Based on the search results, here’s a comprehensive overview of GA4’s data storage locations and policies:
Server Locations
GA4’s data storage infrastructure is distributed across:
- 35 regions
- 106 zones
- 176 network edge locations
- Coverage in over 200 countries[7]
EU Data Processing
For EU-based traffic, GA4 implements specific handling:
- Data is collected through EU-based domains and servers
- IP addresses are immediately discarded after geo-location lookup
- All geo-location processing occurs on EU servers[2]
Regional Storage Considerations
The storage location varies based on region and compliance requirements:
- Most GA4 servers are hosted in the US
- EU data is processed within EU servers
- Users cannot explicitly choose their data storage location[4]
Storage Duration Options
GA4 offers two retention periods for user-level data:
- 2 months
- 14 months (default setting)[3]
Extended Storage Solutions
For longer data retention needs:
- Connect GA4 to BigQuery for permanent storage
- Data can be exported and stored in regional data warehouses
- BigQuery allows storage in compliance with local regulations[3][6]
Data Privacy Considerations
Important privacy features include:
- Default IP anonymization
- No storage of individual IP addresses
- Data processing agreements required for EU-US transfers
- Compliance with regional privacy laws varies by country[2][4]
Citations:
[1] https://www.cardinalpath.com/blog/managing-location-and-device-based-data-in-ga4
[2] Privacy & GDPR in Google Analytics 4 I GA4.com
[3] The Role of Google Analytics 4 in Data Privacy and Compliance: What You Need to Know - Metric Labs
[4] GDPR and Google Analytics 4 (GA4) - TermsFeed
[5] https://www.cardinalpath.com/blog/google-analytics-4-privacy-updates-for-the-eu
[6] Is Google Analytics 4 (GA4) GDPR Compliant?
[7] How to never lose your GA4 data | Analytics and Data | Fresh Egg