matomo.openstreetmap.org: OpenStreetMap Tracker | Privacy Auditor
- Privacy Auditor Research Team
- Privacy , Trackers
- March 11, 2026
Table of Contents
matomo.openstreetmap.org: OpenStreetMap Tracks Your Mapping Activity
The tracker matomo.openstreetmap.org is used by OpenStreetMap to monitor your interactions with their mapping service. It collects usage data to build analytics profiles, compromising your privacy. Privacy Auditors uncover such tracking practices.
What Is matomo.openstreetmap.org?
This domain integrates Matomo analytics for OpenStreetMap, logging your map views and searches to analyze user behavior. Even on an open-source platform, this tracking invades your personal data space.
Data It Collects
When you use OpenStreetMap, it captures:
- IP Address: Reveals your online location, tied to physical spots.
- Browsing Behavior: Tracks map views and search queries.
- Geolocation: Logs approximate location from IP or map focus area.
- Cookie IDs: Assigns unique tags for session monitoring.
- Device Type: Notes mobile or desktop with model details.
- Browser Type: Records browser, e.g., ‘Firefox 116.0’.
- Operating System: Captures OS like ‘Linux Ubuntu 22.04’.
- Screen Resolution: Records display size for fingerprinting.
- Page URL: Tracks exact map page with query parameters.
- Referrer URL: Notes source like a search engine.
- Timestamps: Logs actions with precise timing.
This data builds usage profiles, eroding your anonymity.
Who Gets Your Data?
OpenStreetMap shares your information with:
- OpenStreetMap Foundation: Internal use for analytics.
- Third-party Analytics Vendor: Processes usage data.
- Hosting Provider: Manages server-side data storage.
- Government Authority: Data disclosed under legal mandates.
How to Protect Yourself
Privacy Auditors Institute supports your digital privacy. Block OpenStreetMap tracking with these steps:
- Install Tracker Blockers: Use Privacy Auditor tools to stop
matomo.openstreetmap.orgscripts. - Mask with a VPN: Hide your IP using a VPN like Mullvad.
- Use Privacy Browsers: Opt for Firefox or Tor to resist tracking.
- Disable JavaScript: Block scripts, though it may affect map functionality.
- Clear Cookies Often: Erase cookies to disrupt profiling.
Combine these measures for stronger defense against mapping trackers.
Sources
Information sourced from:
- OpenStreetMap Privacy Policy: https://wiki.osmfoundation.org/wiki/Privacy_Policy
Warning
The matomo.openstreetmap.org tracker collects invasive data like your IP address, geolocation, and browsing behavior. Protect yourself with Privacy Auditor blockers and a VPN like Mullvad.
This is a legal disclaimer. All information is provided for educational purposes only.
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