Does using Google fonts break GDPR rules?

I often get asked this question.

Using Google Fonts on your website does not necessarily break the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). GDPR is a European Union (EU) law that regulates how personal data is collected and used. It applies to any company that processes the personal data of EU citizens, regardless of the company’s location.

One of the requirements of GDPR is that companies must be transparent about their data collection and use practices, and must obtain explicit consent from users before collecting or processing their personal data.

In the case of Google Fonts, Google collects data about the fonts that are used on websites and the IP addresses of the users accessing those websites. This data is used to improve the performance and security of the Google Fonts service. According to Google, this data is not used for personalized advertising or shared with third parties.

While using Google Fonts does not necessarily violate GDPR, it is important to be transparent about your use of the service and to include information about it in your privacy policy. You should also consider obtaining explicit consent from users before using Google Fonts or any other third-party service that collects data.

Overall, it is important to be aware of the requirements of GDPR and to take steps to ensure that your website is compliant with the law. This may involve reviewing your data collection and use practices and updating your privacy policy as needed.