Implementing Effective Opt-Out Mechanisms for Session Replay

A red cursor blinks on the screen, recording every movement, every click, every keystroke. That’s session replay—powerful, precise, and, without limits, invasive.

Opt-out mechanisms for session replay are not optional. They are the control layer that determines whether users allow their actions to be captured or not. Without them, you risk violating privacy expectations, regulatory requirements, and trust.

A proper opt-out system must intercept session replay scripts before data is collected. This means implementing checks at load time, honoring privacy preferences stored in cookies or local storage, and respecting browser-level “Do Not Track” flags when applicable.

Server-side configuration is equally important. Disabling recording for opted-out users should be enforced in backend logic, not only through client-side scripts. This prevents bypass issues when JavaScript is modified or blocked. Granular opt-out options—such as disabling input recording but allowing navigation replay—let you align with compliance standards like GDPR and CCPA while maintaining useful analytics.

Transparency is part of the architecture. Display clear controls in your UI. Store the opt-out state securely. Make the logic deterministic—if a user opts out, the recorder must never be silently re-enabled without explicit consent. Audit these processes regularly.

Session replay platforms often offer built-in opt-out APIs. Integrating them correctly means hooking into the earliest possible execution point in your app lifecycle. Do not delay the opt-out check until after a recording session has started; once captured, sensitive data cannot be “unseen.”

Performance matters. Your opt-out implementation should not slow page load or degrade UX. Use lightweight condition checks, minimal DOM querying, and avoid blocking network requests unnecessarily.

The result is a session replay system that respects choice while still delivering value. You gather data from consenting users, avoid legal exposure, and maintain credibility.

Want to see this in action and deploy a compliant, high-speed session replay with instant opt-out? Check out hoop.dev and get it live in minutes.