Global Privacy Rules

All web analytics tools track visitor behavior on websites, but privacy laws regulate how data is collected, stored, and used. What rules a website has to follow is based on the location of the audience, but since most websites can potentially have global users or visitors most rules may apply to any website.

A quick breakdown of global privacy rules for key regions

Europe – GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

• Websites must ask for user consent before collecting data (e.g., through cookies or any other method).
• Users have the right to see, delete, or correct their data.
• Data can only be collected without explicit consent for specific, legal purposes.

USA – Various State Laws (CCPA, CPRA, etc.)

• California’s CCPA (and its update, CPRA) gives users the right to opt out of data collection.
• Websites must disclose what data is collected and how it’s used.
• No strict prior consent is needed, but users must be able to say “no” to tracking.

Canada – PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act)

• Websites must get user consent before collecting personal data.
• Users must be informed about how their data is used and can request access.

UK – UK GDPR & DPA 2018

• Similar to European GDPR: websites need consent for tracking.
• Users have rights to control their data.

Brazil – LGPD (Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados)

• Requires clear user consent for data collection.
• Users can request data access, correction, or deletion.

China – PIPL (Personal Information Protection Law)

• Companies must ask for consent before collecting data.
• Strict rules on storing and transferring data outside China.

Australia – Privacy Act 1988

• Websites must be transparent about data collection.
• Users have the right to access and correct their data.

Other countries and regions follow similar rules, here are a few key considerations:

  • Always ask for user consent before collecting anything.
  • Be transparent about what data is collected and why.
  • Allow users to opt out or delete their data.
  • Follow local laws if operating internationally.

Understanding analytics and privacy

Website owners face a complex challenge in balancing effective analytics with user privacy. Consequently, understanding the essential do's and don'ts of web analytics and cookie usage is important. Organizations must prioritize transparent cookie management, ensuring GDPR compliance through clear user consent mechanisms.
A strategic analytics implementation strikes a balance between data collection and user privacy.
To assist our clients in that 'balancing act' we created a White Paper with the most important elements.
The download is free and available here.