1. Overview
To deliver a consistent and high‑quality search experience, Sensefuel uses several browser‑side storage keys. These keys allow the system to maintain session continuity, ensure correct A/B test allocation, and optimize search performance.
All stored values are encoded, meaning they are not directly readable by the end user.
Sensefuel uses two browser storage types:
- Local Storage
- Session Storage
The choice between these two depends entirely on the user’s consent regarding anonymous session‑to‑session recognition.
2. Storage Types Explained
2.1 Local Storage
- Data persists across sessions, even after the browser is closed.
- Used only when the user consents to being anonymously recognized on future visits.
- Enables more stable tracking (e.g., A/B test consistency, experience continuity) and allow hyper-personalization across sessions.
2.2 Session Storage
- Data persists only for the duration of the browsing session.
- Cleared when the browser tab or window is closed.
- Used when the user does not consent to cross‑session identification.
3. Consent‑Based Operating Logic
Sensefuel’s storage behavior is fully aligned with GDPR requirements.
The technical behavior is straightforward:
✅ Case 1 — User Gives Consent
- The Sensefuel GDPR JavaScript tag must be deployed instantly. (loaded in the user browser)
- Result: data is written to local storage.
✅ Case 2 — User Does Not Give Consent
- The Sensefuel GDPR JavaScript tag must not be deployed. (not loaded in the user browser)
- Result: data is written to session storage only.
This ensures that Sensefuel never stores persistent technical identifiers without explicit user approval.
4. Operating Mode (Summary)
| User Consent | GDPR JS Tag Deployed | Storage Used | Data Persistence |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Local Storage | Persists across sessions |
| ❌ No | ❌ No | Session Storage | Only for the current session |
5. Security & Privacy Considerations
- All stored values are encoded to avoid exposure of raw technical identifiers.
- Data is never shared outside the Sensefuel search experience.
- Storage mechanisms comply with GDPR principles:
- Minimality (only what is necessary is stored)
- Transparency (consent drives persistence)
- Reversibility (session storage automatically clears)