Use of web analytics tools for federal bodiesThe operator of a website has an interest in analyzing the accesses of users in order to know how they move around or to optimize its online offering. However, the use of tools such as Google Analytics, Chartbeat or Clicky can have pitfalls, as the following example shows.Web analytics tools offer typical functions such as recording the geographical origin of visitors, their dwell time and search engine terms. The analysis tool is integrated into the operator’s website by means of a special image element and a script from the provider. In doing so, the provider of the evaluation tool records the accesses to the website, as the IP address of the accessing users is registered by its servers when the image element is retrieved. Since IP addresses must be considered personal data, the Federal Data Protection Act (DPA) is applicable.
Source: FDPIC – Use of web analytics tools for federal bodies