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• Rails removed returning but Faker brought it in again

  28 juillet 2010, par admin — Uncategorized

  We wondered why our specs were NOT failing even we hadn’t removed all returnings and replaced them by tap in our current Rails 3 rc2 project. The solution was that the faker, the fake data generation library, is patching Object and introducing it’s own version of returning. This is why I believe (...)

• 6 Adobe Analytics alternatives for privacy-conscious companies

  5 septembre, par Joe

  Adobe Analytics is a widely used data analysis platform — but it’s expensive, complex, and, for very large datasets, reliant on data sampling.

  Fortunately, there are a number of more affordable, accurate and user-centric analytics solutions that address these concerns. 

  This guide explores six top Adobe Analytics alternatives, compares their key features and capabilities and explains how to find the best fit for your analytics needs.

  What is Adobe Analytics ? 

  Adobe Analytics is a popular digital analytics platform. It’s known for its enterprise-grade capabilities, which are aimed at larger organisations with complex data needs. 

  It offers detailed insights into website traffic, customer behaviour and conversion performance. It can segment audiences, track activity and compare key metrics like page views, traffic sources and customer journeys.

  Its AI-powered tools, like anomaly detection and predictive analysis, help spot trends and optimise marketing strategies. 

  Despite its sophisticated capabilities, it does come with challenges. 

  What’s the problem with Adobe Analytics ? Why switch ?

  One of many common struggles among ‌Adobe Analytics users is the platform’s setup. 

  The UI is complex and overwhelming for non-technical users, and the platform has a steep learning curve.

  Adobe Analytics also has some problematic features. Manual tagging, for instance, is extremely time-consuming. Updating and keeping track of tags “by hand” like this makes it hard to scale along with your business.

  The manual tagging feature is also error-prone and requires technical expertise to tag appropriate actions and extract valid insights. 

  Even if you tag everything correctly, these insights are limited to a certain number of pre-set interaction types, which may not reflect the full spectrum of customer behaviour.

  Users also complain about latency issues with Adobe Analytics. Delays in reporting make it hard to get instant insights, leading to slower decision-making.

  Pricing is another issue. The higher tiers can get quite expensive. And there’s no free option beyond a product demo, so there’s no real way to try it before committing. 

  6 Adobe Analytics alternatives and who they work best for

  Clearly, Adobe Analytics isn’t for everyone. Let’s explore some of the top alternatives for website analytics.

  1. Matomo – Best for privacy-focused companies that need all-in-one analytics

  For organisations that must comply with stringent regulations like GDPR or CCPA, privacy features are critical factors in a web analytics solution.

  Matomo offers an ethical, privacy-first approach to analytics. It gives businesses deeper control over customer data to ensure its accuracy, security and integrity.

  One of Matomo’s key benefits that sets it apart from other analytics solutions is its capability for users to self-host data. This offers unparalleled security and compliance. 

  It’s also one of the few platforms that combines traditional web analytics with behavioural analytics. Users can access features like heatmaps, A/B testing and session recordings, all under one roof.

  Matomo can track everything from technical site performance to customer experiences and show the results on custom dashboards or automatic email reports.

  Plus, with cookieless tracking and no data sampling, organisations know they’re getting 100% accurate insights without sacrificing user privacy.

  

  Matomo dashboard with visits log, visits over time, visitor map, combined keywords and traffic sources
  (Image Source)

  Key Features

  • Advanced multi-channel reporting for websites, mobile apps and ecommerce
  • Heatmaps and session recordings
  • A/B testing platform
  • Multi-channel conversion attribution
  • User flow to visualise customer journeys
  • IP anonymisation
  • Cookie-free tracking
  • Search engine keyword performance reports
  • Customisable dashboards and reports
  • Integration with over 100 platforms, including Google Ads, WordPress and Magento

  Matomo was designed with the strictest data privacy and compliance requirements in mind : no third-party access and no data sold to advertisers. Instead, users can anonymise IP addresses and configure “DoNotTrack” settings.

  All data is accurate. There’s no AI filling in gaps or skewed samples, just 100% factual data that drives better decision-making.

  Strengths

  • Fully GDPR compliant with advanced privacy features
  • Full data ownership with no third-party interference
  • Comprehensive analytics tools that don’t rely on data sampling
  • Cookieless tracking for more accurate, compliant insights
  • Self-hosting and cloud options available
  • Supports 100 currencies and multiple time zones
  • Strong integration with other tools via API

  Common community critiques

  • Short learning curve for beginners
  • Some premium features come at an extra cost

  Pricing

  • Matomo On-Premise is free.
  • Matomo Cloud starts at just under $22 a month if paid annually. 

