Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 15, 2026

Your privacy matters to us. This page explains what data we collect (very little), what we don’t collect (almost everything), and how third-party services work on this site.

The short version

• No account required — you never need to sign up, log in, or give us your email
• Your analysis data stays in your browser — we use localStorage, and nothing is sent to our servers
• Analytics are privacy-first — Google Analytics runs with consent defaults set to denied, so no cookies are placed unless you opt in
• We use session recordings — Microsoft Clarity records how visitors interact with pages (clicks, scrolls, mouse movements) to help us improve UX, but it does not collect personal data
• We have affiliate links — some links to Amazon earn us a small commission at no cost to you
• We do not show ads — there is no advertising on this site
• We do not sell your data — not now, not ever

What data stays on your device

When you use the 5 Whys analysis tool, all of your data — your problem statement, each “Why” answer, and your root cause — is stored in your browser’s localStorage. This is a storage mechanism built into your browser that keeps data on your device only.

This data never leaves your browser. We cannot see it, access it, or recover it. There is no server-side database, no cloud sync, and no backup. If you clear your browser data or switch devices, your analyses are gone permanently.

You are in full control. You can delete your stored data at any time by clearing your browser’s site data for 5xwhys.com.

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics 4 (property ID: G-1Y0YSP6Y8V) to understand how people use this site — things like which pages are visited most, where traffic comes from, and what devices people use. This helps us improve the tool and create better content.

By default, analytics storage is denied. We use Google Consent Mode v2, which means no analytics cookies are set and no personal data is collected unless you explicitly opt in. On your first visit, Google Analytics operates in a limited, cookieless mode.

You can learn more about how Google handles data in the Google Privacy Policy. You can also opt out of Google Analytics entirely by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

Microsoft Clarity

We use Microsoft Clarity to understand how visitors interact with this site. Clarity captures anonymized behavioral data — including clicks, scrolls, mouse movements, and page navigation — and may record browsing sessions for playback.

This helps us identify usability issues (for example, where users get stuck or confused) and improve the design of the tool and content.

Clarity does not collect personal information such as your name, email address, or passwords. Text input fields (like the 5 Whys analysis tool) are masked by default. Clarity may set a first-party cookie to distinguish returning visitors, but it does not track you across other websites.

Microsoft Clarity data may be shared with Microsoft Advertising. For more information, see the Microsoft Privacy Statement and the Clarity FAQ.

Affiliate links

Some links on this site — particularly on our Books page and within blog articles — are affiliate links to Amazon.com. If you click one of these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

These links are clearly marked with rel="sponsored" in the HTML. We only recommend products we genuinely believe provide value. Our affiliate relationships do not influence our editorial content.

Amazon’s handling of your data is governed by the Amazon Privacy Notice.

Cookies

First-party cookies

We do not set any first-party cookies. None. The 5 Whys tool uses localStorage (not cookies) to store your analysis data locally.

Third-party cookies

Google Analytics may set third-party cookies only if you grant consent. By default, consent is denied, which means no third-party cookies are active on your first visit.

If consent is granted, the following types of cookies may be set:

• _ga — Google Analytics identifier, used to distinguish users (expires after 2 years)
• _ga_* — Google Analytics session tracking (expires after 2 years)
• _clck — Microsoft Clarity user identifier (expires after 12 months)
• _clsk — Microsoft Clarity session tracking (expires after 1 day)
• CLID — Microsoft Clarity browser identifier (expires after 12 months)

You can manage or block cookies through your browser settings at any time.

Third-party services

Here is a complete list of every third-party service used on this site:

• Google Analytics — website analytics (consent denied by default)
• Microsoft Clarity — session recordings and heatmaps (Microsoft’s privacy policy applies)
• Google Fonts — typography (loaded conditionally; Google’s privacy policy applies)
• Amazon Associates — affiliate links on product recommendations

That’s it. We do not use social media trackers, remarketing pixels, customer data platforms, or any other third-party tracking services.

Children’s privacy

5xWhys.com is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect any personal information from children. If you believe a child has somehow provided personal data through this site, please contact us and we will take steps to address it.

Your rights

Depending on where you live, you may have certain rights regarding your personal data under laws like the GDPR (Europe) or CCPA (California). These rights typically include the right to access, correct, or delete your personal data.

Here’s the good news: we collect virtually no personal data by default. There are no user accounts, no email addresses, no profiles. Your analysis data lives in your browser and is fully under your control.

That said, you always have the right to:

• Opt out of analytics by using the Google Analytics Opt-out Add-on
• Opt out of personalized ads through Google Ad Settings
• Clear your localStorage by going to your browser’s site settings for 5xwhys.com
• Block cookies through your browser’s privacy settings

If you have any questions or believe we hold any data about you, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Changes to this policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time — for example, when we add new features or integrate additional services. The “last updated” date at the top of this page will always reflect the most recent revision.

We encourage you to check back occasionally. Continued use of the site after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how your data is handled, you can reach us at hello@5xWhys.com.

We’re a small team and we genuinely care about doing the right thing with your data — which is why we designed the site to collect as little of it as possible.