How does session replay affect visitor privacy?

Session replay tools reconstruct a visitor’s interaction with a website using information such as page changes, clicks and scrolling. Depending on the implementation, they may also capture page content or form interactions.

This can help identify usability problems, but it can expose information that visitors did not expect to appear in a recording.

Before enabling replay:

• Exclude pages containing sensitive account or transaction details where appropriate.

• Mask personal content before it is transmitted.

• Test forms, error messages and dynamically loaded content.

• Restrict access to recordings and define a retention period.

• Assess applicable consent requirements before collection begins.

Microsoft Clarity’s masking documentation shows how one provider controls captured content. Those settings are product-specific and should be tested on the actual website.

Masking reduces particular disclosure risks; it does not independently establish lawful processing. Where permission is required, recording must follow the visitor’s cookie consent choices.