  Matomo vs. Adobe Analytics – The verdict 

  Adobe Analytics offers a diverse set of enterprise-level tools. But it comes at a much higher cost and doesn’t have the same emphasis on privacy. It’s also missing some of the key advanced features that Matomo offers, such as search engine keyword reports, cookie-less analytics and full GDPR compliance. 

  Matomo, on the other hand, stands out for privacy-focused companies. Not only is it a budget-friendly solution, but it also provides 100% data ownership. 

  In contrast, Adobe’s platform relies on data sampling and third-party tracking. If privacy and customisability are top priorities for your company, choose Matomo over Adobe Analytics.

  Ready to learn more ? Try Matomo for free now.

  2. Google Analytics – Best for budget-conscious businesses that track with cookies

  Google Analytics is a household name in web analytics. It’s a free tool that allows businesses to track website traffic and user behaviour.

  It provides basic insights into digital performance without the high pricing plans of more advanced tools, making it great for small companies and startups with limited budgets. 

  It’s a natural choice for marketers using Google Ads who want to measure ad performance. 

  GA isn’t the most accurate tool as it relies on data sampling, meaning the results don’t consider 100% of website visitors.

  Unfortunately, Google Analytics also lacks advanced privacy controls and relies on cookies for tracking.

  However, if you prioritise price over privacy, Google Analytics delivers strong foundational analytics.

  

  GA reporting dashboard with active visitors, traffic type, average visit duration and bounce rates
  (Image Source)

  Key Features

  • Visits by traffic type (organic, social and direct)
  • User behaviour tracking (clicks, scrolls and time on page)
  • Demographic and interest data
  • Conversion and ecommerce tracking

  Strengths

  • Easy to track behaviour across multiple devices
  • Integrates easily with Google Ads for ad tracking

  Common community critiques

  • Limited privacy controls
  • Data sampling

  Pricing : 

  • Google Analytics is free to use. 
  •  Advanced features are available through Google Analytics 360 for an additional cost.

  Google Analytics vs. Adobe Analytics – The verdict
  Google Analytics offers good value for budget-conscious businesses. However, it falls short when it comes to enterprise-level depth and privacy. While easy to set up, it lacks the custom dashboards Adobe offers.

  3. Mixpanel – Best for product-led companies identifying audiences

  Mixpanel is a product analytics platform. It’s designed to show companies how users interact with their products.

  It ‌excels at uncovering high-value audiences by tracking customer actions and analysing user journeys. Its strong behavioural analytics and segmentation tools help businesses see how to make products more engaging for specific groups.

  However, the free plan limits historical data retention. This restricts long-term trend analysis. 

  Mixpanel boasts an intuitive interface for basic tasks, which is ideal for less experienced teams. However, you’ll need technical expertise to use advanced features like SQL queries and custom events. 

  Its reliance on third-party storage also raises privacy concerns.

  While Mixpanel is great for tailoring product experiences to target audiences, it’s not ideal for teams that prioritise data ethics or lack technical expertise.

  

  Mixpanel product metrics dashboard with channels by plan, channel stickiness, annual spend, new user accounts and more
  (Image Source)

  Key features

  • Custom event tracking for specific user actions
  • Detailed reporting for immediate insights
  • User behaviour funnels to track conversion steps

  Strengths :

  • Self-serve support interface for non-technical users
  • Advanced segmentation for detailed audience analysis

  Common community critiques

  • Restricted historical data retention in free tiers
  • Limited performance metric tracking

  Pricing : 

  • The free plan includes basic analytics for up to 1M monthly events
  • Beyond that, pricing scales with usage — 1.5M events is $140/month (or $100 with annual billing), 3M events is $378/month ($270 with annual billing). For exact estimates, use their Growth plan price calculator.

  Mixpanel vs. Adobe Analytics – The verdict
  Mixpanel excels in product analytics but doesn’t provide the same depth of web analytics as Adobe Analytics.

  Adobe also offers better custom reports and audience segmentation to help with marketing and traffic analysis. 

  4. Amplitude Analytics – Best for growth-stage companies focused on product customer journeys

  Similar to Mixpanel, Amplitude Analytics is also a product analytics platform. It focuses on optimising customer journeys for digital products.

  It excels in user segmentation. You can create detailed cohorts to track drop-offs throughout your funnels. Its A/B testing feature lets product teams compare conversion strategies and identify effective solutions.

  However, its session-based tracking is restrictive. It analyses discrete visits but doesn’t track multiple visits or visitor origins, making it challenging to draw long-term insights.

