Is GTM illegal in the EU?

Only the default setup. Where you let Google host your GTM-script.

Here’s why:

When your website loads the GTM script from Google, it connects to Google servers and sends the user’s IP address. Under GDPR and ePrivacy directive this is considered personal data.

Even if no tags fire, data is already being transferred to the US.

Authorities in Germany and Austria ruled that tools like Google Analytics are not “strictly necessary,” and therefore require consent. That same logic can apply to GTM if it’s not configured carefully.

Two solutions from Jos IJntema:

Proxy GTM via your own server
By hosting GTM yourself (e.g. via GTM Server Side), no IP addresses are shared with Google.
Read how

Use a custom marketing-foundation.js loader
A lightweight script that loads only essential tools like the cookie banner and GTM itself.
Read how

This setup also helps prevent issues with tracking blockers.

Have a better workaround?
Share it in the comments.

For more information

This is the link to build your own proxy in GTM SS:
https://lnkd.in/eW_AEhmZ

This is the link to setup a marketing-foundation.js:
https://lnkd.in/e-YZ4p2i

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