[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-slug_blog_3_1":3,"blog-slug_blog_denmark-declares-google-analytics-unlawful_1000_1":40},{"article":4,"articles":15,"meta":33,"languages":39},{"id":5,"title":6,"excerpt":7,"locale":8,"slug":9,"authorSlug":10,"automaticTranslated":11,"publishedAt":12,"updatedAt":13,"doFollowLinks":11,"showIndex":11,"showCallToActions":11,"articleType":14},3060,"The EU wants to kill cookie banners","The EU wants to end annoying cookie pop-ups by letting users set their consent once in their browser. If passed, websites will have to respect those choices.","en","the-eu-wants-to-kill-cookie-banners-by-moving-consent-to-your-browser","iron-brands",false,"2025-11-20T05:40:14.356Z","2025-11-20T06:13:15.812Z","blog",[4,16,26],{"id":17,"title":18,"excerpt":19,"locale":8,"slug":20,"authorSlug":10,"automaticTranslated":11,"publishedAt":21,"updatedAt":22,"ctaTitle":23,"ctaDescription":24,"doFollowLinks":11,"showIndex":25,"showCallToActions":11,"articleType":14},3019,"Google is tracking you (even when you use DuckDuckGo)","Google tracks users even on DuckDuckGo via Analytics and embeds. A new study shows how deep Google’s web tracking really goes.","google-is-tracking-you-even-when-you-use-duck-duck-go","2025-07-14T08:56:41.709Z","2025-07-14T11:26:01.386Z","If you care about privacy, you don't use Google Analytics","Ditch the tracking, keep the insights. Try Simple Analytics.",true,{"id":27,"title":28,"excerpt":29,"locale":8,"slug":30,"authorSlug":10,"automaticTranslated":11,"publishedAt":31,"updatedAt":32,"doFollowLinks":11,"showIndex":11,"showCallToActions":11,"articleType":14},3018," German court rules Meta’s tracking tech violates GDPR","German court rules Meta’s tracking tech violates GDPR, allowing lawsuits without proof of harm. Big risks ahead for sites using Meta pixels.","german-court-rules-meta-s-tracking-tech-violates-gdpr","2025-07-10T08:20:51.111Z","2025-07-10T12:16:26.327Z",{"pagination":34},{"page":35,"pageSize":36,"pageCount":37,"total":38},1,3,362,1084,{},{"article":41},{"contentHtml":42,"question":43,"content":44,"coverImageWithText":45,"coverImageWithoutText":52,"inlineMedia":57,"id":58,"title":59,"excerpt":60,"locale":8,"slug":61,"authorSlug":10,"automaticTranslated":11,"publishedAt":62,"updatedAt":63,"doFollowLinks":11,"showIndex":25,"showCallToActions":25,"articleType":14,"cover":52,"languages":64},"\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">After Austria, France, and Italy, Denmark has become the fourth country to \u003Ca referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" href=\"https://www.datatilsynet.dk/english/google-analytics/use-of-google-analytics-for-web-analytics?utm_source=simpleanalytics.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">declare the use of Google Analytics unlawful\u003C/a>. This decision was stated in a press release from the DPA itself (Datatilsynet) and is a result of a coordinated approach at the European level.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">\u003Cem>(Update: the \u003CNuxtLink to=\"/blog/finland-is-latest-eu-country-to-crack-down-on-google-analytics\"  >Finnish\u003C/NuxtLink> and \u003CNuxtLink to=\"/blog/norway-takes-a-stance-against-google-analytics\"  >Norwegian\u003C/NuxtLink> authorities followed the example- although the Norwegian decision is only preliminary. The Irish privacy authority and the European Data Protection board also embraced a strict stance on data transfers in a high profile case involving Meta. This resulted in a record €1.2 billion fine and in the concrete risk of a Europe-wide Facebook blackout. You can learn more about this case on our \u003CNuxtLink to=\"/blog/meta-hit-with-record-breaking-1-3-billion-fine-over-facebook-data-transfers-to-the-us\"  >blog\u003C/NuxtLink>)\u003C/em>\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">It's not the first time the Danish DPA has \u003CNuxtLink to=\"/blog/denmark-bans-google-workspace-for-municipalities\"  >released a statement\u003C/NuxtLink> on the use of Google products. A few months ago, it issued a statement declaring the use of Google Workspace (formerly G-suite) for municipalities in violation of GDPR.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">In the present statement, the Danish DPA addresses the use of Google Analytics specifically and on a much broader scale.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg class=\"mx-auto rounded-lg\" src=\"https://assets.simpleanalytics.com/gifs/oh-my-god.gif\" />\u003C/p>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">Let's dive in!