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Google Fonts & GDPR: Why the integration is warned
Google Fonts was the trigger for a major wave of warnings. The reason: dynamically loaded fonts send the IP address to Google servers. How to do it right.
Why Google Fonts is a risk
If Google Fonts are loaded directly from Google’s servers, the visitor’s IP address is transmitted to Google every time a page is viewed – without consent.
An IP address is personal data. Transferring it to Google (including to the US) without consent breaches the GDPR. Countless websites are affected, often without their operators even realising it.
The wave of warnings
Following the ruling by the Munich Regional Court (2022), there was a flood of warning letters and claims for damages relating to dynamically embedded Google Fonts.
Even a single breach could result in claims running into three figures – and when multiplied across numerous pages, this poses a real risk, particularly for agencies handling many client projects.
The solution: local hosting
Download the font files and embed them locally from your own server. That way, no IP address will be sent to Google.
Self-hosting tackles the problem at its root – no external request, no consent required for the font itself. With WordPress or Webflow, this can be set up in just a few steps.
Check your pages
Not sure if any Google Fonts are still being loaded externally? Have it scanned.
The free BlueOcean Scan detects external Google Fonts requests and other trackers that fire before consent is given – per page, in 5 minutes.
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FAQ
Are Google Fonts generally prohibited?
No. If they are hosted locally (self-hosted), there is no issue. It is only the dynamic loading of content from Google servers without consent that is risky.
Is a cookie banner for Google Fonts enough?
Only if the font is loaded after Google has given its consent. Local hosting is a better and simpler option.
How do I find out if my site is affected?
A tracker scan reveals external requests to fonts.googleapis.com / fonts.gstatic.com. The BlueOcean scan does this for free.