Cookie Policy
Last updated: March 7, 2026
This Cookie Policy explains how Further Forward Innovation Ltd, trading as Click Guardian ("we", "us", or "our"), uses cookies and similar technologies on our website at clickguardian.ai. It also covers how our tracking script works on our customers' websites for click fraud detection purposes.
By continuing to browse our website, you consent to our use of essential cookies. Analytics and marketing cookies are only set with your explicit consent.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and give website owners information about how their site is being used.
Cookies can be "first-party" (set by the website you are visiting) or "third-party" (set by a different domain). They can also be "session" cookies (deleted when you close your browser) or "persistent" cookies (remain on your device for a set period).
Cookies on Our Website (clickguardian.ai)
Essential Cookies (Required)
These cookies are strictly necessary for the website to function. They cannot be disabled. Without them, core features like user authentication and security protections would not work.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
session_id | Maintains your session while browsing the website | Session | First-party |
_csrf_token | Protects against cross-site request forgery attacks | Session | First-party |
auth_token | Keeps you logged in to your ClickGuardian account | 30 days | First-party |
preferences | Stores your cookie consent and display preferences | 1 year | First-party |
Analytics Cookies (Optional)
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website. All data is aggregated and anonymous. These cookies are only set if you give consent.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Distinguishes unique visitors to the site | 2 years | Google Analytics |
_ga_[ID] | Maintains session state for Google Analytics 4 | 2 years | Google Analytics |
_gat | Throttles request rate to limit data collection | 1 minute | Google Analytics |
_gid | Identifies unique visitors for the current day | 24 hours | Google Analytics |
Marketing Cookies (Optional)
These cookies are used to track the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns and to deliver relevant ads. They are only set if you give consent.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
_fbp | Tracks visits across websites for Facebook ad targeting | 3 months | Facebook (Meta) |
fbp | Facebook pixel browser identification | 3 months | Facebook (Meta) |
google_ads | Tracks conversions from Google Ads campaigns | 90 days | Google Ads |
linkedin_ads | Tracks conversions from LinkedIn ad campaigns | 90 days |
Click Guardian Tracking Script
If you are visiting a website that uses ClickGuardian to protect their ads from click fraud, you may encounter our tracking script. This section explains what the script does and what data it collects.
What Is the Tracking Script?
The ClickGuardian tracking script is a small piece of JavaScript that our customers install on their own websites. It monitors ad clicks to detect fraudulent activity such as bots, competitors, and click farms. The script sets a first-party cookie on the customer's domain -- not on clickguardian.ai -- meaning all data collected belongs to the website owner.
First-Party Data
Because the tracking script runs on the customer's domain, all data it collects is classified as first-party data. The website owner retains full ownership and control of this data. ClickGuardian processes the data on their behalf solely for the purpose of click fraud detection.
What the Script Collects
The tracking script collects the following data points for each visitor session to determine whether a click is legitimate or fraudulent:
- Click timestamp -- the exact date and time of the ad click
- Device type -- desktop, mobile, or tablet
- IP address -- used for geolocation and datacenter detection
- Browser fingerprint -- a hash of browser attributes (screen size, language, timezone, installed fonts, etc.) used to identify repeat visitors even if they change IP
- User agent string -- browser name, version, and operating system
- Referrer URL -- the page URL that referred the visitor
- Page interaction data -- mouse movements, scroll depth, and time on page (used to detect bot-like behaviour)
- Form field names and interaction metadata -- which fields were focused, time spent per field, and submission patterns (for fake lead detection)
- Ad click parameters -- GCLID, MSCLKID, UTM parameters
What the Script Does NOT Collect
We never collect any of the following:
- Form input values (what you type into fields)
- Passwords or authentication credentials
- Credit card or payment information
- Personal names, email addresses, or phone numbers entered in forms
- Keystrokes or key logging of any kind
- Browsing history or data from other websites
Why This Data Is Collected
All data collected by the tracking script is used solely for click fraud detection and prevention. It enables us to identify bot traffic, competitor clicks, click farms, and other forms of invalid traffic that waste our customers' advertising budgets. The data is analysed in real time to make blocking decisions and is retained for reporting purposes.
Data Ownership
All data collected by the tracking script on a customer's website belongs to that customer. ClickGuardian acts as a data processor on behalf of the customer (the data controller). We do not sell, rent, share, or trade any data collected by the tracking script. Customers can request deletion of their data at any time through their account dashboard or by contacting us at privacy@clickguardian.ai.
How to Manage Cookie Preferences
You can manage, disable, or delete cookies at any time through your browser settings. Below are instructions for the most popular browsers:
Google Chrome
Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
Chrome cookie instructions →Microsoft Edge
Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies
Edge cookie instructions →Please note: Disabling essential cookies may prevent certain parts of the website from functioning correctly, including login and account management features.
Third-Party Cookies & Integrations
We use the following third-party services that may set their own cookies. Each service has its own privacy policy governing how they use data:
| Service | Purpose | Privacy Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics | Website traffic analysis and reporting | Google Privacy Policy |
| Stripe | Payment processing and billing | Stripe Privacy Policy |
| Facebook (Meta) | Advertising conversion tracking | Meta Privacy Policy |
| Google Ads | Advertising conversion tracking and remarketing | Google Privacy Policy |
| Intercom | Live chat and customer support | Intercom Privacy Policy |
| HubSpot | CRM, email marketing, and lead tracking | HubSpot Privacy Policy |
Cookie Consent & Compliance
ClickGuardian complies with applicable data protection regulations, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the ePrivacy Directive (Cookie Law). Here is how we ensure compliance:
Prior consent for non-essential cookies
Analytics and marketing cookies are only placed after you explicitly opt in through our cookie consent banner. Essential cookies are exempt from consent requirements as they are necessary for the website to function.
Granular consent
You can choose to accept or reject individual cookie categories (analytics and marketing) rather than an all-or-nothing approach.
Easy withdrawal
You can change or withdraw your cookie consent at any time through the cookie settings link in our website footer or by clearing cookies in your browser.
Data protection for tracking script users
Our customers who use the tracking script are responsible for ensuring their own websites comply with applicable cookie laws and include appropriate disclosures about the ClickGuardian script in their own privacy and cookie policies.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, notify you through a prominent notice on our website.
We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy, our use of cookies, or the ClickGuardian tracking script, please contact us:
Address
Office One, 1 Coldbath Square, London, EC1R 5HL, United Kingdom
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