🍪 Cookie Policy

Last updated: October 14, 2025

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit a website. They help us provide you with a better experience by remembering your preferences and understanding how you use our service.

Essential Cookies

Always Active

These cookies are strictly necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually only set in response to actions you take, such as logging in or setting your privacy preferences.

Cookie Name Purpose Expiration
laravel_session Maintains your logged-in state and session data 2 hours (sliding)
XSRF-TOKEN Security protection against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks 2 hours
cookie_consent Stores your cookie preferences 1 year
remember_web_* Keeps you logged in if you select "Remember Me" 5 years

Functional Cookies

Optional

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization. They remember your preferences (like theme and language) to provide a better experience. If you block these cookies, some features may not work properly.

Cookie Name Purpose Expiration
theme Remembers your light/dark theme preference 1 year
locale Stores your language preference 1 year
reading_preferences Stores display preferences (font size, layout) 1 year

Note: We also use localStorage to store some preferences locally on your device. This data never leaves your browser and is not sent to our servers.

Analytics & Tracking

No Cookies Used

We don't use analytics cookies. Instead, we track usage through database records for authenticated users only. This means:

✓ No Anonymous Tracking: We only track behavior when you're logged in, and it's tied to your account (which you control).

✓ Database Storage: Reading patterns, article clicks, and engagement are stored in our database, not cookies.

✓ Full Control: You can export or delete all your data anytime from your Privacy Dashboard.

What We Track (Database Only, Not Cookies):

  • Articles you read (to personalize your feed)
  • Digest email interactions (to improve recommendations)
  • Topic cluster preferences (to suggest relevant content)
  • Source diversity patterns (to encourage balanced reading)
  • Bookmark and collection activity

All tracking requires authentication. We don't track anonymous visitors beyond essential cookies for security.

❌ No Advertising or Marketing Cookies

We do not use advertising or marketing cookies. This means:

  • No Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or similar tracking
  • No retargeting or remarketing cookies
  • No cross-site tracking
  • No data sharing with advertisers
  • No behavioral profiling for ads

Third-Party Services

We use a minimal number of third-party services that may set their own cookies:

CDN (Content Delivery Network)

We use a CDN to serve static files faster. This may set performance cookies to optimize delivery.

Purpose: Performance optimization • Duration: Session only

Email Service Provider

If you click links in our emails, our email provider may track delivery and opens for service improvement.

Purpose: Email delivery and engagement tracking • Duration: As per provider's policy

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

On Our Website

You can manage your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the button below:

In Your Browser

You can also control cookies through your browser settings:

⚠️ Note: Blocking all cookies may prevent you from using certain features of our website, including logging in and saving preferences.

Questions About Cookies?

If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us.

Related: Privacy Policy

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