  Amplitude is ideal for growth-stage companies seeking deep insights into user interactions, but it is not suitable for businesses that need comprehensive, long-term customer journey tracking.

  

  Amplitude Analytics dashboard snapshot showing average revenue per user for a specific product
  (Image Source)

  Key features :

  • User path tracking
  • Custom event tracking for product usage
  • Behavioural cohort analysis for targeted insights
  • A/B testing to optimise product experiences

  Strengths :

  • Detailed segmentation of user behaviour
  • Strong focus on product metrics

  Common community critiques

  • Limited support for traditional web analytics
  • Session-based tracking isn’t very comprehensive

  Pricing : A free starter plan is available. Paid plans are custom-built and pay-as-you-go. 

  Amplitude vs. Adobe Analytics – The verdict
  Amplitude ‌helps companies understand customer journeys around product usage, concentrating on detailed behavioural analysis. Web analytics are product-focused rather than sales-focused.

  For more traditional web analytics, Adobe Analytics provides traffic source tracking, conversion optimisation and insightful reporting.

  5. Heap – Best for lean startups that want code-free analytics

  Heap is a code-free analytics platform. It’s for tracking and enhancing user behaviour across digital experiences. It offers behavioural analytics and session replays to pinpoint friction points in the user journey.

  Its standout feature is automatic event tracking, which helps you capture user interactions without manual setup. This makes it particularly appealing for lean teams and those without technical expertise. 

  Unfortunately, Heap has limited customisation options, restricting advanced users with complex analytics requirements. 

  It also lacks GDPR compliance support. This is an issue for privacy-conscious organisations.

  Heap is excellent for startups that want user-friendly analytics with automated tracking, but it won’t fit businesses that need extensive customisation or strict privacy compliance.

  

  Heap marketing KPI dashboard
  (Image Source)

  Key features :

  • Automatic event tracking 
  • Session replays
  • Customisable dashboards for quick insights
  • Behavioural analytics for deep user understanding

  Strengths :

  • Simple setup 
  • Supports cross-device user journeys
  • Codeless event tracking

  Common community critiques :

  • Limited customisation for advanced users
  • Events can pile up quickly without dedicated monitoring 

  Pricing : It’s free for up to 10k sessions. Paid plans have custom pricing.

  Heap vs. Adobe Analytics – The verdict
  Thanks to its code-free setup, Heap is far easier to implement than Adobe Analytics, even without technical expertise. 

  That said, Adobe offers more advanced features to monitor site traffic and marketing performance. 

  6. Open Web Analytics – Best for developers seeking analytics customisation

  Open Web Analytics (OWA) is a free, open-source analytics platform for developers who need customisable tracking solutions.

  It’s highly flexible, offering users full control over their data. Features like heatmaps, clickstream tracking and API support are some of its main strengths.

  But OWA is not for inexperienced teams. It requires extensive technical expertise to set up and maintain, and it relies on community support. If you need timely assistance, you might struggle.

  OWA doesn’t rely on third-party storage, which is good for privacy-focused teams. However, it’s best for technically skilled teams, not those needing out-of-the-box solutions.

  

  OWA developer dashboard with site metrics, top content, actions and traffic sources
  (Image Source)

  Key features :

  • Customisable web analytics with Javascript and PHP APIs
  • Heatmaps and clickstream tracking
  • Integration with WordPress and MediaWiki
  • Conversion goal and funnel tracking

  Strengths :

  • Full data control 
  • Custom tracking 

  Common community critiques :

  • Limited support
  • Requires significant setup and deep technical knowledge

  Pricing : Free 

  OWA vs. Adobe Analytics – The verdict
  Firstly, OWA is free, while Adobe Analytics comes with a steep price tag.

  However, Adobe Analytics gives users an enterprise-grade packaged solution with AI-driven insights. Customising OWA is hands-on and meant for developers. 

  What to look for when picking a web analytics tool

  Here are the key factors to consider when picking an Adobe Analytics alternative.

  1. Comprehensive features

  Look for analytics tools that offer detailed analysis through heat maps, session recordings and interactive dashboards.

  All-in-one solutions like Matomo provide in-depth feedback, analysis and reporting on user behaviour patterns. Teams only need one tool to understand user experiences and optimise web performance.

  2. Privacy and compliance

  Tools that handle sensitive customer behavioural data need to prioritise privacy and compliance.

  That means full compliance with privacy features like IP anonymisation, cookie-less tracking and total data ownership. This ensures data is secure, private and compliant.

  3. 100% data accuracy

  Many tools claim to provide accurate data while using data sampling to speed up data processing and analysis.

