Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files placed on your device by websites you visit. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and supply reporting information to site operators. This policy explains how SweepFeed ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies (pixels, web beacons, local storage).

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

Essential for authentication, security, and core platform functionality. These cannot be disabled without impairing the Service.

• __session — Firebase authentication session token (Duration: session)
• __user_session — SweepFeed signed session token for persistent authentication (Duration: 14 days)
• csrf_token — Cross-site request forgery protection (Duration: session)
• sf_gpc — Records your Global Privacy Control opt-out preference (Duration: 1 year)
• cookie_consent — Stores your cookie preferences (Duration: 1 year)

2.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

Help us understand how users interact with SweepFeed, including page views, navigation patterns, and error reporting.

• _ga, _ga_* — Google Analytics: measures traffic and user behavior (Duration: 2 years)
• ph_* — PostHog analytics: session recording, feature flags, product analytics (Duration: 1 year)

2.3 Functional Cookies

Remember your preferences, feed customizations, and settings to provide a personalized experience.

• sf_prefs — Feed sort order, category filters, and display settings (Duration: 1 year)
• sf_theme — Dark/light mode preference (Duration: 1 year)
• sidebar:state — Remembers sidebar open/closed state (Duration: 1 year)

2.4 Advertising and Targeting Cookies

Used to deliver relevant advertisements and measure campaign effectiveness. These may be set by our advertising partners.

• Google AdSense / Google Ad Manager cookies — Ad personalization and frequency capping (Duration: varies)
• __gads, __gpi — Google advertising: ad serving and measurement (Duration: 13 months)

3. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages. We do not control these third-party cookies and recommend reviewing their respective privacy policies:

• Google Analytics — Google Privacy Policy
• PostHog — PostHog Privacy Policy
• Firebase — Firebase Privacy and Security
• Stripe — Stripe Privacy Policy (payment processing only)

4. Managing Cookies

You can control and manage cookies through several methods:

• Cookie Consent Banner: Adjust your preferences using the cookie consent banner displayed when you first visit SweepFeed, or update your preferences at any time via the "Privacy Settings" link in our footer.
• Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies through their settings menus. Instructions for common browsers:
  • Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies
  • Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies
  • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
  • Edge: Settings → Cookies and Site Permissions
• Opt-Out Links: Google Analytics Opt-Out

Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the Service, and some features may not work as intended.

5. Local Storage and Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we use browser local storage and session storage to maintain application state, cache user preferences, and improve performance. These technologies store data locally on your device and function similarly to cookies. The same controls and consent requirements apply.

5.1 Local Storage

• sf_cookie_consent — Your cookie consent preferences (analytics, advertising)
• sf_age_verified — Records that you have confirmed you are 18 or older
• emailForSignIn / emailForSignInTimestamp — Temporarily stores your email during the magic link login flow; cleared after sign-in
• last_visit — Timestamp of your last visit for analytics (return visitor detection)
• ad_impressions — Tracks ad impression counts for the ad-revenue charity pledge program
• adblocker_dialog_dismissed — Records dismissal of the ad-blocker notification dialog
• waitlistData — Preserves waitlist form data so it is not lost on page refresh

5.2 Session Storage

• sweepfeed_pending_contest — Tracks the sweepstakes you navigated to so we can detect your return and log the entry (cleared after use)

6. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers transmit "Do Not Track" (DNT) signals. At this time, we do not respond to DNT signals, as there is no industry-wide standard for compliance. However, we do honor the Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal where required by applicable law. If your browser sends a GPC signal, we will treat it as a request to opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information under the CCPA/CPRA.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted on the Service and the "Last updated" date will be revised. Your continued use of the Service after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

8. Contact

Questions about our cookie practices? Contact us at support@sweepfeed.com.