Last updated: 9 September 2026

This Cookie Policy explains how Internet Ready News uses cookies and similar technologies (such as local storage and session storage) when you visit our website or use our mobile application (together, the "Service"). It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which explains how we handle your personal data more broadly.

1. What are cookies and similar technologies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device by websites you visit. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently and to provide information to site owners.

Local storage and session storage are browser-based storage mechanisms that allow web applications to store data on your device. They work similarly to cookies but can hold larger amounts of data and are not sent with every HTTP request.

For simplicity, this policy refers to all of these as "storage technologies."

2. Storage technologies we use

Internet Ready News uses local storage and session storage for essential functionality. We do not use advertising cookies, tracking cookies, or third-party analytics cookies. There is no tracking pixel, cross-site tracker, or advertising SDK in the Service.

The specific storage technologies we use are:

2.1 Authentication token (local storage)

  • Purpose: Keeps you signed in between visits so you do not need to enter your password every time you open the app.
  • What is stored: An encrypted authentication token issued by our backend.
  • Retention: Until you log out or delete your account. Clearing your browser's local storage will also remove it.
  • Category: Strictly necessary.

2.2 Theme preference (local storage)

  • Purpose: Remembers whether you prefer light mode or dark mode, so the app loads in your chosen theme.
  • What is stored: A value indicating "light", "dark", or "system".
  • Retention: Until you change your theme preference or clear local storage.
  • Category: Preference.

2.3 Session identifier (session storage)

  • Purpose: A randomly generated ID used to associate page views and article views within a single browsing session, so we can produce internal analytics about how the Service is used.
  • What is stored: A random string, not linked to your identity if you are not signed in.
  • Retention: Cleared when you close the browser or tab.
  • Category: Analytics (first-party).

2.4 Pop-up ad frequency (local storage)

  • Purpose: Records when a pop-up advertisement was last shown so it is not repeated too frequently.
  • What is stored: A timestamp of the last pop-up display.
  • Retention: Until cleared.
  • Category: Preference.

2.5 Article view de-duplication (session storage)

  • Purpose: Prevents the same article view from being counted twice if you navigate back and forth within one session.
  • What is stored: A list of recently viewed article IDs.
  • Retention: Cleared when you close the browser or tab.
  • Category: Analytics (first-party).

3. Storage technologies we do NOT use

  • No advertising cookies: We do not use Google AdSense, DoubleClick, Facebook Pixel, or any other advertising cookie.
  • No third-party analytics cookies: We do not use Google Analytics, Firebase, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or similar third-party analytics services. Our analytics are first-party, stored in our own database.
  • No cross-site tracking: We do not track your activity across other websites or apps.
  • No fingerprinting: We do not use device fingerprinting techniques to identify you.

4. Third-party services that may set cookies

While Internet Ready News itself does not set tracking cookies, some embedded third-party content may set cookies on your device when you interact with it:

  • YouTube: Some articles embed YouTube videos. If you play a video, YouTube may set cookies on your device to remember your preferences and collect viewing data. You can manage YouTube cookies through YouTube's own privacy settings at youtube.com.
  • Google Sign-In: If you choose to sign in with your Google account, Google may set cookies as part of the authentication flow. These are governed by Google's privacy policy.
  • Google Fonts: The Service uses Google Fonts (Inter and Lora) for typography. When fonts are loaded, Google may receive a request including your IP address. Google does not use this information to track individual users.
  • Stripe: If you make a donation, the Stripe checkout page may set cookies necessary for payment processing and fraud prevention. These are governed by Stripe's privacy policy.

We do not control these third-party cookies. Each third party has its own cookie and privacy policies, and we encourage you to review them.

5. Managing and deleting stored data

Because we use local storage and session storage rather than traditional cookies, the standard "cookie banner" controls in your browser may not apply. However, you can manage and delete stored data as follows:

  • Clear local storage: In your browser settings, look for "Site data" or "Storage" and clear data for our domain. This will sign you out and reset your theme preference.
  • Clear session storage: Closing all browser tabs or restarting your browser clears session storage automatically.
  • Private / Incognito mode: Browsing in private mode means local storage is cleared when you close the window.
  • Mobile app: If you use the Service as an installed app, clearing the app's cache or data from your device settings will remove stored items.

Note that clearing your authentication token will sign you out, and you will need to log in again to access your account features.

6. Do I need to consent?

The storage technologies we use are either strictly necessary for the Service to function (authentication token) or are first-party preference and analytics items that do not track you across other sites. Under UK cookie law (PECR), strictly necessary storage does not require consent, and our first-party analytics do not involve third-party trackers.

For third-party embedded content (YouTube, Google Sign-In, Stripe), the relevant provider may seek your consent through their own interface. You can avoid these by not playing embedded videos, using email/password login instead of Google Sign-In, or not making a donation.

7. Changes to this policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page.

8. Contact

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or the storage technologies we use, please contact us at info@internetreadynews.com.