The main objective of search engine optimization is to make content findable for web bots or to deliberately exclude crawling and indexing - for example of personal data. Since the introduction of GDPR at the latest, SEO has also become a matter of protecting user privacy.
Denn durch fehlerhafte Crawling- und Indexierungssteuerung können personenbezogene Daten offengelegt werden, die nichts auf den Datenbänken der Suchmaschinenbetreiber verloren haben. Denn somit würde das Risiko von Identitätsdiebstahl und Offenlegen von Kontodaten oder anderen sensiblen Daten befördert. Aber dies gilt es durch SEO Services zu vermeiden!
The interaction between GDPR, data protection and SEO is not yet well researched. In this article, we will look at how much SEO depends on the fundamentals of GDPR and how search engine optimization helps to detect data leaks.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has far-reaching implications for companies operating in the EU or processing data of EU citizens. The GDPR sets out strict requirements for data collection, storage and processing and requires companies to ensure that their websites and online platforms are data protection compliant. But how much does this directive affect Organic Search?
For example, when tracking tools or cookies are used to analyze user behavior, consent from users is required. Often this is done through a cookie consent banner. Most cookie applications have no effect on the indexing status of URLs.
Typical SEO measures are not based on personal data - so, conversely, they do not have to take GDPR into account. BUT it is crucial that all URLs that may contain personal user data are excluded from indexing via the Robots.txt file. Regular crawling and evaluation of the indexing status is therefore a basic obligation for SEO experts.
One interesting aspect we found in the Search Engine Land article is the role SEO plays in detecting data leaks. Data leaks have serious consequences for companies, not only in terms of loss of customer trust, but also in the form of heavy fines imposed by GDPR .
SEO experts constantly monitor website metrics and the indexing behavior of websites at short intervals. This allows them to quickly detect anomalies or suspicious activities that indicate data leaks. For example, a sudden drop in traffic or unusual access patterns may be an indicator of a data leak or security breach. Clues on backlink tools or from Google Search Console also provide important insights on toxic links, which in turn can inject malicious scripts. This is then regularly cleaned up in Disavow instructions.
In addition, SEO tools and platforms used to monitor and analyze vulnerabilities or security gaps can detect potential data leakage. This makes SEO a valuable tool not only for optimizing the visibility of websites, but also for ensuring their security and compliance with GDPR regulations.
Not all data breaches are due to intentional breaches - some result from technical errors when accidental data leaks go unnoticed and PII data finds its way into Google and other search engines.
PII stands for personally identifiable information. This refers to any data or information that can be used to identify, contact, or locate a specific individual. This includes:
Names: Full names or partial names of persons.
Contact information: Email addresses, phone numbers, physical addresses, or social media profiles.
Financial Information: Credit card numbers, bank account information, or financial transaction records.
Health Data: Medical records, health insurance information, or other health-related data.
Identification numbers: social security numbers, passport numbers, driver's license numbers, or employee identification cards.
Login data: User names and passwords.
If disclosed, all PII data can be crawled and included in Google's index in some form.
Technical bugs, incorrect Robots.txt entries and inadvertent rendering can enable es search engine crawlers to index personal data. This makes this PII data available to all internet users on the www. Here are typical reasons why es may be inadvertently indexed.
To prevent data leaks, SEOs should:
Additional measures include:
When data leaks are discovered, companies should:
The link between SEO and data protection is crucial. SEOs play a central role in protecting user data and must adhere to the principles of GDPR to ensure a safer digital world.
Author: fbaer