  These samples aren’t always representative of the entire dataset. So, conclusions can be skewed or inaccurate.

  Matomo doesn’t use data sampling, meaning 100% data accuracy and more reliable insights.

  Choose analytics that don’t compromise data privacy

  Choosing the right analytics software can preserve user privacy and build customer trust. 

  Remember, not all tools offer the same protection and control over data. 

  Choose Matomo for 100% data ownership, full privacy and completely accurate analytics. Keep your data in your hands. Try Matomo for free now. 

• Understanding GDPR compliance : Key principles and requirements

  28 août, par Joe

  Any company with an online presence will likely collect customers’ personal data in the normal course of business. But those with customers residing in the European Economic Area (EEA) — basically, the European Union (EU) plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway — must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Companies serving UK data subjects post-Brexit must also abide by the UK GDPR, which includes certain regional variations.

  GDPR authorities are only concerned with personal data (not with non-personal or anonymous data), ensuring that it’s collected, used, and stored in a way that respects users’ rights and privacy.

  Failure to comply can present serious business risks, including :

  • Financial penalties (more about that shortly)
  • Compensation claims from data subjects for mishandling their information
  • Reputational damage (if/when a data breach does occur)
  • Disruption to operations
  • Personal accountability of executives (including potential sanctions)

  This article explores the GDPR and personal data protection, the rights it confers on European data subjects, and how those rights are enforced. We’ll wrap up with an 11-step plan for GDPR compliance. 

  Let’s begin.

  The price of non-compliance

  The largest fine so far levied for GDPR non-compliance is €1.2 billion in May 2023. It was imposed by the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) on Meta (previously Facebook). And it was because of Meta’s transfers of EU/EEA data subjects’ personal data to the US from 16 July 2020 in breach of GDPR international data transfer rules.

  Many other fines have been levied for GDPR non-compliance, and there’ll probably be a lot more in the future :

  Penalty	Company	Supervisory Authority	Date
  €746 million	Amazon	Luxembourg National Commission for Data Protection (CNDP)	16 July 2021
  €405 million	Meta	Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC)	5 September 2022
  €390 million	Meta	Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC)	6 January 2023
  €345 million	TikTok	Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC)	1 September 2023
  €310 million	LinkedIn	Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC)	30 October 2024
  €290 million	Uber	Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA)	26 August 2024

  Those are big numbers. European supervisory authorities take enforcement seriously

  So, what is personal data anyway ?

  GDPR defines personal data as any information about a data subject (an identified or identifiable individual). This covers both direct (name, address, ID numbers, etc.) and indirect identifiers (IP addresses, location data, etc.). It categorises personal data into two types : general and special category.

  General data includes identifiers like names, contact details, and financial information. 

  Special category data, such as racial or ethnic origin, health data, biometric information, and sexual orientation, needs more protection. 

  The processing of special category data is only allowed under certain conditions, for example, if consent was given explicitly or if vital interests (e.g., a threat to life), legal obligations, or public interest are involved. GDPR emphasises safeguarding sensitive data due to its potential impact on individuals’ privacy and rights.

  Important GDPR terminology

  Apart from the data subject, personal data, and special category data mentioned above, GDPR introduces other legal terms and concepts organisations must understand. A data controller decides what personal data to collect and how to use it. A data processor processes the data on behalf of the data controller.

  A Data Protection Officer (DPO) oversees GDPR compliance. Processing is any operation performed on data, such as collecting, analysing or storing it. That processing must also have a lawful basis, such as consent, contract, or legitimate interests. And consent must be freely given, specific, and easily withdrawable. 

  A data breach involves unauthorised access to or loss of personal data. A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) identifies risks to individuals’ rights. Data minimisation requires organisations to minimise what data they collect. Countries in the EU/EEA have appointed a supervisory authority to enforce GDPR in their territory.

  Rights of EU/EEA data subjects under GDPR 

  GDPR grants specific rights to individuals (data subjects) who are physically present in the EU/EEA when their personal data is processed, regardless of nationality or residence status. The business’s physical or legal presence is irrelevant, as the determining factor is the data subject’s location at the time of processing.

  Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties and even criminal charges in jurisdictions where such penalties are enforced under national law. 

  To support responsible data practices, the GDPR defines key foundational rights.

