There are several approaches to removing PII from Google Analytics 4:
Using Google Tag Manager (GTM): By customizing the tags, you can ensure that no PII data is sent to GA4. You can create rules to filter or anonymize sensitive information.
Data redaction function in GA4: GA4 offers a built-in function to mask certain data fields or delete them completely before they are saved. At this point, however, it should be noted that the data is already sent to GA4. Ideally, PII data should not be sent to GA4 at all.
Adjust tracking parameters: Review and adjust URL parameters cayman-islands phone number data to ensure no PII is transmitted.
Server-side tagging: Extend your tracking with server-side tagging to introduce an additional layer of data control and filtering.
Customizing forms. Use the POST method instead of the GET method for http requests in forms.
GET method : The form fields are sent as URL parameters. Example. Here, PII data can easily get into the URL and be captured in Analytics.
POST method : Data is sent in the body of the HTTP request and is not visible in the URL. This reduces the risk of PII collection in Google Analytics, but can still be collected via JavaScript if the data is not filtered.
Best Practices for Avoiding PII
Form validation and sanitization: Make sure form data is checked and sanitized before it is submitted. Avoid submitting sensitive data like email addresses or phone numbers in URL parameters. So if you have checklists in your publishing processes, feel free to include the "Check PII data" item.
Using the POST method: Where possible, use the POST method for forms to prevent sensitive data from being written to the URL (see above).
Anonymization and pseudonymization: Use techniques such as hashing to make PII anonymous before transferring it to Analytics.
Regular audits: Conduct regular audits of your tracking implementation to identify and fix potential PII leaks.
By the way: We also check for PII data in our audits. You can find more information here.