Analytics configuration reviewed: 6 September 2026. HedgeLens uses a consent-first setup. Google Analytics 4 is configured so that its tag and analytics cookies remain blocked until you choose “Accept analytics”.
Current first-party preference
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
hl_analytics |
HedgeLens | Records whether analytics was accepted or rejected so the banner can respect the choice. | 180 days | Necessary preference |
_ga |
Google Analytics | Distinguishes visitors for optional site-usage measurement after consent. | Up to 2 years by default; browsers may shorten this | Analytics |
_ga_3CG2GSP5D2 |
Google Analytics | Maintains session state for the HedgeLens GA4 stream after consent. | Up to 2 years by default; browsers may shorten this | Analytics |
The preference is created only after you make a choice. Rejecting analytics stores “no”; accepting stores “yes”. The Google Analytics tag loads only after an accepted preference.
WordPress administration
WordPress may set login, session, security and interface-preference cookies for authorised administrators who sign in. These are not intended for ordinary public visitors and are necessary for restricted site administration.
Analytics
HedgeLens uses Google Analytics 4 to understand which pages, guides and labelled outbound retailer links are useful. The provider is Google LLC. Analytics storage is denied by default, and the Google tag is not downloaded until you choose “Accept analytics”. After consent, Google Analytics may set the cookies listed above and receive page and event information described in our Privacy Policy. Advertising storage, ad user data and ad personalisation remain denied in the site configuration.
Retailer and affiliate destinations
A normal link does not allow HedgeLens to set cookies on the retailer’s website. After you follow a clearly labelled retailer or affiliate link, the destination may set its own cookies or referral identifiers under its own notice. You should review the destination’s controls.
Managing your choice
You can reject optional analytics in the banner. You can also remove the hl_analytics preference using your browser’s site-data controls; the choice banner will then appear again. Blocking all cookies may affect administrator login or saved preferences but should not prevent reading public editorial pages.
Updates
We rescan after material changes to analytics, advertising, embedded media, fonts, consent tools or plugins. Questions can be sent to hello@hedgelens.co.uk.