  Transparency

  Two rights granted to data subjects in the EU/EEA under GDPR relate to transparency :

  1. The right to be informed (proactive, applies at data collection)
  2. The right of access (reactive, applies when the data subject makes a request)

  They provide transparency by mandating that data subjects be provided specific details about that process, including :

  • Company or organisation processing the data (with contact details)
  • Reasons for using the data
  • Categories of personal data involved
  • Legal basis for processing the data
  • How long data will be stored
  • Other companies, organisations, or third parties with access to the data
  • Whether data will be transferred outside the EU/EEA

  Privacy notices should meet the standards in GDPR Articles 12–14, covering what data is collected, for what purpose, and how users can exercise their rights. 

  For a deeper dive, check out : How to write a GDPR-compliant privacy notice.

  Objections and restricted processing

  Under GDPR, individuals in the EU/EEA have the right to object to the processing of personal data in two key respects :

  1. They can object to direct marketing, after which organisations must stop processing their data immediately, with no justification required.
  2. If data is being processed on the basis of the organisation’s legitimate interests or for tasks carried out in the public interest, data subjects can object if they believe their own rights and freedoms outweigh those interests. Again, processing must stop unless the organisation proves compelling legitimate grounds outweighing the individual’s rights.

  Individuals can also request temporary restrictions on data processing when : 

  • Their data isn’t accurate (until verified).
  • Processing is unlawful, but they prefer restriction over deletion.
  • Their data is no longer being used, but must be retained for legal purposes.
  • After they object to processing while verification of legitimate grounds is pending.

  During restriction, the organisation can continue storing the data, but may not process it without explicit consent or when certain exceptions apply.

  Rectification and erasure

  Individuals have the right to rectify errors in their data and to erasure (deleting data). First, they can request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete personal data. GDPR requires organisations to act without undue delay to ensure that stored data remains accurate and up to date.

  The right to erasure (aka the right to be forgotten) enables individuals to request deletion of their personal data when :

  • It’s no longer needed for its original purpose
  • They withdraw consent, and no other legal basis exists
  • Processing is unlawful
  • They object to processing, and no overriding legitimate grounds exist
  • The data must be deleted to comply with a legal obligation

  Organisations must delete data unless exemptions (e.g., legal compliance, public interest, or legal claims) apply.

  Data portability

  GDPR provides the right to data portability. People can request their personal data in a structured, common, and machine-readable format so it’s easier to review or transfer to another service provider. This applies when data is :

  • Provided by the individual, either directly (e.g., name, email) or indirectly through use of a service (e.g., purchase history)
  • Processed based on consent or a contract
  • Handled using automated means

  Portability does not apply to personal data processed on the basis of legal obligations or legitimate interests. ItT only applies when processing is based on consent or a contract, and carried out by automated means.

  Where technically feasible, GDPR also requires organisations to facilitate direct transfers of personal data to another controller at the subject’s request.

  

  Automated decision-making and profiling

  GDPR grants EU/EEA data subjects the right not to be subject exclusively to automated decision-making, with legal or similarly significant effects, without human involvement. This applies to issues affecting them, such as job screening, loan approvals, or insurance pricing. They can :

  • Request human intervention : A real person must review the decision.
  • Express their viewpoint : Provide additional information or dispute the outcome.
  • Challenge the decision : Demand justification and correction if unfair.

  For example, imagine someone applying for a loan online, and the algorithm rejects the application based on credit history. They can request a human review to ensure fairness and consider special circumstances, such as recent debt clearance.

  However, GDPR also provides for some exceptions. Automated decisions are allowed if one of the following statements is true :

  • It’s obtained with explicit consent.
  • It’s necessary for a contract.
  • It’s permitted by law, with safeguards.

  How is GDPR enforced ?

  GDPR enforcement is carried out primarily by national supervisory authorities in each EU/EEA country. These authorities investigate complaints, conduct audits, and impose penalties for non-compliance within their jurisdictions. In cross-border cases, they collaborate through the one-stop-shop mechanism, which designates a lead authority to coordinate enforcement.

  The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) is the independent data protection authority for EU institutions and agencies. It does not supervise private-sector or national public-sector organisations and is not a general enforcer of the GDPR.

  The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) is the body responsible for ensuring consistent application of the GDPR across the EU/EEA. Made up of representatives from national supervisory authorities and the EDPS, the EDPB issues guidelines, resolves disputes between authorities, and adopts binding decisions in cross-border matters.

  The origins of GDPR

  The EU’s regulation was adopted in 2016 to replace the 1995 Data Protection Directive (DPD), which predated the digital age. As technology use increased, vast amounts of personal data were collected, analysed, and stored, often without people’s knowledge, threatening their privacy and security.

  The main motivation behind GDPR was to unify the application of data protection rules across the EU/EEA through a directly applicable regulation, rather than a directive that required separate implementation by each member state. The aim was to eliminate fragmentation, ensure consistent enforcement, and strengthen individuals’ rights.

