Local Storage Tracking
Using browser localStorage or sessionStorage mechanisms to store tracking data as an alternative to traditional cookies.
Local storage tracking refers to the use of the browser’s Web Storage API (localStorage and sessionStorage) to store identifiers, tracking data, or user profiles. Unlike cookies, local storage data is not automatically sent with HTTP requests and has no expiration date (for localStorage), making it a popular alternative for storing larger amounts of tracking data. Some trackers use local storage specifically to evade cookie-based privacy controls and consent mechanisms.
From a regulatory standpoint, local storage tracking is treated identically to cookies under the ePrivacy Directive and GDPR. Article 5(3) of the ePrivacy Directive applies to any information stored on or accessed from a user’s device, regardless of the technical mechanism. This means local storage-based tracking requires the same consent as cookie-based tracking. Organizations that replace cookies with local storage to bypass consent requirements are not compliant and face the same enforcement risks.