Google reCAPTCHA

What is Google reCAPTCHA?

Google reCAPTCHA is a security service designed to ensure that an interaction on a website is performed by a human and not by an automated bot. This service protects websites from spam and abuse by asking users to complete simple tasks or verifying the humanity of the user based on behavioral analysis.

Functions and advantages of Google reCAPTCHA

• Bot protection:
  Prevents automated attacks and spam activities on websites.
• User-friendliness:
  Offers different versions (such as reCAPTCHA v2 and v3) that either perform user tasks or work invisibly in the background.
• Easy to integrate:
  Can be easily integrated into websites and applications.
• Reduced effort:
  Automates protection against bots, reducing the need for manual checks.
• Scalable:
  Suitable for websites and applications of any size.

Areas of application for Google reCAPTCHA

• Contact forms:
  Prevents spam messages and automated entries in contact and registration forms.
• Registrations:
  Protects registration processes from abuse by bots.
• Online voting:
  Prevents manipulative voting activities by bots.
• E-commerce:
  Protects checkout processes and user accounts from automated attacks.

Advantages of Google reCAPTCHA

• Increased security:
  Significantly reduces the amount of spam and abuse by bots.
• Ease of use:
  Minimal impact on the user experience, especially with the invisible version reCAPTCHA v3.
• Broad support:
  Compatible with many platforms and frameworks.
• Free of charge:
  The service is available free of charge for general use.

Challenges and data protection

• Ease of use:
  Some users may have difficulty solving the tasks or find it annoying.
• Data protection:
  The use of Google reCAPTCHA requires the transmission of data to Google, which may raise data protection concerns. Website operators must ensure that they comply with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Data protection issues when using Google reCAPTCHA

Because Google reCAPTCHA collects data from website users and sends it to Google servers, it is recommended that the tool only be activated after consent has been given via the cookie banner. The Austrian Federal Administrative Court underlined this necessity in a ruling in 2024 and emphasized that Google's practical spam protection tool is not to be classified as technically necessary and that there is no legitimate interest in its use.
It is therefore necessary to initially block Google reCAPTCHA on the website and only execute it if the website visitor has given their consent. However, this entails the problem that Google reCAPTCHA cannot then be displayed to all visitors who have rejected cookies and it is not possible for them to submit forms.
We have therefore developed a GDPR-compliant solution for reCAPTCHA for our CCM19 cookie banner, which allows all website visitors to submit contact forms again.

GDPR-compliant integration with CCM19

Google reCAPTCHA can be integrated into a website in a GDPR-compliant manner by using the CCM19 tool. CCM19 is a comprehensive tool for managing cookie banners and privacy settings. By integrating CCM19, website operators can ensure that users give the necessary consent for the privacy-compliant use of Google reCAPTCHA before the service is activated. This helps to ensure compliance with data protection regulations and provide users with transparent information about data processing.

Conclusion

Google reCAPTCHA is an effective security service that protects websites from spam and abuse by bots. It offers numerous advantages, including increased security and user-friendliness. By integrating with CCM19, Google reCAPTCHA can be used in a GDPR-compliant manner, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and guaranteeing the protection of user data.