  Enter GDPR. It was agreed upon after years of negotiations between the 27 EU member states, the European Parliament, and the European Commission. It was formally adopted in 2016 and became fully enforceable on May 25, 2018. But there’s a difference. DPD was a directive that had to be implemented separately by member states. From that date, GDPR has been applied uniformly across the EU/EEA.

  The EEA adopted the GDPR on 6 July 2018 and went into force on 20 July 2018. It’s since become a global template, influencing data protection and privacy laws in countries like Brazil (LGPD), India, and Japan. The UK retained GDPR after Brexit, adapting it into the UK GDPR, which closely mirrors the EU version but allows for future divergence.

  Who does it apply to ?

  GDPR protects the personal data of individuals who reside in the EU/EEA. It applies to any organisation processing that data, no matter where it’s located in the world. This remains true even if the data is transferred outside the EU/EEA for storage and/or processing.

  Organisations are having difficulty with this regulation, as evidenced by the fines that have been meted out. Whether the penalties are paid, reduced through negotiation or still owed, their existence is a lingering uncertainty for the companies involved.

  Who must comply

  GDPR applies if you :

  • Have an office or another form of establishment in the EU/EEA, or
    
  • Offer goods/services to data subjects located in the EU/EEA (even if free) or
    
  • Monitor EU/EEA data subjects’’ behaviour (e.g., via cookies or analytics)
    

  What does GDPR require ?

  GDPR requires organisations to respect a clear set of data protection principles : lawfulness, fairness and transparency, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity and confidentiality, and accountability. It also obliges them to ensure that they always have a valid legal basis (consent, contract, legal obligation, legitimate interests, etc.) to process the personal data.

  Data should also not be stored longer than necessary to fulfil the specific purpose for which it was collected. Appropriate organisational measures must be taken to ensure the security and integrity of the personal data and protect it from breaches, loss, or unauthorised access. Should a reportable data breach occur, it must be reported to the relevant supervisory authority within 72 hours. Affected individuals must be informed if the breach is likely to result in a high risk to their rights.

  Organisations must also demonstrate accountability by keeping detailed records of processing activities and conducting DPIAs for high-risk processing. If their core activities involve large-scale processing of special categories of data or regular and systematic monitoring of individuals, they must appoint a DPO. 

  Finally, organisations must implement adequate safeguards when transferring data outside the EU/EEA through the GDPR Chapter V mechanism, such as adequacy decisions, Standard Contractual Clauses, Binding Corporate Rules, etc.

  By adhering to these requirements, organisations ensure compliance with GDPR and protect the data privacy and rights of EU/EEA data subjects.

  11 steps to compliance

  Once you’ve confirmed that the GDPR applies to your organisation’s processing of personal data, you can begin working toward compliance.

  Below, we’ve broken the process into eleven clear steps to help guide you.

  Step 1 : Map your data : Purpose, use and legal basis

  Any organisation operating in the EU, EEA or UK and handling personal data of data subjects in those regions must audit all the personal data it currently holds. 

  Your organisation must identify the legal basis for processing all data subject to the GDPR. If no legal basis can be found or justified, the processing will not be permitted under the GDPR.

  Step 2 : Consider appointing a DPO

  According to the GDPR text, a DPO is mandatory only under certain conditions, mainly due to processing volume and the type of organisation. But there are certain scenarios where it’s required.

  • Public authorities that process personal data as a matter of course, except for courts in their judicial capacity.
  • Organisations whose core activities involve regular and systematic monitoring of data subjects on a large scale.
  • Organisations that process specific “special” data categories (as defined by the GDPR) or data relating to criminal offences as a core activity on a large scale.

  It’s vague, and GDPR doesn’t clearly define “core activity” or “large scale”. If you are unsure whether your organisation falls into these categories, seek legal advice and err on the side of caution. Regardless, even if you are not required to appoint a DPO, it’s a good idea to appoint someone to monitor and oversee GDPR compliance efforts internally.

  Step 3 : Identify supervisory authorities

  This is generally governed by the territories in which an organisation operates. However, GDPR does make provisions for operations that cover multiple countries. In those cases, the GDPR provides a one-stop-shop mechanism to streamline oversight.

  In such cases, a lead supervisory authority (LSA) is designated. Organisations cannot freely choose their lead supervisory authority ; it depends on the location of the main establishment (Art. 56 GDPR).

  Most EEA countries have only one supervisory authority. Germany is the exception. Federal states each have their own DPA, and the Bundesbeauftragte für den Datenschutz und die Informationsfreiheit oversees federal matters. 

