Last Updated: December 21, 2025

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small data files (usually 4KB or less) stored on your device’s browser or hard drive when you visit a website. Cookies help websites:

  • Remember your preferences and login information
  • Track your browsing behavior
  • Serve personalized advertisements
  • Analyze how visitors use the site
  • Improve website functionality

Cookies vs. Other Tracking Technologies

  • Local Storage – Similar to cookies but stores more data (up to 5-10MB)
  • Web Beacons/Pixels – Tiny images that track page views and clicks
  • Tags – Code snippets that collect data and send it to third-party services
  • Fingerprinting – Creating a unique profile of your device and behavior

We use combinations of these technologies to optimize your experience and serve relevant ads.

Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)

Purpose: Required for our website to function properly.

Cannot Be Disabled: These cookies are essential for Site functionality. If you disable them, parts of our website may not work.

Specific Essential Cookies:

Cookie NamePurposeSet ByDurationData Collected
wp-settings-[userid]WordPress user preferences (font size, dashboard layout)AI InsiderSession/1 yearUser ID, preference settings
wp-settings-time-[userid]Timestamp for when settings were last changedAI InsiderSession/1 yearTimestamp
wordpress_logged_inMaintains your login sessionAI Insider14 daysUsername, encrypted password
wordpress_secSecurity/authentication purposesAI Insider14 daysSecurity token
PHPSESSIDServer-side session managementAI InsiderSessionSession ID
__Host-csrfCSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery) protectionAI InsiderSessionSecurity token

User Control:

You can disable essential cookies, but this may prevent you from:

  • Logging into your account
  • Leaving comments
  • Using contact forms
  • Accessing certain Site features

Analytics Cookies

Purpose: Help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve content and user experience.

These cookies collect anonymous data – they do NOT identify you personally.

Analytics Cookies We Use:

Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

Cookie NamePurposeSet ByDurationData Collected
_gaDistinguishes unique usersGoogle2 yearsUnique User ID, visit count
ga[PropertyID]Used to persist session stateGoogle2 yearsSession data, traffic source
_gidUsed to distinguish users within a sessionGoogle24 hoursSession ID
_gatThrottles request rateGoogle1 minuteAPI request timing
AMP_TOKENContains a token that can be used to retrieve a Client ID from AMP Client ID serviceGoogle30 seconds to 1 yearVisitor session data

What Google Analytics Tracks:

  • Page views and scroll depth
  • Time spent on pages
  • Click behavior (which links you click)
  • Device type and operating system
  • Browser and browser version
  • Traffic source (how you found us)
  • Geographic location (approximate, from IP address)
  • User interests and demographics (inferred by Google)
  • Device ID (anonymized)

Data Retention:

  • User-level data: 26 months (default)
  • Event data: 14 months (default)
  • Older data is automatically deleted

Google’s Privacy:

Google processes this data subject to Google’s Privacy Policy. Google may use this data to:

  • Improve Google Analytics features
  • Develop new Google products
  • Create aggregate reports (shared across Google services)

Opt Out of Google Analytics:

  1. Install Browser Extension: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
  2. Disable in Google Settings: Google Ads Settings
  3. Contact Us: Email [email protected] to opt out on all our properties

Advertising & Marketing Cookies

Purpose: Serve personalized advertisements based on your interests and browsing behavior. These cookies enable retargeting (showing you ads for products you’ve viewed on other websites).

Google AdSense Cookies

Cookie NamePurposeSet ByDurationData Collected
NIDStores user preferences and information for Google adsGoogle~6 months (180 days)User preferences, ad interests, demographic data
IDEUsed for advertising purposes and cross-site user trackingGoogle (Doubleclick)~2 years (730 days)Unique identifier, browsing history across sites, interests
ANIDStores anonymous advertising IDGoogle~2 years (730 days)Anonymous ID, ad interaction history
APISID, HSID, SAPISIDStore session credentials for Google servicesGoogle2 yearsEncrypted session data
1P_JARGoogle analytics cookieGoogle~1 monthTraffic analysis

What Google Ad Partners Track:

  • Your interests (inferred from pages you visit)
  • Products you’ve viewed on other websites
  • Ads you’ve clicked on
  • Your approximate location
  • Device type and operating system
  • Browser and browser version
  • Search queries (on partner sites)
  • Time and date of interactions

How This Data Is Used:

  • Personalized Ads – Show ads for products/services matching your interests
  • Retargeting – Show you ads for products you’ve viewed on other sites
  • Frequency Capping – Avoid showing the same ad too many times
  • Ad Performance – Measure which ads perform best
  • Fraud Prevention – Detect and prevent invalid traffic
  • Market Research – Understand advertiser effectiveness

Cross-Site Tracking:

These cookies allow Google to track you across the entire web – not just on aiinsider.in. This enables:

  • Retargeting ads when you visit other websites
  • Creating interest profiles based on your entire browsing history
  • Serving ads on partner websites (YouTube, Gmail, etc.)

