Is Google Maps GDPR compliant?

What does Google Maps do?

An embedded map contacts Google and can set cookies as the page loads. A static image of the location, or a MapLibre and OpenStreetMap map, avoids the transfer entirely; otherwise load the map only after consent.

Does Google Maps need consent?

Yes. Google Maps is Embedded media, which is never strictly necessary for a website to function. Under ePrivacy Article 5(3), and its national transpositions, storing or reading anything on the device for that purpose requires consent first, and that consent has to be as easy to refuse as it is to give.

ePrivacy Art. 5(3) · TDDDG § 25 (DE) · TKG 2021 § 165(3) (AT) · GDPR Art. 6(1)(a)

Does Google Maps send data outside the EEA?

Yes. Google Maps processes data outside the European Economic Area, so you need a transfer mechanism under Chapter V and you have to say so in your privacy policy. In practice this means standard contractual clauses, or a provider certified under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework.

GDPR Art. 44 · GDPR Art. 46

How do we detect Google Maps?

We load your page in a real browser as a first-time visitor who clicks nothing, then look at what it contacted. Google Maps is recognised by requests to maps.googleapis.com and maps.gstatic.com, and we report whether it merely loaded or actually sent data, and whether it set a cookie before any choice was made.