  Step 4 : Consider a Data Protection Impact Assessment

  GDPR requires a DPIA when processing is likely to result in a high risk to individuals’ rights and freedoms. Examples include large-scale processing of sensitive data, systematic profiling, public monitoring, or innovative technology use. A DPIA involves describing the processing, assessing necessity, identifying risks, and implementing mitigation measures.

  If the process reveals residual, unmitigated high risks, the DPIA report must be submitted to the nominated supervisory authority for consultation before the processing can proceed. Feedback can be expected within 8 weeks (extendable to 14 weeks), and the recommendations must be implemented. Conducting a DPIA is one way to ensure compliance. It also protects individuals’ rights and avoids fines for non-compliance.

  Step 5 : Establish a data breach process

  Organisations must quickly implement systems to identify and assess breaches for scope and impact. They must act immediately to contain the breach and record all the details and the actions taken.

  

  Data breaches likely to result in a risk to individuals’ rights and freedoms must be reported to the supervisory authority within 72 hours of the organisation becoming aware of the breach. If the breach is likely to result in a high risk to the individuals’ rights and freedoms, the controller has an obligation to inform the affected individuals as well. Data breach processes should also be reviewed regularly and included in staff training. 

  Here’s a simplified version :

  Simplified data breach response checklist
  𝥁	Detect and confirm the breach
  🮱	Contain and mitigate the impact
  🮱	Assess the severity and potential harm
  🮱	Document the breach
  🮱	Report the breach
  🮱	Inform affected individuals
  🮱	Review and improve
  🮱	Train staff in breach response protocols

  Step 6 : Review websites and website form security

  Websites and the forms on them are common gateways for personal data, making them a high-value target for bad actors. Ensuring these entry points are secure is essential to protecting user data and supporting GDPR’s requirements for confidentiality, integrity, and resilience (Article 32).

  Here are some key actions to take : 

  Website and form security best practices
  Use HTTPS with a valid SSL/TLS certificate	Ensure pages that collect/display personal data are served over HTTPS to encrypt data in transit and prevent interception.
  Secure all data collection forms	Validate and sanitize user input to protect against common threats, such as cross-site scripting (XSS), injection attacks, and form spam. Use security headers such as Content Security Policy (CSP) to prevent malicious script execution. Implement CAPTCHAs or other bot detection.
  Restrict access to form submissions	Store submitted data securely and restrict access to authorized personnel. Use strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), and apply role-based access controls (RBAC) where possible.
  Keep your website software up to date	Apply regular security patches to your CMS, plugins, and third-party libraries. Remove unused components and services that may introduce vulnerabilities.
  Monitor and test for vulnerabilities	Perform regular security scans andpenetration tests to identify risks. Monitor error logs and unusual activity, especially around form endpoints.

  Taking these proactive steps to strengthen form security and reduce breach risk will support your organization’s GDPR compliance posture..

  Step 7 : Consider age when required

  Under Article 8 of the GDPR, age verification is only required when :

  • Personal data is being processed on the basis of consent, and
  • The service is offered directly to children (i.e., an information society service provided online)
    

  In these cases, organisations must ensure the child is at least 16 years old, unless a lower age threshold has been set by national law (e.g., 13 in the UK).

  Age verification methods must be proportionate to the level of risk, aligned with the principle of data minimisation, and appropriate for the audience. Common approaches include : 

  • Self-declaration with confirmation prompts
  • Email-based parental consent mechanisms
  • Content gating or notices for services not intended for children

  More intrusive methods, such as biometric estimation, government ID upload, or video verification, should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. When justified, such methods must undergo a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) and meet the requisite necessity and proportionality standards.

  Step 8 : Implement double-opt-in for all email lists and services

  At present, Germany is the only EU country with a clear legal mandate for double opt-in under its national GDPR implementation and ePrivacy laws. While not explicitly required elsewhere in the EU and EEA, double opt-in is widely recommended as a best practice to ensure explicit consent.

  This process confirms that the user explicitly agrees while reducing opportunities for fraud and improving compliance. It also builds trust, as customers know how you’re handling their data. A clear, up-to-date privacy policy is essential to the process. It must outline how data is used and stored and how an individual’s rights can be exercised.

  For example, obtaining consent in an email marketing campaign may involve the following steps :

  1. The user signs up for a newsletter or service.
  2. They receive a confirmation email/text message with a verification link.
  3. The user clicks the link to confirm consent.

  Step 9 : Restrict international data transfers

  GDPR limits data subjects’ personal data transfer outside the European Economic Area (EEA) unless certain conditions are met.

