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HTML 5 local storage meaning
Published by a LexisNexis Information Law expert
What does HTML 5 local storage mean?
In legal practice, HTML5 local storage (also called web storage, including localStorage and sessionStorage) describes a browser-based method by which a website stores information on a user’s device. It is similar to HTTP cookies but can hold more data and does not automatically transmit that data to a server; localStorage persists until cleared, while sessionStorage ends with the browsing session.
The term is technical rather than a statutory definition. Regulators treat it as a “similar technology” to cookies. In the UK, Regulation 6 of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR), read with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, applies. In Ireland, the ePrivacy Regulations 2011 and the GDPR apply. Across England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland, the position is broadly consistent: prior, informed, freely given consent is required before storing or accessing non‑essential information on a user’s device, with clear information and an easy way to withdraw consent. The “strictly necessary” exemption may apply (for example, storage needed to provide a service requested by the user). Legitimate interests do not displace the PECR/ePrivacy consent rule.
Typical uses include remembering preferences, authentication states and analytics/advertising identifiers. Controllers should audit web storage alongside cookies, define purposes, set...
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View the related Practice Notes about HTML 5 local storage
PRACTICE NOTES
EU cookies and similar technologies: ePrivacy Directive, GDPR interplay, consent, exemptions, enforcement, audits and reform
STOP PRESS This Practice Note reflects the present legislative landscape; however, be aware that some aspects will be affected by the Digital Omnibus proposals issued on 19 November 2025 under the Commission’s ‘simplification’ programme. For further details, see Practice Note: EU Digital Omnibus—tracker. This Practice Note explores the law governing the use of cookies and related technologies in the EU, covering the following: Types of cookies and related technologies ePrivacy Directive and cookies Responsibility for compliance Consent Clear and comprehensive information Exemptions EU GDPR and cookies Territorial scope Intranets Sanctions and enforcement Cookie audits Reform Resources and guidance Cookies are small data files placed on a user’s computer, phone or tablet. They enable an online service, such as a website, to recognise an individual user and retain particular information about them, such as login credentials, the contents of shopping baskets and site preferences. They are also widely used to direct advertising...
21 May
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PRACTICE NOTES
Ireland: Cookies and Similar Technologies—ePrivacy Regulations 2011, GDPR interplay, consent and information duties, exemptions, third-party cookies, DPC enforcement, audits, intranets, territorial scope, reform
This Practice Note examines the law on the use of cookies and similar technologies in Ireland It addresses the following: types of cookies and comparable tracking technologies SI No 336/2011 European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Privacy and Electronic Communications) Regulations 2011 (Ireland) SI No 336/2011 (IRL) (the ePrivacy Regulations (IRL)) and cookies responsibility for compliance consent clear and comprehensive information exemptions Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data, and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) (EU GDPR) and cookies territorial scope intranets sanctions and enforcement cookie audits reform resources and guidance Cookies are small text files stored on a user’s device, such as a computer, smartphone or tablet. They let an online service recognise a particular user, and...
21 May
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