What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files that a website stores on your device. Similar technologies, such as local storage and tracking pixels, work in the same way. We call all of them “cookies” on this page. Cookies can be “first-party” (set by this site) or “third-party” (set by another company, such as Google).
How we use them
We ask for your permission before using any cookie that is not strictly necessary. Nothing in the Analytics or Advertising categories runs until you accept it. Rejecting is as easy as accepting, and you can change your choice whenever you like.
Change your choice
You can also use the “Cookie settings” link in the footer of any page. Your choice is remembered for up to 6 months, after which we ask again.
Cookies by category
Strictly necessary (always on). These make the site work and remember your choice.
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|
| ia_consent | This site (first-party) | Stores your cookie choices | Up to 6 months |
Analytics (only if you accept). These help us count visits and see which tools are used.
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga, _ga_* | Google Analytics | Distinguish visitors and count sessions | Up to 2 years |
We currently use Google Analytics only if we switch it on, and then only after your consent.
Advertising (only if you accept). These let Google AdSense and partners show and measure ads.
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|
| __gads, __gpi | Google AdSense | Ad delivery, frequency capping and measurement | Up to 13 months |
| IDE, test_cookie | Google (doubleclick.net) | Ad personalization and measurement | Up to 13 months |
| Others | Google and its advertising partners | Names and lifetimes are set by the vendors and can change | Varies |
Affiliate partners may also set cookies on their own websites after you click an affiliate link. We do not control those cookies; please read the partner’s policy.
Google Consent Mode
When you reject or have not yet chosen, we tell Google’s tags that analytics and advertising storage is denied. When you accept, we update that signal to granted. In the EEA, the UK and Switzerland, this means ads can be non-personalized or limited unless Google’s requirements for personalized ads are met.
Other ways to control cookies
- Browser settings let you block or delete cookies. Blocking strictly necessary cookies may mean we ask for your choice every visit.
- Google Ads Settings controls personalized ads from Google.
- aboutads.info/choices (US) and youronlinechoices.com (EU) let you opt out of many ad networks.
- Global Privacy Control: if your browser sends this signal, we keep advertising off unless you switch it on yourself in the cookie settings.
Changes and contact
We will update this page when the cookies we use change, and ask for your choice again if needed. Questions? See our Privacy Policy or use the Contact page.