Offen Fair Web Analytics

Offen Fair Web Analytics is an open-source, self-hosted web analytics tool that provides privacy-respecting insights, allowing users to opt-in, access, and control their own data.

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Key Features

Offen installs via a single binary or Docker image, requiring basic server resources. Operators embed a script to track pages across sites. No complex setup—configuration happens through environment variables. This keeps data on-premises, aiding compliance and reducing latency. Supports subdomains and team sharing for enterprises managing multiple properties.

Users enter the Auditorium with a first-party cookie to view their metrics: unique sessions, top pages visited. Explanations clarify each stat's meaning and privacy impact. Opt-out or data deletion is instant. Operators see aggregates like real-time page views, unique users, without personal identifiers. End-to-end encryption prevents server access to raw data.

Track page views, unique users/sessions, top pages, weekly retention. Filter by URL patterns, location, referrer, UTM parameters, landing, or exit pages. Real-time updates and visualizations help optimize content. No bloat—focuses on actionable insights without invasive profiling.

The consent banner adjusts for color, shape, and fonts. Displays in users' preferred language from six options. Developers extend via open-source contributions. Comprehensive docs cover monitoring, UTM tagging, and troubleshooting.

Privacy-Focused Web Analytics: Offen Fair Web Analytics

Website operators face pressure to track user behavior while respecting privacy laws like GDPR. Fines for non-compliance have topped billions of euros since 2018. Offen Fair Web Analytics addresses this by offering a tool where users opt in, access their data, and retain control. Developed in Germany and reaching maturity in summer 2024, it provides essential metrics without collecting IPs, user agents, or relying on third parties. Self-hosted on a single binary or Docker, it uses first-party cookies and end-to-end encryption. Supported by the NLnet Foundation's Next Generation Internet initiative, Offen has garnered over 960 stars on GitHub since its start in 2019. This Berlin-based project by Frederik Ring and Hendrik Niefeld prioritizes data sovereignty for European users.

What is Offen Fair Web Analytics?

Offen Fair Web Analytics is an open-source platform for collecting website usage data in a privacy-respecting manner. Launched in 2019 by developers Frederik Ring and Hendrik Niefeld in Berlin, Germany, it evolved from a core analytics tool to include the Offen Protocol for data exchange and the Offen Consent Tool. By summer 2024, all components achieved full stability.

Operators deploy Offen via a simple script tag on their sites. Data collection requires explicit user consent—opt-in only. Encrypted payloads ensure only the site owner and user can access the information. The Auditorium interface lets operators view aggregate metrics and users inspect their personal data.

Unlike cloud-based services, Offen runs entirely on the operator's server, eliminating vendor lock-in or data sharing with providers. It supports multiple sites and teams under one installation. Data automatically deletes after six months. Available in six languages—English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese—the consent banner customizes to match site design.

Licensed under Apache 2.0 for code and docs, with CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0 for the logo, Offen suits those avoiding ads or tracking pixels. Its GitHub repository details setup for Docker, Ubuntu, Heroku, or binaries. No external accounts or payments needed; it's free forever.

Who Uses Offen Fair Web Analytics?

Offen targets privacy-conscious website owners, bloggers, and small to mid-sized businesses in Europe seeking GDPR alternatives. It fits non-profits, personal sites, and enterprises avoiding lock-in from hosted tools. Web applications benefit from its lightweight nature.

Examples include indie developers self-hosting on budgets, as detailed in Offen's hosting guides. EU firms use it for multi-site tracking without third-party risks. While specific customers aren't publicly listed, its design appeals to those valuing transparency—users verify data practices directly. Teams share accounts for collaborative analysis. It's ideal for content creators tracking engagement ethically or e-commerce sites monitoring traffic sources.

European Advantage

Headquartered in Berlin, Germany, Offen embodies European data protection values. Built with GDPR in mind, it enforces opt-in consent, data minimization, and deletion policies. Self-hosting ensures sovereignty—no data leaves the operator's control, unlike US-based SaaS tools subject to CLOUD Act.

The German team maintains full oversight, with development transparent on GitHub. NLnet Foundation support aligns with EU Next Generation Internet goals. For EU businesses, it simplifies compliance audits: no IPs stored, first-party cookies, user rights baked in. Berlin's tech ecosystem fosters ongoing updates without commercial pressures.

How Offen Fair Web Analytics Compares

Offen stands out in the privacy analytics space. Matomo offers robust self-hosted features but heavier resource use and optional IP tracking. Plausible provides simple, hosted privacy metrics with paid tiers; Offen is free and self-managed. Fathom Analytics delivers lightweight hosted insights, yet lacks Offen's user data access.

Offen's edge: the Auditorium for user transparency, automatic six-month deletion, and zero-cost scaling. All are open or privacy-oriented, but Offen uniquely balances operator insights with user agency, without ads or premiums.

Get Started with Offen Fair Web Analytics

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. It's fully open-source under Apache 2.0, with no paid tiers or limits. Self-hosting covers costs; donations via Patreon optional.

Yes. Features opt-in consent, no personal data like IPs, end-to-end encryption, and user access/deletion rights. Self-hosting keeps data in your control, aligning with data minimization and sovereignty principles.

- **Matomo**: Feature-rich self-hosted option, more complex setup. - **Plausible**: Hosted privacy analytics, simple dashboards, subscription-based. - **Fathom Analytics**: Lightweight hosted alternative, paid plans starting at $14/month.