FlowConsent
How it worksPricingComparisonsBlogDocumentationLog inTry FlowConsent
Try FlowConsent
E-commerce

GTranslate

PreferencesOfficial website

GTranslate is a website translation tool, available as an app for WordPress, Shopify and other platforms, that adds a language switcher and translates content using Google Translate. The free widget loads Google scripts and sets a language cookie, sending page text and visitor data to Google servers in the United States. Paid plans translate server side. Under the GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive, loading the Google powered widget generally requires prior consent.

Block GTranslate until consentScan my site
Overview

What does GTranslate do?

What is GTranslate?

GTranslate is a website translation service offered as a plugin or app for platforms such as WordPress, Shopify, Wix and Joomla. It adds a language selector to a site and translates the content automatically, in its most common configuration using Google Translate. It is used by businesses that want a multilingual site without manually translating every page.

What data and cookies does it collect?

In its free, client side mode GTranslate loads the Google Translate library in the visitor browser. That library sends the text of the page being translated, together with the visitor IP address and browser information, to Google servers. GTranslate also sets a cookie named googtrans that stores the chosen language so the preference persists across pages and visits.

GDPR and ePrivacy implications

Because the free widget loads a Google script that processes page content and device data, it involves a third party that may act on personal data. Storing the language cookie is governed by Article 5(3) of the ePrivacy Directive; while a pure language preference can be functional, the Google integration that accompanies it generally requires consent. Paid server side plans change this analysis by keeping translation on GTranslate own infrastructure.

Consent requirements

For the Google powered widget, block the script and obtain consent before it loads, presenting the choice through a Consent Management Platform. If you use a server side plan where no third party script runs in the browser, the language cookie alone may qualify as strictly necessary or functional. Always document which mode you use and reflect it in your consent banner.

Data transfers

When GTranslate uses Google Translate, page text and visitor data are transferred to Google LLC in the United States, a transfer that must rely on Standard Contractual Clauses or the EU US Data Privacy Framework with a Transfer Impact Assessment. Paid GTranslate plans process translations on GTranslate servers, which the vendor locates in the European Union and the United States depending on the subscription.

Practical compliance steps

Decide whether the free Google based widget or a server side plan best fits your privacy posture, then disclose the relevant cookies and recipients in your cookie policy. Gate the Google widget behind consent, document your transfer safeguards, and avoid sending pages that contain user entered personal data to the free translation service. Review the setup when GTranslate or Google change their integration.

Compliance

GTranslate and the GDPR

GTranslate is classified as “Preferences”. 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
Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR)
Risk level
medium
Applicable regulations
GDPR, ePrivacy Directive (Cookie Law)

Impact assessment (DPIA)

GTranslate in its free, client side mode loads the Google Translate library, which receives the text of translated pages along with the visitor IP address and browser data. Key DPIA considerations: (1) page content and visitor data are processed by Google LLC in the United States; (2) the googtrans cookie stores the selected language and is read on each visit; (3) third party Google scripts may set additional identifiers; (4) paid server side plans keep translation on GTranslate infrastructure, reducing exposure to Google. A DPIA is advisable where translated pages may contain personal data entered by users.

Sample text for your banner

We use GTranslate to offer our site in your language. In its free mode GTranslate relies on Google Translate, which processes the page text and your device data on Google servers in the United States and sets a language cookie. You can withdraw your consent at any time through our cookie settings.
Cookies and trackers

What GTranslate sets and contacts

Tracking method
JavaScript translation widget and cookies
Server location
Free widget relies on Google Translate (United States); paid server side plans use GTranslate infrastructure (European Union and United States)
Data transferred outside the EU
In its free client side mode GTranslate loads Google Translate, which processes page text and visitor data on Google servers in the United States under Standard Contractual Clauses or the EU US Data Privacy Framework. Paid server side plans process translations on GTranslate infrastructure located in the EU and the US.

Cookies set (3)

NameTypeDurationPurpose
googtransFunctionalSessionStores the language selected by the visitor so translated pages are shown consistently.
gt_languageFunctional1 yearRemembers the preferred language across visits on GTranslate paid plans.
NIDAdvertising / Functional6 monthsGoogle cookie that may be set by the embedded Google Translate service to store preferences and security information.

Third-party domains contacted (4)

  • gtranslate.net
  • cdn.gtranslate.net
  • translate.google.com
  • translate.googleapis.com
Questions

Frequently asked questions about GTranslate

Can't find your question? Write to us, we answer fast.

What cookies does GTranslate set?