Your Options to Control Ads:

  1. Google Ads Settings (Most Important)
    • Visit: https://adssettings.google.com
    • Sign in with your Google account
    • See your interests and turn off personalization
    • Opt out of specific interest categories
  2. Ad Choices
  3. Network Advertising Initiative (NAI)
  4. Browser-Level Control
    • Chrome: Settings > Sync and Google services > turn on “Do Not Track”
    • Firefox: Options > Privacy > Tracking > Always
    • Safari: Preferences > Privacy > check “Ask websites not to track me”
    • Edge: Settings > Privacy > Tracking prevention > Strict
  5. Use Privacy-Focused Browsers
    • Brave Browser – Blocks ads and trackers by default
    • Firefox – Enhanced privacy protection options
    • DuckDuckGo – Doesn’t track you; integrates with browsers
  6. Use a VPN
    • Masks your IP address
    • Hides your location
    • Encrypts your browsing data
    • Examples: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN
  7. Use Privacy Extensions
    • uBlock Origin – Block ads and trackers
    • Privacy Badger – Automatically opt out of tracking
    • Ghostery – See and block invisible trackers

Note: Even if you opt out, you’ll still see ads – they just won’t be personalized to your interests.

Preference Cookies

Purpose: Remember your choices and preferences to enhance your experience on our Site.

Examples:

  • Language preference (English, Hindi, etc.)
  • Font size and contrast settings
  • Dark mode / Light mode preference
  • Comment settings (email notifications on/off)
  • Sidebar preferences

Duration: Typically 1-2 years unless you clear them

Social Media Cookies

Purpose: Enable social sharing and track interactions with social media platforms.

If we include social media plugins (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn share buttons):

PlatformCookies UsedCollects
Facebookfr, datr, sbYour Facebook ID, activity across web, interests
Twitterpersonalization_id, guest_idTwitter engagement, interests, device info
LinkedInbcookie, bscookieLinkedIn profile info, content engagement

These platforms may track you even if you’re not logged in.

Third-Party Cookies (Cookies Set by Others)

We do not set all cookies on our Site. Third parties (Google, ad networks, analytics providers) set cookies when:

  • You view our content
  • Ads are served to you
  • Analytics data is collected

Third parties using cookies on our Site:

Third PartyCookiesPurposeOpt Out
Google (AdSense, Analytics)NID, IDE, ANID, _ga, _gid, etc.Ads, traffic analysisGoogle Ads Settings
Doubleclick (Google)IDE, DSIDAd serving, retargetingOpt-out NAI
Other Ad NetworksVariousPersonalized ads, trackingDAA Opt-out

Important: We cannot control third-party cookies. We can only:

  • Disclose that they’re used
  • Tell you how to opt out
  • Comply with laws that require disclosure

How Long Do Cookies Last?

Cookies have different lifespans:

TypeDurationExample
Session CookiesUntil you close your browserLogin session
Persistent CookiesDays, months, or yearsGoogle Analytics (_ga): 2 years
Permanent CookiesUntil manually deletedPreference settings

Check Cookie Duration:

Browser’s Developer Tools > Application > Cookies > Expiration date

Our Cookie Banner

When you visit aiinsider.in, you see a cookie consent banner that allows you to:

Option 1: Accept All

  • Consents to all cookies: essential, analytics, advertising
  • Best experience but most data collection

Option 2: Manage Preferences

  • Choose which cookie types to accept
  • Recommended for privacy-conscious users
  • Typical choice: Essential + Analytics, reject Advertising

Option 3: Reject Non-Essential

  • Accept only essential cookies
  • Limits data collection
  • Some features may not work optimally

Option 4: Cookie Settings

  • Access cookie management anytime (if available on footer)
  • Change your preferences after initial visit

Your Consent Choices Are Saved

  • Your choice is saved in a cookie called “cookieconsent” or similar
  • Duration: 12 months
  • If you clear cookies, you’ll see the banner again

How to Change Cookie Preferences

Change Your Cookie Settings:

  1. On Our Site:
    • Look for “Cookie Settings” or “Manage Cookies” link (usually in footer)
    • Click to open preference center
    • Toggle cookies on/off
    • Click “Save Preferences”
  2. Via Browser Settings:
    • Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
    • Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and site data
    • Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
    • Edge: Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data
  3. Clear Cookies Manually:
    • Clearing cookies deletes all site preferences
    • You’ll need to accept the cookie banner again
    • Use this if preferences aren’t updating
  4. Contact Us:
    • Email [email protected]
    • Request specific cookies be disabled
    • We can provide additional options

Consequences of Disabling Cookies

Cookies DisabledEffect
Essential OnlySite works but may be slower; remember features disabled
Analytics DisabledSite works normally; we can’t see traffic data
Advertising DisabledSee generic ads instead of personalized; still see ads
All CookiesSome features may break; slower experience

Do Not Track (DNT)

Some browsers include a “Do Not Track” feature that signals websites not to track you.

