Nielsen Says Its Web Traffic Data Is Flawed

Nov 5, 2010 - 20:52
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Nielsen Says Its Web Traffic Data Is Flawed

SEATTLE — The Nielsen Co. says a technical glitch caused it to underestimate the amount of time people in the U.S. spent online.

Nielsen is one of the top sources of Web traffic data that many companies depend on.

A problem its system is having problems recognizing long website addresses, or URLs, has led Nielsen to report people spent about 22 percent less time on certain websites compared with a year ago.

Other problems helped push down its estimates, but Nielsen did not say what those problems are.

The company is looking for similar errors in Web audience reports it issued in other countries. Nielsen also is examining reports tracking online video consumption, Web search traffic and other areas.

Nielsen says it will correct the problems for its December report, due out in January 2011.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.