Google analytics opt-out extension?

2026-05-07 13:19 UTC

While clicking around a website’s privacy policy, I found an option “if you don’t want us or Google to use analytics, click here” more or less. It’s Google own opt out extension, tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout Is it that simple to block sites use of Google analytics? I mean, otherwise, are Privacy Badger or Port Authority doing the same thing, just not Google’s tool? Is Google’s a honeypot or Trojan horse you think?

Replies (3)

@LytiaNP@lemmy.today 2026-05-07 13:28

FWIW uBlock should be blocking Google Analytics, even uBlock Lite should block Google Analytics given that it's just a few domains. I wouldn't install an extension by Google if my life depended on it, and I certainly wouldn't install one that promises to block a way Google makes money.

Open ##2282055
@one_old_coder@piefed.social 2026-05-07 13:32

Anything Google can go to hell. Use a combination of uBlock Origin (expert mode), disable 3rd party cookies, and Cookie AutoDelete.

Open ##2282056
@hendrik@palaver.p3x.de 2026-05-07 15:04

Uh. I don't know the exact mechanisms behind Google Analytics. But if I had to take a guess, I'd say installing an Addon to tell the JavaScript not to report anything, doesn't sound like the most clever solution?! I'd rather block that entire tracking library, and prevent it from running in the first place. Any AdBlocker should be able to accomplish that. Kind of questionable IMO why this Addon even exists... Maybe they're forced by law (somewhere) to offer a general opt-out like this. Or it makes sense to offer some minimal solution so users might use this rather than something more effective, developed by a third party?!

Open ##2282057