Google reCAPTCHA bot-detection service changes from controller to processor
10/02/2026 | Google
Google has announced a global change to the operation of its bot-detection reCAPTCHA service to ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). From 2 April 2026, Google will change from being a data controller to a data processor. The change means website operators will be the data controller, and as such, define the purpose of data processing.
The switch addresses long-standing data protection concerns that user data collected for bot protection was being used for advertising purposes. Under the new structure, information collected may only be used to provide, maintain, and secure the reCAPTCHA service itself.
Google has advised customers to update their websites manually to reflect this new legal framework and ensure compliance.
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