Rick Hellewell

Google Analytics (GA) allows you to see what your visitors are doing on your site. The common installation is to run some JavaScript code in the client’s browser that reports back to GA. The problem with that is many ad-blockers will block that client-side (browser) action, resulting in incomplete GA data.
The Server Side Analytics plugin does all the work on your server. So GA is used on all site visits – even visitors using ad blocking. That gives you more accurate GA data.
Your site visitor’s IP address is anonymized (the last ‘octet’ is removed), so only the visitor’s city is known. The plugin only uses the client-side WordPress session ID, so complies with basic GDPR privacy, as long as your site has an acknowledged cookie policy. There is nothing additionally stored on the client side, so visitor privacy for this plugin and the generated analytics is assured.
All you need is a GA account – start here: https://www.google.com/analytics/ . Note that you will need to set up a “UA” type account. Help starts here: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/9306384?hl=en Make sure you set up a “Universal Analytics” account – which will result in a UA-xxxxxxx-1 value to use in the plugin.
If you use Google Analytics, then you should be aware of their privacy policy, which could apply to your use of GA; see it here https://www.google.com/analytics/terms/us.html . You may also need a cookie policy and acknowledgement displayed on your site.
We suggest that you consult with your legal advisor for specific methods and messages needed for GDPR compliance on your site. We provide no warranty or guarantee of GDPR compliance. We are not providing any legal advice. We are not responsible in any way for your use of our suggested GDPR solution. Your mileage may vary. Objects in mirror are closer than you expect. All aspirin is alike. Professional driver on a closed course. Your mileage may vary.
<h3>Privacy</h3>
This plugin does not save any personal information on your server. It will store cookies on your visitor’s browsers. If you have enabled Google Analytics, it will also store a randomly-generated ID value as a cookie; there is no personal information associated with that cookie. The plugin does not share information with others.

CellarWeb Server Side Analytics

Allows using Google Analytics via server-side request. Many ad blockers block client-side Google Analytics, resulting in incomplete values.

Simple process to create a ‘cookies are OK’ banner/button; assumes that site cannot be accessed unless you agree. Creates a privacy page based on US Better Business Bureau recommendations (your country might have different requirements). Also allows for use of Google Analytics via a server-side ‘post’, to allow analytics tracking if ad-blocking is enabled by the visitor.
Optionally, you can enable placing your Privacy Page link in the site footer.
This is not a very fancy plugin – it just does the basics: displays a notice,and requires the visitor to accept the terms. It ‘s for simple sites.
Optionally can add your Google Analytics (GA) code. GA process is run on the server side, not client-side. Many ad blockers will block client-side GA, which dilutes your analytics. Running GA on the server ensures that analytics are accurate. No personal information is included in the GA server-side process.
If you have a large site, or complex personal information retention or collection, you might want to find another solution. And ‘we are not a lawyer ‘, so check with your legal folks for guidance. We make no guarantees about the ‘legal worthiness ‘ or afford ability or suitability of our plugin.
Note: requires WP 4.9.6, which contains the new Privacy code/supporting functions. The plugin will not activate if you do not have WP 4.9.6 installed (or PHP 5.3 or higher). You also need at least PHP 7.4.
Disclaimer: This plugin may not provide full protection for your site, depending on how your site stores and uses personal data. We think our technique meets the basic notification requirements of GDPR, but you should consult with your legal advisors for guidance on what your site needs to do for GDPR compliance. Here is the ‘official’ GDPR site: https://www.eugdpr.org/ .
For reference:
<ul>
<li>We use the code from the Cookie Consent site at https://cookieconsent.insites.com/ to display the Acceptance message and track user response (via a cookie) to the message notice.</li>
<li>For the generic Privacy Page we generate, we use the guidance from the US Better Business Bureau at https://www.bbb.org/reno/for-businesses/sample-privacy-policy/.</li>
<li>If you use Google Analytics, then you should be aware of their privacy policy, which could apply to your use of GA; see it here https://www.google.com/analytics/terms/us.html .</li>
<li>See also the Privacy section.</li>
</ul>
We suggest that you consult with your legal advisor for specific methods and messages needed for GDPR compliance on your site. We provide no warranty or guarantee of GDPR compliance. We are not providing any legal advice. We are not responsible in any way for your use of our suggested GDPR solution. Your mileage may vary. Objects in mirror are closer than you expect. All aspirin is alike. Professional driver on a closed course.
<h3>Privacy</h3>
This plugin does not save any personal information on your server. It will store cookies on your visitor’s browsers. If you have enabled Google Analytics (GA), GA is done on the server. GA data only includes the visited page, and an anonymized IP address. No personal information is sent to GA. No cookies related to GA are stored in the client’s browser.

Simple GDPR

Creates a simple GDPR notice with links to your Privacy Page. Optionally creates the Privacy Page. Optionally enables server-side Google Analytics wit …

CellarWeb Server Side Analytics vs Simple GDPR