FC2 Analyzer
Free Japanese website analytics service from FC2 Inc. that tracks page views, referrers, search keywords and visitor profiles using a JavaScript tag and a third party tracking pixel.
What does FC2 Analyzer do?
What FC2 Analyzer is
FC2 Analyzer is the free analytics product of FC2 Inc., a Japanese web hosting and blogging company. It tracks page views, referrers, search keywords, geographic origin and a daily visitor count through a JavaScript snippet and a third party tracking pixel.
Data and cookies
FC2 sets third party cookies on the fc2.com domain to identify returning visitors and to attribute pageviews. It collects URL, referrer, language, screen resolution, time on page and an IP based location. Reports show high level audience patterns inside the FC2 dashboard.
GDPR and ePrivacy implications
Because FC2 Analyzer relies on third party cookies and the data leaves the merchant domain to a remote host, Article 5(3) ePrivacy applies and consent is required. The CNIL audience measurement exemption usually cannot be relied upon because the tracker is not first party and the visitor profile is not strictly limited to aggregated audience statistics.
Consent requirements
Block the FC2 Analyzer tag until the visitor has given consent through a CMP. Mention FC2 Inc. by name in the cookie banner and the privacy notice, list the cookies and describe the data flow to Japan.
International data transfers
Japan benefits from a European Commission adequacy decision (since 2019, renewed in 2023), so the transfer to FC2 in Japan does not require Standard Contractual Clauses. Verify in the DPA that no onward transfer to a non adequate third country (e.g. United States) occurs.
Practical compliance steps
Sign a DPA with FC2 Inc., gate the tag behind consent, define a short retention, list FC2 in the privacy notice and cookie list, confirm the adequacy decision applies and the data path does not detour through a non adequate jurisdiction, and consider replacing FC2 Analyzer with a privacy first EU alternative if you are concerned about cross border data flow.
FC2 Analyzer and the GDPR
FC2 Analyzer is classified as “Analytics”. On a site that targets European visitors, it must only load after the visitor consents, and it must be listed in your cookie policy.
- Legal basis
- Article 6(1)(a) GDPR (consent) for behavioural analytics with third party cookies and visitor profiles. Article 6(1)(f) (legitimate interest) is generally not sufficient for traditional analytics that share data with an external host.
- Risk level
- medium
- Applicable regulations
- GDPR, Japan APPI, ePrivacy Directive, German TTDSG, French CNIL guidance on audience measurement, Spanish LSSI
Impact assessment (DPIA)
A DPIA is not normally mandatory, but is recommended when the FC2 Analyzer profile is combined with other personal data, when the website tracks vulnerable visitors, or when raw IP and visitor browsing histories are kept for long retention periods.
Sample text for your banner
With your consent we use FC2 Analyzer (FC2 Inc., Japan) to measure audience and improve our website. FC2 Analyzer sets third party cookies, sends a tracking pixel to Japan and may compute a visitor profile based on your visits.
What FC2 Analyzer sets and contacts
- Tracking method
- JavaScript tag, third party cookies, tracking pixel, referrer collection, IP based visitor counting
- Server location
- Japan
- Data transferred outside the EU
- FC2 Analyzer is operated by FC2 Inc. (Japan / United States). Japan benefits from a European Commission adequacy decision (2019, renewed). The corporate structure also includes US presence, so document the exact data path in the DPA.
Cookies set (3)
| Name | Type | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| FC2_ANALYZER_ID | http | 1 year | Pseudonymous visitor identifier set by FC2 Analyzer on the fc2.com domain. |
| FC2_ANALYZER_S | http | Session | Session identifier used to group page views within a single visit. |
| fc2_pix | http | 30 days | Sync cookie used by the FC2 tracking pixel. |
Third-party domains contacted (4)
fc2.comanalyzer.fc2.commedia.fc2.comstatic.fc2.com
Frequently asked questions about FC2 Analyzer
Can't find your question? Write to us, we answer fast.
Which cookies does FC2 Analyzer set?
FC2 Analyzer sets third party cookies on the fc2.com domain (FC2_ANALYZER_ID, FC2_ANALYZER_S, fc2_pix) to identify visitors, group page views and synchronise the tracking pixel.
Is user consent required?
Yes. FC2 Analyzer relies on third party cookies and shares data with an external host. Article 5(3) ePrivacy applies, so prior consent is needed and the CNIL audience measurement exemption typically does not apply.
What is the legal basis?
Article 6(1)(a) GDPR (consent) for behavioural analytics. Legitimate interest is normally not sufficient because the data leaves the merchant domain to a third country host.
Does FC2 Analyzer transfer data outside the EU?
Yes, to Japan. Japan has an EU adequacy decision (2019, renewed 2023), so the transfer itself does not require SCCs. Verify that there is no onward transfer to a non adequate country in the DPA.
Do I need a DPIA?
No, a DPIA is not normally needed for standard FC2 Analyzer usage. It is recommended when the visitor profile is combined with other personal data or when the website tracks vulnerable visitors.
How do I implement FC2 Analyzer compliantly?
Block the tag until consent, sign a DPA with FC2 Inc., set short retention periods, mention FC2 in the privacy notice and cookie list, document the adequacy with Japan, and consider switching to a privacy first EU alternative for cleaner compliance.
What are the alternatives?
Alternative analytics include Matomo (EU), Plausible (EU), Fathom (UK / Canada), Simple Analytics (EU), Cabin (UK / EU), Pirsch (EU) and Umami (self hosted). EU vendors avoid the cross border transfer question altogether.
How do I update the cookie policy?
List FC2 Inc. as a processor, describe the third party cookies, the transfer to Japan and the adequacy decision, link to the FC2 privacy policy, set retention periods and refresh the entry whenever the integration changes.
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