Cookie policy
Last updated: 24 May 2026.
This page explains the cookies and similar technologies used on Companion Index, and how you can control them. For the wider context of data collection and your rights under GDPR and CCPA, see our Privacy Policy.
What is a cookie?
A cookie is a small text file placed on your device by a website you visit. Cookies are widely used to make websites work, to remember your preferences, and to gather analytics. Some sites also use related technologies such as local storage or session storage, which work similarly. This policy covers all of them under the shorthand "cookies".
Our approach
We use the minimum number of cookies necessary to operate the site and to understand how it is used in aggregate. We do not use behavioural advertising cookies. We do not sell or share cookie-derived data with third parties for marketing purposes.
Non-essential cookies are only set after you give consent through the banner shown on your first visit. You can change your choice at any time (see "How to manage cookies" below).
Cookies we use
Strictly necessary
| Name | Type | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ci_cookie_consent | Local storage | Stores your consent choice (accepted or refused) for non-essential cookies. | Until cleared | Companion Index |
These are set without consent because they are required for the site to function and to record your consent preference. They do not track you or transmit data off the site.
Analytics (set only after consent)
| Name | Type | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Cookie | Distinguishes unique visitors for Google Analytics 4. | 2 years | Google LLC |
_ga_* | Cookie | Stores session state for Google Analytics 4 (the suffix is the GA4 property ID). | 2 years | Google LLC |
_clck | Cookie | Persistent visitor identifier for Microsoft Clarity. | 1 year | Microsoft Corporation |
_clsk | Cookie | Session identifier for Microsoft Clarity. | 1 day | Microsoft Corporation |
CLID | Cookie | Identifies a unique device for Clarity, used across sessions. | 1 year | Microsoft Corporation |
GA4 collects standard pageview data (URL, referrer, country, anonymised IP). Clarity records mouse movements, clicks, and scrolls; sensitive form fields and content (such as password inputs) are masked by default. Both providers store the data on their own servers under their respective privacy policies.
How to manage cookies
On Companion Index. A consent banner appears on your first visit. You can
accept or refuse non-essential cookies there. To revisit your choice later, clear the
ci_cookie_consent entry in your browser's local storage and reload the page; the
banner will reappear.
In your browser. All major browsers let you view, block, or delete cookies through their settings. Instructions vary by browser; search "manage cookies in [your browser name]" for guidance specific to your software.
At the source. You can also opt out at the analytics provider level:
- Google Analytics: install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
- Microsoft Clarity: opt out via Microsoft's privacy dashboard.
Third-party policies
The analytics cookies listed above are set by third parties (Google and Microsoft). Their use of the data is governed by their own privacy policies:
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy when we change the cookies in use or the wording for clarity. Material changes will be reflected by updating the "Last updated" date at the top.
Contact
Questions about cookies on this site: privacy@thecompanionindex.com.