Cookie Policy

Last updated: June 2026

Plain English summary: We use cookies for analytics and session recording only. We do not use advertising cookies, targeting cookies, or cookies that track you across other websites. Under current UK PECR guidance, analytics cookies used with appropriate safeguards (anonymised measurement, no cross-site tracking) do not require a consent banner. You can still opt out at any time using the methods described below.

1. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They allow the website (or third-party services the website uses) to remember information about your visit — for example, which pages you viewed or how long you spent on the site.

Cookies are not programs. They cannot carry viruses or run code on your device. They simply store small pieces of text that websites can read back later.

2. Cookies We Use

This website sets the following cookies. All are for analytics and performance measurement only.

Cookie name Set by Purpose Duration
_ga Google (via GTM) Distinguishes unique users. Used by Google Analytics 4 to measure site usage and traffic sources. 2 years
_ga_XXXXXXX Google (via GTM) Stores session state for Google Analytics 4. The suffix matches the GA4 measurement ID (G-JGLP15NJTD). 2 years
_gtm* Google Tag Manager Used by Google Tag Manager to manage the loading of analytics tags. Session-level cookie. Session
_clck Microsoft Clarity Persists the Clarity User ID and preferences. Used for session recording and heatmaps. 1 year
_clsk Microsoft Clarity Connects multiple page views by a user into a single Clarity session recording. 1 day
CLID Microsoft Clarity Identifies the first time Clarity saw this user on any site using Clarity. Used to calculate new vs. returning visitors. 1 year
ANONCHK Microsoft Used to check if Clarity’s session recording is enabled for a given browser session. Session
MR Microsoft Used by Microsoft to reset or refresh the MUID cookie. 7 days
MUID Microsoft Identifies unique web browsers visiting Microsoft sites. Used by Microsoft Clarity and Bing. 1 year
SM Microsoft Used to synchronise the MUID cookie across Microsoft subdomains. Session

3. Why No Cookie Banner

Under the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), a cookie consent banner is required for cookies that are not “strictly necessary” and where the primary purpose is tracking or profiling individuals.

We have determined that a banner is not required on this site for the following reasons:

  • Analytics cookies only: We use no advertising, retargeting, or social media cookies. All cookies on this site are analytics and session recording cookies used to improve the website experience.
  • GTM Consent Mode v2: Google Tag Manager is configured with Consent Mode v2, which enables anonymised, cookieless measurement when no explicit consent is provided. This means analytics data is collected in aggregate form even before any cookie is set.
  • Anonymised measurement: IP addresses are anonymised before storage. We do not use GA4 data to build individual user profiles or for cross-site advertising.
  • No cross-site tracking: None of the cookies we use track your behaviour across websites other than oliverstern.co.uk.

We review this position regularly and will add a consent mechanism if our cookie use changes to include advertising or targeting cookies, or if ICO guidance changes.

4. How to Control Cookies

Browser settings

All modern browsers allow you to view, block, or delete cookies through the browser’s settings menu. The method varies by browser:

  • Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
  • Mozilla Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
  • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
  • Microsoft Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies

Note that blocking all cookies may affect the functionality of some websites.

Google Analytics opt-out

To prevent Google Analytics from collecting data about your visits across all websites, install the official Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

Microsoft Clarity opt-out

To opt out of Microsoft Clarity session recording, visit Microsoft’s Privacy Statement and use their opt-out mechanism, or block the clarity.ms domain in your browser settings.

5. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time — for example, if we add new tools or if regulatory guidance changes. The “Last updated” date at the top of this page shows when it was most recently revised. We recommend checking this page periodically.

6. Contact

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this policy, please contact us at info@oliverstern.co.uk.

You can also read our full Privacy Policy for information on how we handle personal data more broadly.