\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003Col class=\"counters\">\u003Cli>\u003CNuxtLink to=\"#statement-by-danish-dpa\">Statement by Danish DPA\u003C/NuxtLink>\u003C/li>\u003Cli>\u003CNuxtLink to=\"#background-on-the-press-release\">Background on the press release\u003C/NuxtLink>\u003C/li>\u003Cli>\u003CNuxtLink to=\"#implications-for-danish-organizations\">Implications for Danish organizations\u003C/NuxtLink>\u003C/li>\u003Cli>\u003CNuxtLink to=\"#final-thoughts\">Final Thoughts\u003C/NuxtLink>\u003C/li>\u003C/ol>\u003CCtaOne />\n\u003CContentEditable  id=\"statement-by-danish-dpa\" parent=\"\" tag=\"h2\" :articleId=\"284\">Statement by Danish DPA\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">The Danish DPA examined the use of Google Analytics ina press release and practically concluded that it is unlawful. Unlike the other DPAs, the Danish DPA did not act on a complaint but instead looked into GA's data transfers at its own discretion.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">It stated that the GDPR is made to protect the privacy of EU citizens. This means that you should be able to visit a website without your data being misused. In this light, they have carefully examined Google Analytics, in particular, after other Member States' previous decisions.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">After careful consideration, the Danish DPA reached the same conclusion as the other Member States. In its current form and settings, the use of Google Analytics violates the law.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">They stated that you must stop using the tool if it's impossible to implement additional measures that safeguard website visitors' privacy. If that's not possible, you should find another analytics tool that does comply with GDPR and does not transfer data to "unsafe" third countries like the U.S.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">Read the full statement \u003Ca referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" href=\"https://www.datatilsynet.dk/english/google-analytics/use-of-google-analytics-for-web-analytics?utm_source=simpleanalytics.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">here\u003C/a>.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  id=\"background-on-the-press-release\" parent=\"\" tag=\"h2\" :articleId=\"284\">Background on the press release\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">Data transfers to the U.S. have become much more complicated since the Schrems II decision. It's a long story; you can learn about it \u003CNuxtLink to=\"/blog/the-complete-overview-from-101-noyb-complaints-to-banning-google-analytics\"  >here\u003C/NuxtLink>. In a nutshell, since Schrems II, additional safeguards need to be implemented to transfer data to the U.S. In many cases, this is practically impossible.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">After Schrems II, Google Analytics came under fire from several DPAs for not complying with data transfer rules. Privacy NGO noyb filed 101 complaints about data transfers directed against Google Analytics and Facebook, and the EDPB created a task force to coordinate the response at a European level. This led to the Austrian, French and Italian DPAs stating that the use of Google Analytics is illegal.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">The Danish DPA is now following suit. They looked into GA and stated that it could not be used without implementing some complex and costly supplementary measures (a reverse proxy server). In practical terms, Denmark is the fourth country to ban Google Analytics.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https://assets.simpleanalytics.com/blog/2022-denmark-bans-google-analytics/social-image-no-text.png\" alt=\"Denmark (practically) bans Google Analytics\">\u003C/p>\n\u003CContentEditable  id=\"implications-for-danish-organizations\" parent=\"\" tag=\"h2\" :articleId=\"284\">Implications for Danish organizations\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">The Danish DPA stated that GA is not compliant with the rules of data transfers, meaning that a data controller cannot legally use it unless they protect the data with supplementary measures.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">The only example offered by the DPA is a reference to the position of the French authority: you can use GA if you use a server as a reverse proxy. We would be very surprised if anyone actually did this. Hosting GA on your own server is costly and complicated that it defeats the purpose of using a free analytics tool to begin with!\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">No other measures are suggested, for the very good reason that none exist. This press statement is, for all practical purposes, a ban.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">There is a debate going on whether this statement also holds for Google Analytics 4. The short answer is yes, this applies to every version of Google Analytics. We've written about Google Analytics 4 more extensively in \u003CNuxtLink to=\"/blog/is-google-analytics-4-gdpr-compliant\"  >this blog\u003C/NuxtLink>.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  id=\"final-thoughts\" parent=\"\" tag=\"h2\" :articleId=\"284\">Final Thoughts\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">The recent decisions and the fact that a task force has been created on a European level make it highly likely that this is not the last decision we have seen.