GTranslate sets a cookie named googtrans that stores the visitor selected language so the choice persists. In its free mode it also causes Google Translate scripts to run, which can read device data. The language cookie may be functional, but the Google integration generally calls for consent.

Does GTranslate require cookie consent?

For the free, Google powered widget, yes. It loads a third party Google script that processes page content and device data, so under the GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive you should obtain consent before it runs. A server side plan that uses only a language cookie may not need consent for that cookie alone.

What is the legal basis for GTranslate?

A strictly functional language preference cookie can rely on the user request or legitimate interest, but the Google Translate integration that processes personal data needs consent under Article 6(1)(a) GDPR together with Article 5(3) ePrivacy for any non essential storage. Choose the basis according to the mode you deploy.

Does GTranslate transfer data to the United States?

Yes in free mode. Google Translate processes the page text and visitor data on Google servers in the United States, so transfers must be covered by Standard Contractual Clauses or the EU US Data Privacy Framework with a Transfer Impact Assessment. Paid server side plans keep translation on GTranslate infrastructure.

Do I need a DPIA for GTranslate?

A DPIA is advisable when the translated pages can contain personal data that users enter, such as account or form pages, because that data would be sent to the translation service. For a simple marketing site translated in free mode, a lighter assessment of the Google transfer is usually sufficient.

How do I implement GTranslate compliantly?

If you need maximum privacy, use a GTranslate server side plan so no Google script runs in the browser. Otherwise load the free widget through a CMP that blocks it until consent, disclose the googtrans cookie and Google as a recipient, and document your transfer safeguards. Test that the switcher still works after consent.

Are there alternatives to GTranslate?

Alternatives include Weglot, ConveyThis, TranslatePress and Lokalise, some of which offer server side or human translation that avoids a browser side Google script. A fully manual or server side translation reduces third party exposure, while any Google based machine translation carries the same transfer considerations.

How do I update my cookie policy for GTranslate?

Note in your cookie policy that GTranslate sets the googtrans language cookie and, in free mode, that page content is sent to Google Translate in the United States. List the GTranslate and Google domains involved and keep the entry consistent with whether you run the free or server side plan.

Same category

More services: E-commerce

See the whole category

ChannelAdvisor

ChannelAdvisor is a versatile web technology that supports digital platforms with specialized functionality and enhanced capabilities. It provides robust tools and services that integrate with modern websites and applications seamlessly. ChannelAdvisor is designed to improve operational efficiency, user experience, and digital performance. Trusted by developers and businesses alike, ChannelAdvisor offers reliable solutions that scale with organizational needs and evolving web standards.

E-commerce

Appifiny

Appifiny is a digital analytics solution that helps businesses measure and understand their online performance through comprehensive data collection and analysis. It provides visitor tracking, behavioral insights, and conversion metrics across websites and applications. Appifiny supports custom event tracking, audience segmentation, and automated reporting. With intuitive dashboards and visualization tools, Appifiny enables informed decisions that improve experience and drive results.

E-commerce

Mirakl

Mirakl is a web technology service that provides essential functionality for websites and digital platforms. It delivers core capabilities that support site operations, content delivery, and user experience optimization. Mirakl integrates seamlessly with modern web architectures, ensuring reliable performance and compatibility across browsers and devices. Trusted by businesses worldwide, Mirakl helps organizations maintain robust websites that meet user expectations and technical requirements.

Preferences

Lodgify

Lodgify is a digital marketing technology that helps businesses reach, engage, and convert their target audience online. It provides advanced targeting, campaign management, and performance analytics capabilities. Lodgify enables marketers to deliver personalized experiences across channels, optimize campaign ROI, and gain actionable insights into customer behavior. With automation features and data-driven optimization, Lodgify empowers marketing teams to achieve measurable growth.

Preferences

YMQ Product Options

YMQ Product Options Variant Option is a popular web platform powering millions of websites worldwide, offering a flexible and extensible foundation for building any type of online presence. It provides themes, plugins, and a user-friendly admin interface for developers and non-technical users. YMQ Product Options Variant Option supports e-commerce, blogging, portfolios, and enterprise websites with robust customization options. With a massive community and continuous updates, YMQ Product Options Variant.

Preferences

Shopapps

Shopapps is a web technology service that provides essential functionality for websites and digital platforms. It delivers core capabilities that support site operations, content delivery, and user experience optimization. Shopapps integrates seamlessly with modern web architectures, ensuring reliable performance and compatibility across browsers and devices. Trusted by businesses worldwide, Shopapps helps organizations maintain robust websites that meet user expectations and technical requirements.

Preferences

Make your site compliant today.

Free up to 25,000 sessions a month. No credit card, no commitment.

Create my bannerScan my site