Tech-savvy audiences block Google Analytics (plausible.io)

Article summary

A study found that 58% of tech-savvy audiences, such as those from Hacker News and Reddit, block Google Analytics, leading to inaccurate traffic data. This is due to the use of adblockers and privacy-friendly browsers, which can block Google Analytics scripts. The study compared data from Google Analytics and Plausible Analytics, a privacy-focused alternative, to determine the extent of the blockage. The results showed significant differences in traffic numbers between the two analytics tools.

Main themes

• adblocking
• privacy
• Google Analytics
• alternative analytics
• DNS-based adblocking
• browser tracking protection

What commenters say

• Using adblockers and privacy-friendly browsers can effectively block Google Analytics and other tracking scripts.
• Some commenters prefer using Firefox with uBlock Origin or other adblocking solutions on mobile devices.
• Others recommend using DNS-based adblocking solutions, such as NextDNS, to block tracking and ads across all devices.
• There are concerns about the potential tracking and privacy risks associated with using certain adblocking solutions.
• Some users prefer to use browsers with built-in ad tracker protection, such as Brave or Vivaldi, to block ads and tracking scripts.
• The effectiveness of adblocking solutions can vary depending on the device and platform being used.
• Some commenters are skeptical about the privacy and security of certain adblocking solutions, citing concerns about data collection and logging.