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">Organizations will need to rethink their business practices with respect to web analytics. This is a change for the better. Not only is the use of Google Analytics unlawful, but it's also unethical towards website visitors.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">Consumers demand privacy and don't want to be tracked across the internet.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">The internet will be a better place if organizations adapt and navigate their business without relying on privacy-invasive tooling like Google Analytics.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">We believe it's possible to make adequate decisions based on website data without the need to collect personal data or track individuals.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">That's why we built \u003CNuxtLink to=\"https://simpleanalytics.com/simpleanalytics.com\"  referrerpolicy=\"unsafe-url\" rel=\"\">Simple Analytics\u003C/NuxtLink>, a \u003CNuxtLink to=\"/blog/why-simple-analytics-is-a-great-alternative-to-google-analytics\"  >privacy-first Google Analytics alternative\u003C/NuxtLink> that is cookieless by design and does not collect any personal data while providing the insights you need.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n\u003CContentEditable  parent=\"\" tag=\"p\" :articleId=\"284\">We believe in creating an independent web that is friendly to website visitors. If this resonates with you, feel free to \u003CNuxtLink to=\"/signup\"  >give us a try\u003C/NuxtLink>.\u003C/ContentEditable>\n","Is Google Analytics illegal in Denmark?","After Austria, France, and Italy, Denmark has become the fourth country to [declare the use of Google Analytics unlawful](https://www.datatilsynet.dk/english/google-analytics/use-of-google-analytics-for-web-analytics). This decision was stated in a press release from the DPA itself (Datatilsynet) and is a result of a coordinated approach at the European level.\n\n_(Update: the [Finnish](https://www.simpleanalytics.com/blog/finland-is-latest-eu-country-to-crack-down-on-google-analytics) and [Norwegian](https://www.simpleanalytics.com/blog/norway-takes-a-stance-against-google-analytics) authorities followed the example- although the Norwegian decision is only preliminary. The Irish privacy authority and the European Data Protection board also embraced a strict stance on data transfers in a high profile case involving Meta. This resulted in a record €1.2 billion fine and in the concrete risk of a Europe-wide Facebook blackout. You can learn more about this case on our [blog](https://www.simpleanalytics.com/blog/meta-hit-with-record-breaking-1-3-billion-fine-over-facebook-data-transfers-to-the-us))_\n\nIt's not the first time the Danish DPA has [released a statement](https://www.simpleanalytics.com/blog/denmark-bans-google-workspace-for-municipalities) on the use of Google products. A few months ago, it issued a statement declaring the use of Google Workspace (formerly G-suite) for municipalities in violation of GDPR.\n\nIn the present statement, the Danish DPA addresses the use of Google Analytics specifically and on a much broader scale.\n\n{% include gif.html slug=\"oh-my-god\" alt=\"The Office: Oh my god, it's happening!\" width=\"300\" height=\"201\" color=\"#594748\" %}\n\nLet's dive in!\n\n{{tableofcontents}}\n\n## Statement by Danish DPA \n\nThe Danish DPA examined the use of Google Analytics ina press release and practically concluded that it is unlawful. Unlike the other DPAs, the Danish DPA did not act on a complaint but instead looked into GA's data transfers at its own discretion.\n\nIt stated that the GDPR is made to protect the privacy of EU citizens. This means that you should be able to visit a website without your data being misused. In this light, they have carefully examined Google Analytics, in particular, after other Member States' previous decisions.\n\nAfter careful consideration, the Danish DPA reached the same conclusion as the other Member States. In its current form and settings, the use of Google Analytics violates the law.\n\nThey stated that you must stop using the tool if it's impossible to implement additional measures that safeguard website visitors' privacy. If that's not possible, you should find another analytics tool that does comply with GDPR and does not transfer data to \"unsafe\" third countries like the U.S.\n\nRead the full statement [here](https://www.datatilsynet.dk/english/google-analytics/use-of-google-analytics-for-web-analytics).\n\n## Background on the press release\n\nData transfers to the U.S. have become much more complicated since the Schrems II decision. It's a long story; you can learn about it [here](https://www.simpleanalytics.com/blog/the-complete-overview-from-101-noyb-complaints-to-banning-google-analytics). In a nutshell, since Schrems II, additional safeguards need to be implemented to transfer data to the U.S. In many cases, this is practically impossible.