Web analysis without consent: survey on data protection hurdles!
Web analysis without consent: survey on data protection hurdles!
Erlangen, Deutschland - On March 11, 2025, the 23rd episode of the “A Cup with the President” valley series was published, in which Prof. Dr. Stephan Rosshart, the Vice President of the Friedrich Alexander University in Erlangen-Nuremberg, spoke about current topics of university education. Among other things, the discussion highlighted the challenges and opportunities that arise from the innovations in the university area.
A central aspect of the episode was the need for a stronger digital and technical orientation at universities. The integration of new technologies into teaching and adaptation to the needs of students were highlighted as keys to contemporary university formation. Prof. Dr. Rosshart emphasized that this also brings the responsibilities of universities in relation to data protection.
data protection and cookie guidelines
In today's digital world, universities have to use the requirements of the Telemedia Act (TMG) and the Telecommunications Telemedia Data Protection Act (TTDSG), if they have cookies and tracking mechanisms. Not every website needs a cookie or consent banner per se. According to the provisions, no consent is required as long as no data that is not necessarily required is processed. Operators should avoid unnecessary consent to avoid legal challenges, so Baden-wuerttemberg.Datenschutz.de .The discussion on data protection also includes the way information is saved or read out. Cookies and similar technologies require a clear consent of the users, unless it is technically necessary cookies, such as that are required for the meeting, for example. Here, too, detailed information about the purpose of data processing is necessary to comply with the legal framework.
range analyzes and tracking
Another important point in the current debate about data protection concerns the distinction between range analysis and individual tracking. While tracking is used for comprehensive user profiling, range analyzes only offer statistical information about user behavior that are crucial for website design and market research. With server-side tracking and analysis of log files, providers can potentially do without consent if this is done in accordance with the provisions of the data protection law, as explained by Drd-datenschutz.de
Inherent uncertainty regarding the obligations of consent and the legal framework illustrates the complex situation for universities and research institutions that have to deal with the topic of web analysis. Prof. Dr. Rosshart emphasized that dealing with digital tools is just as important as the observance of the data protection law aspects in order not to lose the connection in persistent digital change.
Overall, the current discussion shows that universities are not only required in digital teaching, but also have to take a proactive role in implementing data protection regulations. The talk of Prof. Dr. Rosshart sums up these challenges and stimulates further examination of the topics.
More information about the episode can be found on the Friedrich-Alexander University website: fau .
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| Ort | Erlangen, Deutschland |
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