Google Analytics users could be breaking the law

Google Analytics is a free service offered by Google that allows you to track user interaction with your website. You or your web designer can register your website and begin to receive statistics such as visitor numbers, pages visited and time spent on your website. What you may not realise is that using Google Analytics on your website means you could be breaking the law!

On 26th May 2011 a new UK law came into effect making it a legal requirement to ask a visitors permission before collecting their information within a cookie. If you have ever logged into a website and clicked a 'remember me' option or added a product to a shopping cart then your information has been recorded by a cookie.

These interactions with a website require your input, unfortunately, services such as Google's Analytics collect user information in cookies without you selecting or asking for them to do so. This new law was created to help web users to be aware that sites are collecting data even if it is hidden in the sites HTML code.

If your own website does use Google's Analytics service then you will need to have a 'Cookie Control' system in place to do the following:

Make the user aware of the fact your site uses cookies.
Give them the option to switch cookies on or off if they wish.
Offer a clear link to your site terms and conditions and privacy policy.

As well as this 'Cookie Control' you will need to add a cookies policy statement to you sites terms and conditions/privacy policy. These must state what you use cookies for on your site and how disabling cookies may affect the visitors use of the site e.g. 'Disabling cookies will affect the shopping cart feature on the website'.

The UK government gave a 12 month grace period for website owners to put this 'Cookie Control' in place and this grace period ended on 26th May 2012. There are many free services which will give you code to add to your website to control cookies if you want to add this feature yourself.

We would advise all website owners to implement these 'Cookie Controls' as soon as possible, UK law treats a breach of this new law as seriously as any other breach of a customers privacy and fines or prosecution may result.

You have been warned!

All new website developed by Two Plus Two have 'Cookie Control' installed as standard, we can also implement these systems on existing websites that use Google Analytics or similar tracking systems for a set fee. If you would like to discuss 'Cookie Controls' why not contact us today.

Customer Testimonials

Don't take our word for it. See what our customers are saying about our marketing and website design services:

"Two Plus Two took me to page one of Google. But it didn't stop there. They got me to positions 1,2 and 3 on page one. Just Unbelievable! They have totally transformed by business and orders are absolutely pouring in. If you need top SEO results, you need Barry and his team at Two Plus Two Marketing. Thanks guys."

S. Smith

"For years I was using so-called SEO companies that took hundreds of pounds a month with no results to show for it. Then I moved to Two Plus Two Marketing. They rebuilt my website and their SEO service has got me to number one. More importantly the phones are ringing. Great job guys - highly recommended."

D. Smart

"Two Plus Two Marketing have produced four first class websites for clients of mine. As a Freelance Marketing Manager, my reputation is imperative, and by working with Two Plus Two I know that this customer focused duo will always deliver my clients website, SEO and content needs to an exemplary standard. A delight to work with and completely flexible - couldn't recommend them highly enough."

H. Dullaghan

"Barry and Ken worked hard to develop a fantastic website, ensuring it was a fun and easy process. They offer a personalized service ensuring that you achieve what you set out to do. I would happily recommend Two Plus Two Marketing for any future projects."

A. Hall

"Knowledgable and approachable with a fantastic knack of explaining difficult concepts. They have challenged my ways of thinking and I'll definitely be implementing their ideas. I would highly recommend Two Plus Two Marketing. Thank you!"

L. Hickman

"I have been using the services of Two Plus Two Marketing since 2009. Barry and Ken have been professional, excellent and efficient in their work and support. I am very happy with their help and highly recommend to all."

N. Nad

Google Analytics users could be breaking the law

Customer Testimonials

Are you ready to take your business to the next level online?