This Cookie Policy explains how AITechSpark uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website. It explains what these technologies are, why we use them, and your rights to control their use.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used by website owners to make their websites work, or to work more efficiently, as well as to provide reporting information.
Cookies set by the website owner are called "first-party cookies." Cookies set by parties other than the website owner are called "third-party cookies." Third-party cookies enable third-party features or functionality to be provided on or through the website (such as advertising, analytics, and interactive content).
Cookies can be "session cookies" (which are deleted when you close your browser) or "persistent cookies" (which remain on your device until you delete them or they expire).
2. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies for several reasons. Some cookies are required for technical reasons for our website to operate — these are called "essential" or "strictly necessary" cookies. Other cookies enable us to track and target the interests of our users to enhance the experience on our site. Third parties may also place cookies through our website for analytics and advertising purposes.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
These cookies are required for the website to function and cannot be disabled. They include login session management and security tokens.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|
| wordpress_logged_in_* | Keeps you logged in to the site | Session / 2 weeks |
| wordpress_sec_* | Security token for admin access | Session |
| wp-settings-* | WordPress UI preferences (admin only) | 1 year |
| comment_author_* | Remembers commenter details | 347 days |
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve our site's performance. All information is aggregated and anonymous.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics 4 | Session persistence | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users (24h) | 24 hours |
| _gat | Google Analytics | Throttles request rate | 1 minute |
These cookies are set through our site by Google AdSense to build a profile of your interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|
| IDE | Google DoubleClick | Tracks ad clicks and conversions | 1 year |
| DSID | Google | Identifies signed-in users for ad targeting | 2 weeks |
| test_cookie | Google | Checks if browser accepts cookies | 15 minutes |
| NID | Google | Stores preferences and ad targeting info | 6 months |
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your dark/light mode preference.
| Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|
| ats_theme | localStorage | Saves your dark/light mode preference | Permanent (until cleared) |
| ats_viewed_* | sessionStorage | Tracks which posts you've viewed (view counter) | Session |
4. Third-Party Cookies
In addition to our own cookies, we may also use various third-party cookies to report usage statistics and deliver advertisements:
5. Managing & Disabling Cookies
You have several options to control or limit how cookies are used:
Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. Click your browser for instructions:
Opt-Out Tools
⚠️ Note: Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website and other websites you visit. Essential cookies cannot be disabled without affecting core site features.
6. Local Storage & SessionStorage
In addition to cookies, we use browser localStorage and sessionStorage for certain features:
- Dark mode preference (localStorage): Stores your theme preference so it persists across sessions. Key:
ats_theme
- View tracking (sessionStorage): Prevents counting the same visit twice in a session. Cleared when you close your browser.
You can clear localStorage and sessionStorage via your browser's developer tools (F12 → Application → Storage).
7. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our data practices. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.