photo credit: vrypan

The number of sites now running Google Analytics is now insanely large…yet I have seen so many which forget a simply privacy policy notice which is noted in the Google Analytics terms of service.

Every website should have the following notice on their website in a prominent place if you are using Google Analytics.

8. PRIVACY

As per point 8 of the Analytics terms of service, you should have in place in a prominent position on your Website an appropriate privacy policy. A quote from the TOS: “You will also use reasonable endeavours to bring to the attention of website users a statement which in all material respects is as follows.”

On all of my websites I include the following note somewhere:

“This website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, Inc. (“Google”). Google Analytics uses “cookies”, which are text files placed on your computer, to help the website analyze how users use the site. The information generated by the cookie about your use of the website (including your IP address) will be transmitted to and stored by Google on servers in the United States . Google will use this information for the purpose of evaluating your use of the website, compiling reports on website activity for website operators and providing other services relating to website activity and internet usage. Google may also transfer this information to third parties where required to do so by law, or where such third parties process the information on Google’s behalf. Google will not associate your IP address with any other data held by Google. You may refuse the use of cookies by selecting the appropriate settings on your browser, however please note that if you do this you may not be able to use the full functionality of this website. By using this website, you consent to the processing of data about you by Google in the manner and for the purposes set out above.”

This is a phrase suggested by the Google Analytics Terms of Service.

I thought it would be beneficial to those who was not aware of such terms to make it more publicly visible, for using such a great service (and for free at that).