Ensuring Data Privacy Compliance with GA4 under PDPA and GDPR Regulations

To ensure data privacy compliance with Google Analytics 4 (GA4) under both PDPA and GDPR regulations, organisations must implement a combination of technical configurations, consent management, and data governance aligned with the key principles of these laws.

Key compliance steps include:

• Obtain valid user consent before data collection: Both PDPA and GDPR require organisations to collect, use, or disclose personal data only with the individual's consent, except under specific lawful exceptions. GA4 setup should integrate consent management tools to capture and respect user preferences dynamically.

• Minimise data collection and use purpose limitation: Configure GA4 to collect only necessary data relevant to the stated purpose, avoiding excessive or unrelated data gathering, in line with PDPA’s and GDPR’s purpose limitation principles.

• Enable data anonymisation and privacy features in GA4: GA4 offers enhanced privacy controls such as IP anonymisation and data retention settings. These features help reduce identifiability and limit data storage duration, supporting compliance with data minimisation and retention requirements under both laws.

• Implement clear data retention and deletion policies: Set GA4 data retention periods consistent with regulatory requirements and organisational policies. Facilitate user rights such as data access, correction, and deletion requests, which are mandated by both PDPA and GDPR.

• Manage international data transfers carefully: Under GDPR, transfers of personal data outside the European Economic Area require appropriate safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses). PDPA also requires organisations to ensure transferred data receives comparable protection through binding contracts or policies. If GA4 data is transferred internationally, these legal mechanisms must be in place.

• Use data processors and intermediaries with caution: GA4 acts as a data processor. Organisations remain responsible for compliance and must ensure that Google’s data processing practices meet PDPA and GDPR standards, including security and confidentiality obligations.

• Maintain transparency and documentation: Provide clear privacy notices explaining GA4 data collection and processing activities. Document compliance efforts and data protection impact assessments where applicable.

In summary, GA4 can be used in a manner compliant with PDPA and GDPR if organisations properly configure consent management, limit data collection, apply privacy-enhancing settings, manage data retention, and ensure lawful international data transfers. Leveraging Google’s compliance resources and integrating third-party consent solutions can further support adherence to these regulations.