Are Google Maps GDPR compliant?
As soon as the Google Maps map is displayed, a connection to Google servers (US) is established, and personal data (e.g., IP address, browser information) is transferred without prior consent. According to the GDPR, these processes may not occur without prior consent.The direct integration of Google Mapsas was possible before the GDPR came into force,is therefore no longer possible.If we want to include an interactive map, there are these options:
A cookie consent banner is displayed, asking whether a visitor agrees to the use of the maps. As described in the article "Why Cookie Banners Are a Bad Idea," this option is far from optimal!
Instead of the map, only a link or a non-interactive screenshot of the map is shown, along with a note that clicking on the map will open the Google Maps map. This option is more user-friendly and necessary if you absolutely want to work with Google Maps, for example, because of the direct route planning option.
Instead of Google Maps, an OpenStreetMap map is integrated. This map is directly interactive, meaning zooming and panning work immediately. For my clients, I use our own proxy server for OpenStreetMap, whose technology enables GDPR-compliant integration.
Please contact me, I will be happy to advise you on the best alternative in your case!
...If anything is still unclear, please let me know!
