThe concept of deceptive design plays an important role in our digital lives, but what is it exactly and how can you spot it. Oct 5, 2022
GDPR Consent 101Consent always comes up in privacy discussions, but what does it really mean and how should you use it. Sep 29, 2022
Less is more. Data minimization can help your businessA data minimization mindset can save you money, compliance headaches and help your company build a reputation for good data governance and privacy-friendliness. How? Let's find out. Sep 26, 2022
Denmark declares Google Analytics unlawfulAfter Austria, France, and Italy, Denmark has become the fourth country to declare the use of Google Analytics unlawful. Sep 21, 2022
Simple Analytics for MarketersSimple Analytics offers straightforward analytics that allows marketers to track user engagement, marketing campaigns, and social media traffic without compromising privacy. Sep 18, 2022
New ruling: Your cookie data might be sensitive dataCookies have always been treated as personal data under the GDPR, but are now considered sensitive data under the new ruling. Sep 16, 2022
The Complete Overview: From 101 noyb complaints to banning Google AnalyticsA detailed overview of the current privacy issues with regard to data transfer to the U.S. Aug 16, 2022
US data transfer unlawful according to German procurement authorityGerman procurement authority rules US data transfer unlawful. Aug 9, 2022
Data privacy - the past, present, and futureThe past, present and future of data privacy gives an accurate view of where the world is heading. Jul 26, 2022
Vodafone & Deutsche Telekom to introduce persistent user trackingVodafone & Deutsche Telekom are trialing with Trustpid to introduce persistent user tracking. Jul 23, 2022
Danish DPA bans Google Workspace for municipalitiesThe Danish Data Protection Authority is banning the use of Google Workspace, previously G-suite, for municipalities. Jul 14, 2022
EU moving closer to Facebook banThe Irish DPC concluded that it will block Facebook from sending data form the EU to the US. Jul 7, 2022
Why its time to move away from Google AnalyticsGoogle Analytics is banned in some EU member states and more are likely to follow. Here is to why you should remove Google Analytics today. Jul 5, 2022
Italy declares Google Analytics illegalThe Italian data protection authority declared the use of Google Analytics in violation with GDPR law. Jun 24, 2022
Google Analytics performance impact using Google LighthouseGoogle Analytics performance impact on your website tested using Lighthouse. Jun 19, 2022
How to delete your Google Analytics accountDelete your Google Analytics account from your website following the steps in this blog. Jun 17, 2022
CNIL Update: Google Analytics is (still) illegalCNIL provided a Q&A on the statement made that Google Analytics violates GDPR. Jun 16, 2022
Does Safari block Google Analytics? And Apple's privacy updatesDoes Safari still work with Google Analytics after Apple's privacy updates? And will Safari ever block Google Analytics? Jun 4, 2022
Simple Analytics as alternative to PlausibleComparison blog between Simple Analytics and Plausible and why Simple Analytics is a great Plausible alternative. May 27, 2022
Simple Analytics as an alternative to Cloudflare AnalyticsWhat are the differences between Simple Analytics and Cloudflare Web Analytics, and why Simple Analytics is a great alternative. May 17, 2022
4 Best Google Analytics AlternativesThere are more and more privacy-friendly Google Analtyics alternatives, but which one is the best? Apr 26, 2022
EU-US privacy shield 2.0 is again a political showThe transatlantic data flow agreement has no legal basis (again). The privacy Shield 2.0 is just political nonsense. Apr 19, 2022
Simple Analytics: Easy website analyticsSimple Ansimple is an easy web analytics tool that gives you the insights you need, while taking take of the privacy of your website visitors. Apr 11, 2022
4 privacy-friendly Google Analytics alternativesDiscover 4 privacy-friendly Google Analytics alternatives for GDPR compliance and improved data privacy in a changing digital landscape. Apr 5, 2022
Use Google Analytics without cookies? And cookieless web analyticsThe future of web analytics is cookieless, but how does analytics work without cookies? Let's find out. Mar 22, 2022
