In an effort to respect user privacy and comply with current regulations, Doofinder has chosen to use LocalStorage instead of cookies for storing relevant data on the user’s browser. This documentation outlines the use of LocalStorage and discusses whether it needs to be included in cookie consent.
Local Storage and Cookies
LocalStorage is a form of web storage that allows websites to store and access data directly in the user’s browser without expiration. Unlike cookies, the information stored in Local Storage is not sent to the server with every request.
Basically, Doofinder generates a unique, random ID used to track interactions within the website for 12 hours per session when the script is loaded. The ID can't be used to identify a specific device or user in any way and is not shared between browsers, devices, or other sites.
Learn more on sessions here.
Use of LocalStorage in Doofinder
Doofinder utilizes LocalStorage to enhance the user experience by locally storing search preferences and settings. This includes:
-
Display preferences and customized settings.
-
Session data to maintain the user’s search state.
Consent and Regulation
Unlike cookies, using LocalStorage is not strictly regulated by privacy laws like the GDPR or CCPA. This is because LocalStorage does not share data with the server or track users across different websites. However, being transparent with users about any form of data storage is important.
Is It Necessary to Include LocalStorage in Cookie Consent?
-
Transparency: Although it is not strictly necessary to include LocalStorage in cookie consent from a legal perspective, informing users about its use is recommended to maintain a transparency policy.
-
Best Practices: Consider mentioning LocalStorage in the privacy policy or in the cookie consent notice, explaining its purpose and how it is used to improve the user experience.
Conclusion
Doofinder’s use of LocalStorage represents a commitment to user privacy by avoiding intrusive tracking and minimizing data transmission between client and server. While including it in cookie consent is not mandatory, it can enhance user trust through transparency about how their data is handled.
For more information on how we manage user privacy and data, please refer to our privacy policy.