Effective Date: December 2025
INTRODUCTION
This Cookie Policy explains how The Collective Press uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website (thecollectivepress.org) and related services.
Our Approach: We believe in minimal tracking and maximum transparency. We use cookies only when necessary to provide our services or improve user experience, never for invasive surveillance or data brokerage.
Your Control: You have the right to control cookies. This policy explains your options.
SECTION 1: WHAT ARE COOKIES?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, phone, tablet) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit.
Types of Cookies by Duration:
Session Cookies: Temporary cookies deleted when you close your browser
- Purpose: Keep you logged in during a single session
- Example: Shopping cart contents, login authentication
Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted
- Purpose: Remember preferences across multiple visits
- Example: Language preference, “Remember me” login option
Types of Cookies by Source:
First-Party Cookies: Set by The Collective Press (thecollectivepress.org)
- Control: We control these cookies and what data they collect
Third-Party Cookies: Set by external services we use (Google Analytics, payment processors)
- Control: These services have their own cookie policies
SECTION 2: WHAT COOKIES WE USE AND WHY
2.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)
Purpose: Required for the website to function; cannot be disabled without breaking core features.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
session_id | Keeps you logged in during your visit | Session | First-party |
csrf_token | Prevents security attacks (CSRF protection) | Session | First-party |
consent_status | Remembers your cookie preferences | 1 year | First-party |
Data Collected: Session identifiers, security tokens, consent choices
Legal Basis: Necessary for contract performance (providing services you requested)
Your Control: Cannot be disabled; required for site functionality
2.2 Functional Cookies (Preferences)
Purpose: Remember your preferences and settings to improve your experience.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
language_pref | Remembers your language choice | 1 year | First-party |
theme_mode | Remembers light/dark mode preference | 6 months | First-party |
font_size | Remembers accessibility font size setting | 6 months | First-party |
Data Collected: Interface preferences, accessibility settings
Legal Basis: Legitimate interest (improving user experience)
Your Control: Can be disabled in browser settings; may affect personalization
2.3 Analytics Cookies (Performance)
Purpose: Understand how visitors use our site to improve it.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Distinguishes unique users | 2 years | Google Analytics (third-party) |
_gid | Distinguishes unique users | 24 hours | Google Analytics (third-party) |
_gat | Throttles request rate | 1 minute | Google Analytics (third-party) |
Data Collected: Pages visited, time on site, referral source, general location (city/country), device type, browser
Data NOT Collected: Personal identities, specific addresses, sensitive personal information
Anonymization: We have enabled IP anonymization in Google Analytics (last octet of IP address removed)
Legal Basis: Consent (you can opt out)
Your Control: Can be disabled via browser settings or Google Analytics Opt-out: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
2.4 Advertising/Marketing Cookies
Current Status: We do NOT currently use advertising or marketing cookies.
Future Use: If we ever implement advertising or retargeting, we will:
- Update this Cookie Policy with 30 days’ notice
- Obtain explicit consent before activating
- Provide clear opt-out mechanisms
- Limit to non-invasive, mission-aligned advertising only
SECTION 3: OTHER TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES
In addition to cookies, we may use:
3.1 Web Beacons (Pixel Tags)
What They Are: Tiny invisible images embedded in emails or web pages
How We Use Them:
- Email newsletters: Track whether email was opened (if enabled)
- Website: Analyze page performance
Your Control:
- Email: Disable image loading in your email client to block tracking pixels
- Website: Browser cookie settings also control web beacons
3.2 Local Storage
What It Is: Browser feature allowing websites to store data locally (more storage than cookies)
How We Use It:
- Temporarily store form data (auto-save)
- Cache resources for faster loading
- Store offline-accessible content
Data Stored: Interface state, cached content, preferences
Your Control: Clear through browser settings (varies by browser)
3.3 Session Storage
What It Is: Similar to local storage but data deleted when you close the tab
How We Use It: Temporary state during your visit (e.g., multi-step form progress)
Your Control: Automatically cleared when you close the tab
SECTION 4: WHY WE USE COOKIES
4.1 Essential Functionality
To provide services you request:
- Keep you logged in to your account
- Remember items in your cart (if purchasing books)
- Secure your connection and prevent attacks
- Process payments securely
Without these cookies: You cannot use essential features like accounts, purchases, or community forums.