Google will sunset Universal Analytics in 2023Google will sunset Universal Analytics in favor of GA4. Does GA4 comply with GDPR, and how privacy-friendly is it really? Mar 17, 2022
What are internet cookies?Your internet behavior is tracked by cookies. What are they? And what type of cookies are there? Mar 16, 2022
Simple Analytics as alternative to MatomoWhat are the differences between Simple Analytics and Matomo, and why is Simple Analytics a great alternative. Feb 23, 2022
Google Analytics violates GDPR law in FranceCNIL rules the use of Google Analytics to be in conflict with GDPR. What does this mean for the future of web analytics? Feb 17, 2022
Google Analytics' time on page metric is flawedTime on page is an important metric to track. But have you ever wondered how google comes up with the data in your dashboard? Feb 15, 2022
Will Google Analytics be banned in the EU?The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) questioned the legal use of Google Analytics in The Netherlands. Will it be banned? Jan 16, 2022
Simple Analytics as an alternative to Google AnalyticsWhat are the differences between Simple Analytics and Google Analytics, and why is Simple Analytics a great alternative. Jan 7, 2022
Consent Jujutsu & Data Hunger. Is Your Website Guilty?In this series on privacy, you and I are discovering how the internet ended up in this privacy mess. This article explains the why and the how about the way organizations watch you. Oct 21, 2021
How the internet ended up in a privacy messYour behavior is being tracked around the internet. Why do we let this happen? And what can we do about it? Sep 9, 2021
Why FLoC is a FLoP?According to Google, FLoC is a privacy-preserving mechanism for ad selection. But how privacy-preserving is it really? May 19, 2021
Behind the scenes of building the iOS appWe asked Onur Genes, who developed our iOS app, to write down the process. He is an experienced iOS developer who knows very well what is doable and what is not. We highly recommend him. Apr 6, 2021
Ready for the future and hit $100k ARRIn the last months, we have been working hard to get ready for the future. At the same time, we hit our $100k ARR milestone! Mar 8, 2021
Does Google Analytics still work with Apple’s iOS14 & Big Sur?Apple announcement a privacy report that will block Google Analytics. How will that work? Jan 19, 2021
Stripe data explained and hit $6000 MRRThe monthly update of Simple Analytics will look a bit different from normal. This time I took screenshots of all data within the dashboard of Stripe and will comment on every single aspect of it. If ... Jun 4, 2020
Practical privacy tips for your businessAs the founder of a privacy-first analytics tool, I'm sharing my practical privacy tips for your business. May 28, 2020
We hit 400 paying customersWe started doing monthly updates on Twitter with our learnings, revenue, new expenses, new features, and more. From this month on we will also share it on this blog. In this post we talk about referre... May 4, 2020
How we hit our $30k ARR milestoneSimple Analytics recently passed the $30k in ARR (annual recurring revenue). It has been only a little over a year and I would like to walk you through the important points of our journey together, an... Oct 15, 2019
Why we moved our servers to IcelandThis blog post is outdated. Meanwhile we moved our servers from Iceland to The Netherlands. Here is why. Mar 30, 2019
Why I share my failure at the risk of losing customersAs the owner of Simple Analytics, I think it’s super important to build user trust. It’s nearly impossible not to make any mistakes, so if a company never shares their mistakes, they are probably not ... Jan 15, 2019
Why Privacy First Products will make business sensePrivacy-preserving is not only right; it also makes business sense. Here is how. Nov 9, 2018
Why Simple Analytics is my first successful projectUsually, I build the website, show my friends and try to get some organic growth through search engines. This kind of works, but does not give a great start. So, this time I did things differently. Oct 11, 2018
How Google managed to destroy users' trust in one weekThere's no question it's a fantastic product. However lately, Google has seemingly broken the fourth wall in the illusion of Chrome as a benign entity. Oct 2, 2018
