How to Block Website Tracking Data in WooCommerce®

Let’s be perfectly clear here: WooCommerce’s reliance on tracking.woocommerce.com to gather telemetry data about your site is an overreach that we’re going to rectify today.

While data collection isn’t inherently bad, you should have the freedom to decide what information is shared and when – especially when it’s to companies run by “leadership” that proved on more than on occasion they don’t care about the users, just the profits.

With Tracking Blocker for WooCommerce, you can block WooCommerce’s tracking endpoint completely – because, let’s face it, sometimes it’s not about what’s shared; it’s about who’s collecting the data.

Thank you to Sybre Waaijer for originally bringing this to everyone’s attention on social media 🤘

Why Does This Plugin Matter?

In an ecosystem like WordPress®, transparency and freedom of choice are paramount. Yet, many users remain unaware of the data their sites are sending to WooCommerce.

Tracking Blocker for WooCommerce is a response to:

• Preserving user privacy.
• Stopping unnecessary telemetry data leaks.
• Maintaining control over what data leaves your site.

How It Works

Tracking Blocker for WooCommerce takes a no-compromises approach to stop WooCommerce® tracking requests:

Blocks Outbound Requests

The plugin intercepts HTTP requests to tracking.woocommerce.com/v1/ and effectively stops them dead in their tracks.

Logs Blocked Requests

For transparency, the plugin logs the original request URL and payload to your WordPress® debug log. You’ll know exactly what data WooCommerce® was trying to send.

Minimal and Efficient

The plugin runs silently in the background and doesn’t affect other WooCommerce® functionality.

How to Use It?

It’s simple – activate the plugin, and it works out of the box. No settings, no hassle, just peace of mind.

Debugging Example

Here’s what you’ll see in your logs when a request is blocked:

[03-Jan-2025 19:40:00 UTC] Blocked outbound request to: https://tracking.woocommerce.com/v1/[03-Jan-2025 19:40:00 UTC] Original data sent: { "event": "activated", "site": "https://example.com", "timestamp": "1672455600", "data": { "woocommerce_version": "8.2.1", "php_version": "8.1.12" } }

Release Features (v1.0.0)

• Outbound Blocking: Stops all requests to WooCommerce’s tracking endpoint.
• Logging: Logs blocked URLs and data payloads for transparency.
• GitHub Integration: Updates are seamlessly delivered from the GitHub repository.
• Automatic Updates: Uses the Plugin Update Checker library for painless version management.

Why Use Tracking Blocker for WooCommerce®?

Protect Your Privacy

Block outbound telemetry and ensure that your data stays yours.

Keep WooCommerce Functionality Intact

This plugin only affects tracking requests. Everything else in WooCommerce® works as expected.

Transparency for Developers

Want to know what WooCommerce® is tracking? You can see the data payload in your debug logs.

How to Get Started?

1. Download and Install:
   • Get the plugin from the GitHub repository.
   • Install it via your WordPress admin dashboard.
2. Activate:
   • The plugin starts working immediately upon activation.
3. Check Logs:
   • Ensure WP_DEBUG and WP_DEBUG_LOG are enabled in your wp-config.php file.

Taking a Stand for Transparency

We’re not just blocking tracking; we’re promoting a culture of transparency and respect within the WordPress® ecosystem. Developers and site owners deserve the freedom to choose what data is shared and with whom.

With Tracking Blocker for WooCommerce, that choice is yours.

And yes, just like the WPCom Check script, this is a middle finger to Matt and all of the WooCommerce® “leadership” that puts profits over people every day they allow this overreach to continue.

We see you, and we don’t respect you.