\n\nAfter Schrems II, Google Analytics came under fire from several DPAs for not complying with data transfer rules. Privacy NGO noyb filed 101 complaints about data transfers directed against Google Analytics and Facebook, and the EDPB created a task force to coordinate the response at a European level. This led to the Austrian, French and Italian DPAs stating that the use of Google Analytics is illegal.\n\nThe Danish DPA is now following suit. They looked into GA and stated that it could not be used without implementing some complex and costly supplementary measures (a reverse proxy server). In practical terms, Denmark is the fourth country to ban Google Analytics.\n\n![Denmark (practically) bans Google Analytics](https://assets.simpleanalytics.com/blog/2022-denmark-bans-google-analytics/social-image-no-text.png)\n\n## Implications for Danish organizations\n\nThe Danish DPA stated that GA is not compliant with the rules of data transfers, meaning that a data controller cannot legally use it unless they protect the data with supplementary measures.\n\nThe only example offered by the DPA is a reference to the position of the French authority: you can use GA if you use a server as a reverse proxy. We would be very surprised if anyone actually did this. Hosting GA on your own server is costly and complicated that it defeats the purpose of using a free analytics tool to begin with!\n\nNo other measures are suggested, for the very good reason that none exist. This press statement is, for all practical purposes, a ban.\n\nThere is a debate going on whether this statement also holds for Google Analytics 4. The short answer is yes, this applies to every version of Google Analytics. We've written about Google Analytics 4 more extensively in [this blog](https://www.simpleanalytics.com/blog/is-google-analytics-4-gdpr-compliant).\n\n## Final Thoughts \n\nThe recent decisions and the fact that a task force has been created on a European level make it highly likely that this is not the last decision we have seen.\n\nOrganizations will need to rethink their business practices with respect to web analytics. This is a change for the better. Not only is the use of Google Analytics unlawful, but it's also unethical towards website visitors.\n\nConsumers demand privacy and don't want to be tracked across the internet.\n\nThe internet will be a better place if organizations adapt and navigate their business without relying on privacy-invasive tooling like Google Analytics.\n\nWe believe it's possible to make adequate decisions based on website data without the need to collect personal data or track individuals.\n\nThat's why we built [Simple Analytics](https://simpleanalytics.com/simpleanalytics.com), a [privacy-first Google Analytics alternative](https://www.simpleanalytics.com/blog/why-simple-analytics-is-a-great-alternative-to-google-analytics) that is cookieless by design and does not collect any personal data while providing the insights you need.\n\nWe believe in creating an independent web that is friendly to website visitors. If this resonates with you, feel free to [give us a try](https://www.simpleanalytics.com/signup).\n",{"alt":46,"caption":47,"small":48,"medium":49,"large":50,"original":51,"averageColorHex":-1,"isDark":11},"Danmark Bans Google Analytics.png",null,"https://cms-assets.simpleanalytics.com/small_danmark_bans_google_analytics_text_a291161022.png","https://cms-assets.simpleanalytics.com/medium_danmark_bans_google_analytics_text_a291161022.png","https://cms-assets.simpleanalytics.com/large_danmark_bans_google_analytics_text_a291161022.png","https://cms-assets.simpleanalytics.com/danmark_bans_google_analytics_text_a291161022.png",{"alt":46,"caption":47,"small":53,"medium":54,"large":55,"original":56,"averageColorHex":-1,"isDark":11},"https://cms-assets.simpleanalytics.com/small_danmark_bans_google_analytics_no_text_a4cbc4376e.png","https://cms-assets.simpleanalytics.com/medium_danmark_bans_google_analytics_no_text_a4cbc4376e.png","https://cms-assets.simpleanalytics.com/large_danmark_bans_google_analytics_no_text_a4cbc4376e.png","https://cms-assets.simpleanalytics.com/danmark_bans_google_analytics_no_text_a4cbc4376e.png",{"data":47},284,"Denmark declares Google Analytics unlawful","After Austria, France, and Italy, Denmark has become the fourth country to declare the use of Google Analytics unlawful.","denmark-declares-google-analytics-unlawful","2022-09-21T00:00:00.000Z","2023-08-15T11:51:26.055Z",{"en":65,"de":66,"fr":68,"it":70,"es":72,"nl":74},{"slug":61},{"slug":67},"daenemark-erklaert-google-analytics-fuer-unrechtmaessig",{"slug":69},"le-danemark-declare-google-analytics-illegal",{"slug":71},"la-danimarca-dichiara-illegale-google-analytics",{"slug":73},"dinamarca-declara-ilegal-google-analytics",{"slug":75},"denemarken-verklaart-google-analytics-onwettig"]