Cookie Policy
Last Updated: December 29, 2025
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit websites. They help websites remember your preferences, understand usage patterns, and improve your experience. Similar technologies include pixels, local storage, session storage, and web beacons.
2. How We Use Cookies
Essential Cookies (Required)
Necessary for the website to function. Enable authentication, security, session management, and CSRF protection. Cannot be disabled.
Functional Cookies
Remember your preferences (theme, language), reading history, and provide enhanced features like personalized recommendations.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors interact with our website. Collect anonymous data on pages visited, time spent, and navigation patterns.
Advertising Cookies
Used to deliver relevant advertisements, limit ad frequency, and measure campaign effectiveness. May be set by our advertising partners.
3. Specific Cookies We Use
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| next-auth.session-token | User authentication | Session/30 days |
| next-auth.csrf-token | Security (CSRF protection) | Session |
| cookie-consent | Remember cookie preferences | 1 year |
| _ga, _gid | Google Analytics | 2 years / 24 hours |
| _gat | Google Analytics (throttle) | 1 minute |
| __gads, __gpi | Google AdSense | 13 months |
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies are placed by third-party services:
- Google: Analytics, AdSense, Sign-In
- Facebook: Login, sharing widgets, pixel
- Twitter/X: Embedded tweets, sharing
- YouTube: Embedded videos
- Ad Networks: Various advertising partners
These third parties have their own privacy and cookie policies.
5. Managing Cookies
Cookie Banner: When you first visit, you can choose which cookie categories to accept via our consent banner.
Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. See your browser's help documentation:
Opt-Out Links:
Note: Blocking cookies may affect website functionality.
6. Local Storage
We also use browser local storage for:
- Storing reading preferences
- Caching article data for offline reading
- Push notification preferences
- Theme settings
You can clear local storage through your browser's developer tools or settings.
7. Do Not Track
We do not currently respond to Do Not Track (DNT) browser signals. You can manage tracking through the cookie settings described above.
8. Updates
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date.
9. Contact
For questions about cookies: privacy@thetalklounge.com