Microsoft has announced new cookie consent requirements for Clarity users operating in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, and Switzerland. The changes, set to be enforced by early 2025, aim to ensure compliance with local data protection regulations.
New Consent Requirements
Microsoft Clarity's functionality relies heavily on cookies to connect page views into sessions. To align with European privacy regulations, the platform is implementing mandatory explicit consent signals for cookie usage in affected regions.
Implementation Requirements
Website operators in the specified regions must integrate the Clarity Consent API to manage user consent for session tracking. This implementation will be crucial for maintaining Clarity's core functionalities, including:
- Funnel tracking
- Session recordings
- Page view connections
Impact on Operations
The absence of explicit user consent will restrict Clarity's ability to place cookies on user devices, potentially affecting key tracking capabilities. Microsoft emphasizes that existing Clarity setups will require modifications to incorporate the consent API and meet compliance standards.
Technical Implementation
Microsoft directs users to the Clarity Client API documentation for detailed integration guidance. The implementation process focuses on:
- Integration of the Clarity Consent API
- Management of user consent collection
- Adaptation of existing tracking setups
- Compliance with regional requirements
The enforcement of these new requirements reflects Microsoft's commitment to data privacy compliance while maintaining essential analytics capabilities for website operators in European markets.
