Google Maps on your website.
Does it load before anyone is asked?

Where the map loads too early

The map usually sits on the contact or directions page and loads with it. The banner only holds it back if it knows about it.

1. 01

   Iframe right in the content

   The code from “Share, Embed a map” is an iframe with src pointing to google.com/maps/embed. The browser loads it right away and connects to Google's servers.

   Art. 5(3) Directive 2002/58/EC

2. 02

   Map block in a page builder

   The Elementor Google Maps widget, the Divi map module and similar blocks load the map when the page opens, whatever the banner says.

   Art. 5(3) Directive 2002/58/EC

3. 03

   Map in the footer

   If the map is in the footer or a sidebar, it loads on every page of the website, not just the contact page.

   Art. 5(3) Directive 2002/58/EC

4. 04

   Maps script without a visible map

   Store finders, address fields with suggestions or a theme load maps.googleapis.com even where no map is shown.

   Art. 5(3) Directive 2002/58/EC

Step by step

1. Measure

   Open the page without consenting and filter the developer tools (F12, Network tab) for google.com/maps, maps.googleapis.com and maps.gstatic.com. The report does this for every page it reads and names where the map is built in.

2. Load only after a click

   Show a preview image with a “Load map” button instead of the map; only the click inserts the iframe. Most banner tools have a content blocker that does exactly this.

3. Or skip the embed

   Use your own image (of the entrance, say) with the address and a link “Open directions in Google Maps”. The browser then only connects to Google when the visitor clicks the link.

4. Measure again

   Check again without consent and after “Reject”. Only when no request to Google Maps is left in the list does the map no longer load in advance.

Questions