Approximately 13 per cent of German website publishers - those using the .de TLD - are believed to use Google Analytics to collect data on their visitors. This includes the websites of several leading media organisations, political parties and other large business entities.
It is believed the officials are concerned with the information Google is able to collect, especially on websites that invite visitor interaction, such as financial websites. The officials believe Google could potentially profile visitors with the information they provide to sites using Google Analytics.
German privacy protection officials have previously voiced their concerns regarding the Google Analytics service, and have already criticised Google over the exact level of information they collect. They have also declared their concerns over the amount of personally identifiable data Google sends to servers located on US soil.
Officials claim that under German law, such data is prohibited from leaving the country. However, Google has countered that it is within their rights to do so, as it complies with the Safe Harbour treaty established between the United States and the European Union.
According to Zeit Online, one German lawyer believes penalties could amount to around €50,000 for each website that operated the service.