4.2 Improving User Experience
To make the site work better for you:
- Remember your language preference
- Maintain accessibility settings (font size, contrast)
- Reduce repetitive login prompts
- Provide personalized content recommendations (based only on your own activity, not tracking across sites)
Without these cookies: You’ll need to re-enter preferences each visit.
4.3 Understanding Website Performance
To improve our services:
- Identify which pages are most visited (plan content accordingly)
- Understand how people find us (search engines, social media, etc.)
- Detect technical errors or slow-loading pages
- Measure effectiveness of new features
Without these cookies: We fly blind; harder to improve the site systematically.
What We Do NOT Do:
- Track you across other websites
- Build detailed profiles about you
- Sell your data to third parties
- Serve personalized advertising (currently)
SECTION 5: THIRD-PARTY COOKIES
When you use our Services, you may encounter cookies from third parties we work with.
5.1 Analytics: Google Analytics
Purpose: Website traffic analysis
What They Collect: Anonymized usage data (see Section 2.3)
Their Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
Your Control: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
5.2 Payment Processing: Stripe and PayPal
Purpose: Secure payment processing
What They Collect: Payment information, transaction details
Their Policies:
- Stripe: https://stripe.com/privacy
- PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/privacy
Your Control: Necessary for purchases; controlled by payment processor
5.3 Content Delivery: Website Hosting Provider
Purpose: Fast, reliable website loading
What They Collect: Technical data for service delivery (IP address, browser)
Their Policy: [Hosting provider’s privacy policy link]
Your Control: Necessary for accessing website
5.4 Social Media Widgets (If Used)
Current Status: We do NOT currently embed social media widgets that track you.
If We Add Them (e.g., embedded YouTube videos, Twitter feeds):
- Will update this policy with specific platforms
- Will notify you via website notice
- Will provide opt-out mechanisms where possible
SECTION 6: YOUR CHOICES AND CONTROLS
You have several ways to control cookies:
6.1 Browser Settings
All major browsers allow you to:
- Block all cookies (may break website functionality)
- Block third-party cookies only (recommended)
- Delete existing cookies
- Set cookies to expire when you close browser
How to Manage Cookies by Browser:
Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enhanced-tracking-protection-firefox-desktop
Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/manage-cookies-sfri11471/mac
Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/delete-cookies-in-microsoft-edge-63947406-40ac-c3b8-57b9-2a946a29ae09
Mobile Browsers: Check your browser’s help documentation
Trade-off: Blocking all cookies may prevent login, purchases, or personalization features.
6.2 Our Cookie Consent Tool
When you first visit our website, you’ll see a cookie consent banner offering choices:
Options:
- Accept All: Allow all cookies (essential, functional, analytics)
- Essential Only: Only necessary cookies (site won’t function without these)
- Customize: Choose which non-essential cookies you allow
Changing Your Mind: You can update preferences anytime via:
- Cookie settings link in website footer
- Link in our Privacy Policy
- Clearing browser cookies and revisiting (will re-prompt)
6.3 Opt-Out Tools for Analytics
Google Analytics Opt-Out:
- Install browser add-on: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
- This prevents Google Analytics from tracking you across all websites using it
Do Not Track (DNT):
- Browser feature requesting websites not track you
- Our Response: We respect DNT signals and disable analytics cookies if DNT is enabled
- Limitation: Many sites ignore DNT; it’s not universally respected
6.4 Mobile Device Settings
iOS (iPhone/iPad):
- Settings → Safari → Prevent Cross-Site Tracking (enable)
- Settings → Privacy → Tracking → Ask Apps Not to Track (enable)
Android:
- Settings → Google → Ads → Opt out of Ads Personalization (enable)
- Chrome app → Settings → Privacy → Do Not Track (enable)
SECTION 7: COOKIES AND PRIVACY
7.1 What Cookies Mean for Your Privacy
Cookies can reveal:
- Pages you visit on our site
- Time you spend on each page
- Your general location (city/region)
- Device and browser you use
Cookies do NOT reveal (on our site):
- Your name or email (unless you log in)
- Your personal identity
- Specific street address
- Other websites you visit (we don’t track across sites)
Protection: Our use of IP anonymization in Google Analytics further protects your privacy.