Our Response to DNT:

  • We honor DNT signals where technically feasible
  • However, third-party ad networks (Google) may not respect DNT
  • We recommend using privacy browser extensions for stronger protection

Enable Do Not Track:

  • Chrome: Settings > Sync and Google services > turn on “Do Not Track”
  • Firefox: Options > Privacy > Tracking > Always
  • Safari: Preferences > Privacy > check “Ask websites not to track me”
  • Edge: Settings > Privacy > Tracking prevention > Strict

How We Protect Cookie Data

Security Measures:

  • Cookies are transmitted over HTTPS/SSL encryption (secure connection)
  • Sensitive cookies (login, auth) have the Secure flag (only sent over HTTPS)
  • Session cookies have the HttpOnly flag (not accessible to JavaScript, prevents XSS attacks)
  • Cookies use the SameSite attribute (prevents CSRF attacks, limits cross-site sharing)

Your Cookie Security

Protect Your Cookies:

  1. Use Strong Passwords – Use unique, complex passwords for accounts
  2. Keep Browser Updated – Updates include security patches
  3. Use HTTPS Only – Look for lock icon in browser address bar
  4. Avoid Public WiFi – Don’t access sensitive sites on public WiFi
  5. Use VPN – Encrypts all traffic including cookies
  6. Clear Cookies Regularly – Delete old cookies monthly
  7. Don’t Share Devices – Log out completely on shared devices

Authentication and Functionality Cookies

These MUST be accepted for website functions to work:

textwordpress_logged_in - Keeps you logged in to comment
wordpress_sec - Security for logged-in sessions
PHPSESSID - Server session management
wp-settings - Your WordPress preferences

Performance and Analytics Cookies

These help us improve the Site but aren’t required:

text_ga, _ga_[ID], _gid - Google Analytics traffic tracking
_gat - Analytics rate limiting

Advertising and Behavioral Cookies

These target ads to you but aren’t required:

textNID - Google ad preferences
IDE - Google ad targeting
ANID - Google advertising ID

International Cookies and GDPR

GDPR Compliance (EU, EEA, UK)

If you’re in the European Union, European Economic Area, or United Kingdom:

Legal Requirement: We must get explicit consent before setting non-essential cookies.

Our Approach:

  • Cookie banner asks for consent (not pre-checked)
  • Only set essential cookies without consent
  • Set analytics/advertising cookies only if you consent
  • Your preference is saved for 12 months
  • You can withdraw consent anytime

Your Rights Under GDPR:

  • Right to refuse cookies
  • Right to withdraw consent
  • Right to access cookie data
  • Right to delete cookie data

CCPA Compliance (California)

If you’re a California resident:

Your Rights:

  • Know what personal data is collected in cookies
  • Opt out of cookies used for “sale of personal information”
  • Request deletion of cookie-collected data
  • Non-discrimination for exercising rights

Our Commitment:

  • We don’t sell personal information
  • We do share data with advertising partners
  • You can opt out anytime
  • Submit requests: [email protected]

We may update this Cookie Policy to:

  • Reflect changes in technology
  • Add new cookies
  • Remove outdated cookies
  • Comply with new laws
  • Improve privacy practices

How We Notify:

  • Update “Last Updated” date at top
  • Post updated policy on this page
  • For significant changes: email notification

Free Browser Extensions for Cookie Control

ToolBrowserFeatures
Privacy BadgerChrome, FirefoxAutomatically block trackers
uBlock OriginChrome, FirefoxBlock ads and tracking scripts
GhosteryChrome, Firefox, SafariSee and block invisible trackers
Cookies.txtChromeExport and manage cookies
Cookie-EditorChrome, FirefoxEdit and delete specific cookies
HTTPS EverywhereChrome, FirefoxForce encrypted connections

Privacy Browser Options

BrowserKey Feature
BraveBlocks ads and trackers by default
FirefoxEnhanced Tracking Protection (free)
DuckDuckGoDoesn’t track you; privacy by default
Tor BrowserMaximum anonymity (slower)

How to Delete Cookies

Delete All Cookies

Chrome:

  1. Click menu (⋮) > Settings
  2. Privacy and security > Delete browsing data
  3. Select “All time”
  4. Check “Cookies and other site data”
  5. Click “Delete data”

Firefox:

  1. Click menu (☰) > Settings
  2. Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
  3. Click “Clear Data”
  4. Check “Cookies”
  5. Click “Clear”

Safari:

  1. Preferences > Privacy
  2. Click “Manage Website Data”
  3. Select cookies you want to delete
  4. Click “Remove”

Edge:

  1. Settings > Privacy and security
  2. Clear browsing data
  3. Check “Cookies and other site data”
  4. Click “Clear now”

Questions About Cookies?

If you have questions about our Cookie Policy or want to:

  • Understand specific cookies
  • Request cookie removal
  • Report cookie issues
  • Withdraw consent
  • Get more information

Contact Us:

Email: [email protected]
Contact Page: https://aiinsider.in/contact-us/

We aim to respond within 5-7 business days.

Additional Resources

  • All About Cookies
  • Google Ads Help
  • Network Advertising Initiative
  • Digital Advertising Alliance
  • European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance
  • Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB)

This Cookie Policy is effective as of December 21, 2025.
Last Updated: December 21, 2025