Cookie Policy

Last updated: June 29, 2026

This Cookie Policy explains how StoryLurker uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website. It should be read together with our Privacy Policy.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work, to make them work more efficiently, and to provide information to website operators. Cookies can be "persistent" (remaining on your device for a set period) or "session" cookies (deleted when you close your browser). We also use related technologies, such as your browser's local storage, which work in a similar way.

Your Consent

Strictly necessary cookies are always active because the website cannot function without them. For all other cookies that are not strictly necessary — in particular advertising cookies — we ask for your consent before they are set where this is required by law, including for visitors located in the European Economic Area (EEA) and the United Kingdom. Where consent is required, non-essential cookies are not set until you provide it, and you can change or withdraw your consent at any time using the methods described in the Managing Cookies section below.

Types of Cookies We Use

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as logging in or filling in forms.

Cookie Purpose Duration
PHPSESSID Maintains your session state (for example, keeping you logged in) Session

We also protect forms against cross-site request forgery (CSRF) using a security token. This token is stored in your server-side session, not as a separate browser cookie.

Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences.

Cookie Purpose Duration
darkMode Remembers your dark/light mode preference 1 year

Advertising Cookies (Third-Party)

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements. Google and its partners may set cookies to serve ads, including ads based on your prior visits to our website or other websites. Where required by law (including in the EEA and the UK), these cookies are only set after you give consent. The specific cookies set are determined by Google; you can learn more in the Google Ads Policy.

Provider Purpose More Info
Google AdSense Advertising and ad measurement (personalized where you consent) Google Ads Policy

Third-Party Content and Connections

To deliver our pages, your browser also connects to third-party services that host fonts, styling, and scripts — including Google Fonts (fonts.googleapis.com, fonts.gstatic.com) and content delivery networks (cdn.tailwindcss.com, cdn.jsdelivr.net). These providers do not require a cookie to load, but they necessarily receive your IP address and basic request information when your browser contacts them. Their use of that information is governed by their own privacy policies.

Managing Cookies

You can control and manage cookies in several ways:

  • Consent choices: Where we ask for cookie consent, you can change or withdraw your choices at any time through the cookie settings made available on our site.
  • Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to refuse or accept cookies, delete existing cookies, or set preferences for certain websites.
  • Google Ad Settings: You can manage or opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings and optout.aboutads.info.
  • Global Privacy Control (GPC) & Do Not Track: Some browsers send a "Global Privacy Control" or "Do Not Track" signal. We treat a GPC signal as a valid request to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information where applicable law requires us to honor it.

Please note: Blocking strictly necessary cookies may prevent you from using certain features of our website, such as logging in or maintaining your session.

Browser-Specific Instructions

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our practices. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please email us at privacy@storylurker.com or use our contact page.