Functional

"_hjSessionUser_" Cookie

Hotjar · Hotjar

Description

Hotjar cookie that is set when a user first lands on a page with the Hotjar script. It is used to persist the Hotjar User ID, unique to that site on the browser. This ensures that behavior in subsequent visits to the same site will be attributed to the same user ID.

Details

Cookie Name: _hjSessionUser_
Display Name: _hjSessionUser_*
Category: Functional
Service: Hotjar
Vendor: Hotjar
Duration: 365 days
Pattern: ^_hjSessionUser_
Popularity: 5.0% of scanned websites
Data Source: Open cookie db

Consent Requirement

This cookie is classified as functional. Under GDPR and similar regulations, explicit consent is recommended before setting this cookie.

Consent Requirements by Regulation

GDPR & ePrivacy (EU)

Consent is recommended before setting _hjSessionUser_. Functional cookies are only exempt when strictly necessary for a feature the visitor explicitly requested, such as remembering a language choice they just made.

UK GDPR & PECR

Same position as the EU rules: obtain consent unless the cookie qualifies for the strictly necessary exemption.

CCPA/CPRA (California)

Disclose _hjSessionUser_ in your privacy policy. If the stored data is shared with third parties, opt-out requests, including the Global Privacy Control signal, must be honoured.

Managing _hjSessionUser_ with a Consent Banner

A consent management platform keeps _hjSessionUser_ blocked until the visitor opts in to the functional category. Kukie.io's scanner detects it automatically, categorises it, and the banner's auto-blocking holds back the script that sets it until consent is given - visitors who decline never receive it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the _hjSessionUser_ cookie require consent?

Usually yes. _hjSessionUser_ is a functional cookie, and unless it is strictly necessary for a feature the visitor explicitly requested, you should obtain consent before setting it.

How long does the _hjSessionUser_ cookie last?

_hjSessionUser_ typically persists for 365 days. The exact lifetime can vary with the site's configuration and the version of the script that sets it.

Who sets the _hjSessionUser_ cookie?

_hjSessionUser_ is set by Hotjar. It is categorised as functional.

How common is the _hjSessionUser_ cookie?

_hjSessionUser_ appears on about 5.0% of the websites scanned by Kukie.io, based on real scan data.

How do I block or delete the _hjSessionUser_ cookie?

Visitors can delete _hjSessionUser_ at any time through their browser's cookie settings. Site owners can keep it blocked until consent with a consent management platform: Kukie.io's auto-blocking holds functional cookies back until the visitor opts in.