Switchfast Blog: The Future of IT
Google Analytics Offers Choice of Opting Out
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 by Matt Hymel
In a move to solidify their transparency, Google has just announced that an add-on is available to
opt-out of Google Analytics, which provides data for websites
regarding user statistics. According to a Google Analytics blog
post, the "add-on stops data from being sent from your computer
when you visit websites that use Google Analytics Javascript to
track usage." Additionally, Google is offering an "option to
anonymize IP address information sent to Google."
An article at PCWorld.com explains that there are
other tools, specifically for Firefox users, that block certain
aspects of Google Analytics including Adblock Plus, NoScript, and
OptimizeGoogle. However, this new add-on does not stop Google from
placing other cookies, like its DoubleClick cookie, which "tracks
Web pages a person visits and serves advertisements related to that
content."
As Wired.com points out, you still have the option of
opting out of targeted advertising, but "Google's display of small
text ads on its sites or on other sites will not stop, as those are
based on the content of the page you are looking at, not your
previous browsing behavior."
The reactions thus far have been mixed. Some users see this more
as a public relations move, citing Facebook's recent bout with user
privacy and Google's Wi-Fi data-stealing fiasco. These critics point to
the tools already available to users that block or disallow certain
personal information from Google.
On the other hand, some users are applauding Google for their
latest actions to back up their "Do No Evil" motto, including a
public apology for the stolen data soon after discovering the
problem and now this add-on which provides a more secure web
browsing experience.
A comment over at Wired.com left by Kevinmun explains that "site
creators can still easily log the IP addresses of all their
visitors... maybe Google should make a tool that allows web authors
to store it locally."
Another commenter, however, reveals a different viewpoint:
"(Google) regularly and routinely makes gestures like this that
show they genuinely respect their user base."
What are your thoughts about Google's new add-on? Will it force
your small business into using different software to track website
visitors?
Until Next Time -
Matthew Hymel
Switchfast Technologies
Chicago IT Support &
Consulting
Rochester
IT Support & Consulting
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