  Such transfers are not permitted unless one of the following conditions is met :

  1. Appropriate safeguards are in place, such as :
     • Standard contractual clauses (SCCs) approved by the Commission
     • Binding corporate rules (BCRs) for multinational groups
  2. The destination country is one of the following countries that has received an adequacy decision from the European Commission.

  Countries with GDPR adequacy decisions (as of July 2025)
  Andorra	Full adequacy decision
  Argentina	Full adequacy decision
  Canada	Applies only to commercial organisations under PIPEDA
  Faroe Islands	Full adequacy decision
  Guernsey	Full adequacy decision
  Isle of Man	Full adequacy decision
  Israel	Full adequacy decision
  Japan	Adequacy with additional safeguards aligned to EU standards
  Jersey	Full adequacy decision
  New Zealand	Full adequacy decision
  Republic of Korea	Adequacy decision adopted in 2021
  Switzerland	Longstanding adequacy decision (dating back to the 2000s)
  United Kingdom	Adequacy under both GDPR and the Law Enforcement Directive (LED)
  United States	Applies only to commercial organisations certified under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework

  Major fines (like Meta’s €1.2 billion) have already been levied for unlawful data transfers. In addition, third-party service providers and data processors charged with handling EU data must also be GDPR-compliant. 

  If personal data is processed by a third party outside the EEA, organisations must verify that contractual safeguards comply with GDPR Article 28. These processor management safeguards cover :
  

  • Contractual – Defines what the processor is permitted to do with personal data
  • Security – Specifies technical and organisational safeguards to protect data
  • Breach notifications – Requires processors to report breaches in a timely manner
  • Sub-processor oversight – Grants approval rights over any sub-processors
  • End-of-service handling – Ensures return or proper disposal of personal data at contract end
  • Audit rights – Allows controllers to audit processor compliance if needed

  Step 10 : Record of Processing Activities (ROPA)

  GDPR obliges both data controllers and data processors to maintain a Record of Processing Activities (ROPA). This processing register details how and why personal data is processed, and it must include the following : 

  • Name and contact details (and DPO, if applicable)
  • Processing purposes (marketing, HR, customer service, etc.)
  • Data categories (names, emails, financial data, etc.)
  • Data subject categories (customers, employees)
  • Transfers outside the EEA (legal basis, safeguards like SCCs, etc.)
  • Retention periods for each data category
  • Security measures (encryption, access controls, etc.).

  For data controllers, the ROPA must also include the names and details of any people who receive personal data, such as services or processors. The register should also map the flow of data through the organisation (and any third parties), which is needed for audits or analysing a data breach.

  An effective ROPA depends on strong data governance. Clearly-defined processes, ongoing training, and regular reviews are necessary to keep internal policies aligned with how personal data is actually handled in practice.

  Maintaining a ROPA also supports GDPR’s accountability principle : organisations must be able to show compliance, not just claim it. Documented policies, audits, and training records provide the evidence needed to demonstrate this.

  Step 11 : Data subject rights management

  Organisations that collect, store, analyse, or process the personal data of EEA data subjects must regularly advise customers of their rights under GDPR. In particular, they must remind data subjects of their right to submit a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) and respond promptly to DSARs from individuals requesting access to their personal data.

  Among other things, EEA data subjects may request :

  • Confirmation that their data is being processed
  • A copy of their data
  • Information about how and why their data is being processed
  • The purposes of processing
  • Categories of personal data involved
  • Recipients or categories of recipients who receive the data
  • Data retention periods or criteria used to determine them
  • The data source (if not collected directly from the individual)

  DSARs can be refused if they’re manifestly unfounded or excessive or if providing the data would adversely affect the rights of others. But it’s advisable to use that as a last resort.

  GDPR compliance in practice

  GDPR compliance isn’t automatic — not even with privacy-focused tools like Matomo or reconfigured platforms like Google Analytics 4. 

  Regardless of which analytics solution you use, data protection laws like GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive require organisations to : 

  • Track only occurs when lawful, and with valid user consent when required.
  • Configure privacy settings to comply with the GDPR.
  • Only collect data that is proportionate, transparent, and serves a legitimate, disclosed purpose.

  Even the best tools can fail if they aren’t used properly. That’s why governance, intentional setup, and consistent consent management are necessary parts of compliance.

  Matomo offers secure, privacy-focused GDPR analytics. It includes a built-in GDPR Manager and privacy centre to fine-tune your privacy settings.

  To get started with Matomo, you can sign up for a 21-day free trial — no credit card required.