> The WP Google Map Plugin embeds Google Maps and sends visitor data to the US. How to use it on WordPress under the GDPR with consent. > > Canonical: https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/other/wp-google-map-plugin Other # WP Google Map Plugin Analytics · [Official website](https://www.wpmapspro.com) WP Google Map Plugin is a WordPress plugin that embeds Google Maps on your site, inheriting Google Maps cookies and the transfer of visitor IP data to Google in the United States. [Block WP Google Map Plugin until consent](https://app.flowconsent.com/auth/sign-up?utm_source=flowconsent.com\&utm_medium=referral\&utm_campaign=other) · [Scan my site](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/scan) At a glance - Category [Other](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/other) - Consent Analytics - Prior consent Required - Documented cookies 2 - Third-party domains 3 - Servers United States (Google LLC) Overview ## What does WP Google Map Plugin do? ## **What it is** WP Google Map Plugin is a popular WordPress plugin that lets site owners add interactive Google Maps, markers and directions without writing code. It works by loading the Google Maps JavaScript API, so the privacy characteristics are essentially those of Google Maps embedded in your WordPress pages. ## **Cookies and data it collects** When a page with the plugin loads a map, the browser contacts Google and sends the visitor IP address, the map location and interaction data, and Google can set cookies such as those used across its services. This is third party processing by Google, not just by your WordPress site. ## **GDPR and ePrivacy implications** Loading Google Maps places non essential third party requests and possible cookies on your page, so the ePrivacy consent rule and the GDPR both apply. You are the controller for embedding the map and Google is a separate controller for the data it receives. ## **Consent requirements** You should configure the plugin so the map loads only after the visitor consents, ideally with a click to load placeholder, because the request sends personal data to Google. Some versions of the plugin or companion consent plugins can defer the map until consent is given. ## **Data transfers** The Google Maps API is served from Google LLC in the United States, so embedding it transfers the visitor IP there. Rely on the EU US Data Privacy Framework, under which Google is certified, or Standard Contractual Clauses, and disclose this in your privacy policy. ## **Practical compliance steps** Enable consent gating or a click to load option in the plugin settings, restrict and secure your Google Maps API key, and disclose Google Maps and the United States transfer in your privacy and cookie policies. For a lighter footprint, consider a static map image or a self hosted map. Compliance ## WP Google Map Plugin and the GDPR WP Google Map Plugin 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 Consent under Article 6(1)(a) GDPR for loading Google Maps - Risk level medium - Applicable regulations GDPR, ePrivacy Directive ### Impact assessment (DPIA) A DPIA is rarely needed for a simple location map, but consider one if the plugin tracks user positions or powers store locators at scale. Focus on the Google cookies and the United States transfer. ### Sample text for your banner > This page shows a map using the WP Google Map Plugin, which loads Google Maps. Loading it sends your IP address to Google in the United States. The map appears only after you accept. Cookies and trackers ## What WP Google Map Plugin sets and contacts - Tracking method WordPress plugin that embeds Google Maps via the Google Maps JavaScript API - Server location United States (Google LLC) - Data transferred outside the EU The plugin loads the Google Maps JavaScript API from Google in the United States, so the visitor IP address and map interactions are sent to Google and Google may set cookies. Transfers rely on the EU US Data Privacy Framework or Standard Contractual Clauses. ### Cookies set (2) | Name | Type | Duration | Purpose | | ---- | ----------- | --------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | NID | Advertising | 6 months | Set by Google to store visitor preferences and information for Google Maps and other Google services. | | SOCS | Functional | 13 months | Stores the visitor consent state for Google services and interface settings. | ### Third-party domains contacted (3) - `maps.googleapis.com` - `maps.gstatic.com` - `google.com` Questions ## Frequently asked questions about WP Google Map Plugin Can't find your question? Write to us, we answer fast. [Write to us](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/demo) ### Does the WP Google Map Plugin set cookies? The plugin code is light, but the Google Maps API it loads can set Google cookies and always sends the visitor IP to Google. Treat these as third party Google cookies in your assessment. ### Do I need consent for this plugin? Yes, because it loads Google Maps and sends personal data to Google, you should obtain consent or use a click to load placeholder before the map appears. ### What is the legal basis? Consent under Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR is the safest basis, with the ePrivacy rule covering any Google cookies. Document a legitimate interest only if the map is essential and the transfer is assessed. ### Does it transfer data to the United States? Yes, the Google Maps API is served from Google in the United States, so the visitor IP is transferred there under the EU US Data Privacy Framework or Standard Contractual Clauses. ### Do I need a DPIA? A simple map rarely needs one, but consider a DPIA for large scale store locators or any tracking of user positions. Assess the Google cookies and the US transfer. ### How do I implement it compliantly? Turn on consent gating or a click to load option, restrict your API key, and disclose Google Maps and the US transfer in your policies. Provide an address fallback for users who decline. ### Are there alternatives? Other WordPress map plugins use OpenStreetMap or Leaflet with European or self hosted tiles, avoiding the Google transfer. A static map image is the lightest option. ### How do I update my cookie policy? Disclose that the plugin loads Google Maps, list the Google cookies that may be set, state that the map loads only after consent and mention the United States transfer. Same category ## More services: Other [See the whole category](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/other) ### [Bugsnag](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/other/bugsnag) [Bugsnag is a digital analytics solution that helps businesses measure and understand their online performance through comprehensive data collection and analysis. 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