CDN

Google Cloud CDN

Google Cloud CDN is Google's edge content delivery network for Google Cloud customers that caches static and dynamic content at globally distributed points of presence.

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Overview

What does Google Cloud CDN do?

What is Google Cloud CDN?

Google Cloud CDN is the Content Delivery Network integrated with the Google Cloud load balancer. It caches content closer to end users on Google's global edge network, reducing latency and origin load. It is primarily an infrastructure service rather than a tracking tool.

How does Google Cloud CDN process personal data?

Cloud CDN itself does not set marketing cookies. It processes IP addresses, request headers and URLs to route, cache and protect traffic. Depending on the integration, Google's edge may set operational cookies such as NID or __Secure prefixed cookies when other Google services are involved, but these are not necessary for Cloud CDN to operate.

Is consent required?

In a pure caching configuration, Cloud CDN qualifies as strictly necessary for the technical delivery of the website and does not require consent under Article 5(3) of the ePrivacy Directive. If marketing or analytics features from other Google products are layered on top, those features must obtain consent independently.

International data transfers

Although traffic is served from the closest POP, Google is a US headquartered controller and may transfer operational and logging data to the United States. Transfers are governed by Standard Contractual Clauses and the EU US Data Privacy Framework. Customers can configure region restrictions for some Google Cloud services.

Compliance recommendations

Document Cloud CDN in your record of processing activities under hosting and content delivery, rely on the Google Cloud Data Processing Addendum, restrict regions where possible and avoid mixing Cloud CDN with Google products that introduce advertising cookies unless you have a consent flow in place.

Compliance

Google Cloud CDN and the GDPR

Legal basis: legitimate_interest
Risk level: low
Applicable regulations: GDPR, ePrivacy Directive

Impact assessment (DPIA)

A DPIA is generally not required for Cloud CDN used as pure caching, but transfer risk should be documented. A DPIA may be needed if combined with monitoring or marketing services.

Sample text for your banner

We use Google Cloud CDN to deliver our website from servers close to you. Cloud CDN processes your IP address and request headers and may transfer technical data to the United States.

Cookies and trackers

What Google Cloud CDN sets and contacts

Tracking method: edge_caching_with_operational_cookies
Server location: Google global edge POPs (US, EU, Asia, LATAM)
Cookieless mode available: Yes
Data transferred outside the EU: Google operates a global edge network. Although traffic is served from the closest POP, Google is a US headquartered controller. Transfers are covered by Standard Contractual Clauses and the EU US Data Privacy Framework.

Cookies set (3)

Name	Type	Duration	Purpose
NID	preferences	6 months	Operational cookie set by Google to remember user preferences such as language; may appear when other Google services run alongside Cloud CDN.
__Secure-1PSID	necessary	24 months	Secure session and security cookie set by Google when authenticated Google services are integrated with the property.
GOOGLE_ABUSE_EXEMPTION	necessary	1 year	Security cookie issued by Google to confirm a human user has passed an abuse challenge.

Third-party domains contacted (4)

googleusercontent.com
googleapis.com
gstatic.com
cloud.google.com

Questions

Frequently asked questions about Google Cloud CDN

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What cookies does Google Cloud CDN set?

Cloud CDN does not set tracking cookies on its own. It is a caching layer that processes IP addresses, headers and URLs. Operational cookies such as NID or __Secure prefixed cookies may appear if other Google services are layered on top of the same property.

Is consent required before using Cloud CDN?

In a pure caching configuration Cloud CDN qualifies as strictly necessary for the delivery of the service and does not require consent under Article 5(3) of the ePrivacy Directive. Consent is needed for any additional analytics or marketing component layered on top.

What is the legal basis for Cloud CDN?

The legal basis is legitimate interest under Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR, namely the technical delivery, performance and security of the website. Contract performance may also apply for authenticated user areas.

Does Cloud CDN transfer data outside the EU?

Yes, indirectly. Although traffic is served from the closest edge POP, Google is a US headquartered controller and may transfer operational, logging and abuse data to the United States. Transfers are covered by Standard Contractual Clauses and the EU US Data Privacy Framework.

Is a DPIA required for Cloud CDN?

A standalone DPIA is generally not required for Cloud CDN used as a pure cache. A DPIA becomes useful when Cloud CDN is combined with Cloud Armor logs, monitoring or marketing services that involve systematic user observation.

How do I implement Cloud CDN compliantly?

Activate Cloud CDN only on resources that do not contain sensitive personal data, restrict the Google Cloud project to EU regions where possible, sign the Google Cloud DPA, enable Cloud Audit Logs and document the service in your record of processing activities.

Are there privacy friendly alternatives?

Bunny.net, Fastly EU, Scaleway Edge Services or self hosted Varnish provide caching with a smaller US footprint. The choice depends on geographic coverage, performance requirements and the level of data residency you need.

How should I update my cookie policy to mention Cloud CDN?

Mention Cloud CDN under hosting and content delivery, explain that it processes IP addresses and headers as a sub processor, state that no marketing cookie is set by the CDN itself, list the Google Cloud DPA as the legal framework and disclose potential transfers to the United States.

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