7.2 Cookies and Pseudonymity
If you participate pseudonymously:
- First-party cookies may be linked to your pseudonymous account
- Third-party analytics cookies are NOT linked to your account identity
- We do not attempt to link pseudonymous identities to real identities via cookies or any other means
Best Practice: If you want maximum anonymity:
- Use private/incognito browsing mode (doesn’t save cookies between sessions)
- Use Tor Browser or privacy-focused browsers (Brave, Firefox with privacy extensions)
- Block all non-essential cookies
7.3 Cookie Security
How we protect cookie data:
- Secure Flag: Sensitive cookies transmitted only over HTTPS (encrypted)
- HttpOnly Flag: Prevents JavaScript from accessing sensitive cookies (reduces attack risk)
- SameSite Attribute: Limits when cookies are sent (prevents CSRF attacks)
- Regular Security Audits: Review cookie implementation for vulnerabilities
SECTION 8: CHILDREN’S PRIVACY AND COOKIES
Our Services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly use cookies to collect information from children under 13.
If you are a parent/guardian and believe your child has used our Services and we’ve set cookies on their device, contact us at privacy@thecollectivepress.org and we will delete the cookies.
SECTION 9: INTERNATIONAL USERS AND COOKIES
9.1 European Union (GDPR)
Legal Basis for Cookies:
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for contract performance (you requested the service)
- Functional Cookies: Legitimate interest (improving your experience)
- Analytics Cookies: Consent (we ask before activating)
Your Rights:
- Right to withdraw consent at any time
- Right to access data collected via cookies
- Right to deletion of cookie data
- Right to data portability
How to Exercise: Email privacy@thecollectivepress.org
9.2 California (CCPA/CPRA)
“Sale” of Personal Information: We do NOT sell information collected via cookies.
Your Rights:
- Right to know what cookies are used and why
- Right to opt out of cookies (via browser or our consent tool)
- Right to deletion of cookie data
How to Exercise: Email privacy@thecollectivepress.org or use browser settings
9.3 Other Jurisdictions
We comply with applicable cookie laws in all jurisdictions where we operate. If you have specific questions about cookie laws in your region, contact us.
SECTION 10: CHANGES TO THIS COOKIE POLICY
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:
- New cookies we use (if we add features or services)
- Changes in cookie technology or regulations
- Improved clarity or detail
Notification: We will notify you of material changes via:
- Updated “Last Modified” date at top of this policy
- Email to registered users (for significant changes)
- Website notice banner (for significant changes)
Your Continued Use: By continuing to use our Services after changes, you consent to the updated Cookie Policy.
SECTION 11: CONTACT US
Questions about cookies?
Email: privacy@thecollectivepress.org
Subject Line: Cookie Policy Inquiry
Want to opt out or delete cookies?
- Use browser settings (see Section 6.1)
- Use our cookie consent tool (see Section 6.2)
- Email us for assistance
General Contact:
Website: thecollectivepress.org
Email: contact@thecollectivepress.org
APPENDIX: DETAILED COOKIE LIST
As of December 29, 2025, cookies in use:
First-Party Cookies (Set by thecollectivepress.org)
| Name | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
session_id | Session management | Essential | Session |
csrf_token | Security (CSRF protection) | Essential | Session |
consent_status | Cookie preferences | Essential | 1 year |
language_pref | Language choice | Functional | 1 year |
theme_mode | Dark/light mode | Functional | 6 months |
font_size | Accessibility setting | Functional | 6 months |
Third-Party Cookies (Set by external services)
| Name | Purpose | Provider | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Analytics – user ID | Google Analytics | 2 years |
_gid | Analytics – session ID | Google Analytics | 24 hours |
_gat | Analytics – rate limiting | Google Analytics | 1 minute |
Note: This list will be updated as we add or remove cookies. Check back periodically or email us for a current list.
For more information on how we handle your personal data, please see our Privacy Policy.
Last Updated: December 29, 2025 | Version 1.0
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