This policy explains how brianwinum.com uses cookies and similar technologies, what they do, and the choices available to you. It should be read together with the Privacy Protection Policy.
1. What cookies are
Cookies are small text files stored by your browser when you visit a website. They can support essential functions, remember preferences, measure site use, or help third-party services deliver embedded content. This policy also covers similar technologies, such as local storage, pixels, and device identifiers, when they serve the same purpose.
2. How this site may use cookies
Essential WordPress functions
WordPress may set cookies for login, account security, language selection, and administrator interface preferences. These primarily affect authorized users who sign in to manage the site. Reading public articles does not require a visitor account.
Analytics and advertising
The custom site theme does not set analytics or advertising cookies by itself. If an analytics, advertising, or optimization service is enabled through a WordPress plugin or third-party provider, this policy will be updated to identify the service, its purpose, and the choices available to visitors.
Embedded content
Articles may include content from services such as Reddit, YouTube, or Vimeo. Those providers may receive technical information and may set cookies or use similar technologies when embedded content loads or when you interact with it. Their own privacy and cookie policies govern that activity.
Affiliate links and external services
When you follow an affiliate link, purchase a product, or visit another external service, that provider may set cookies on its own website for attribution, checkout, security, or account functions. See the Affiliate Commission Disclosure for more information about affiliate links.
3. Current first-party WordPress cookies
wordpress_test_cookie— a temporary session cookie used on the login screen to check whether the browser accepts cookies.wordpress_[hash],wordpress_sec_[hash], andwordpress_logged_in_[hash]— authentication and security cookies used when an authorized user signs in. Their duration depends on the login session and whether “Remember Me” is selected.wp-settings-{user_id}andwp-settings-time-{user_id}— preference cookies that customize the WordPress administration interface for a logged-in user.wp_lang— a session cookie that remembers a selected language on the WordPress login screen.
WordPress plugins and connected services can add or change cookies independently of the theme. This list will be reviewed whenever a plugin or service that uses cookies is added, removed, or materially changed.
4. Consent and your choices
If non-essential cookie-based tracking is activated, visitors will be given an appropriate choice where consent is required. Essential cookies needed for login, security, or a service you request may operate without that choice.
You can also use your browser settings to view, delete, or block cookies, including third-party cookies. Blocking WordPress authentication cookies will prevent authorized users from signing in, but it will not prevent ordinary visitors from reading public content. Blocking third-party cookies may affect embedded media or external services.
5. Retention
Session cookies expire when the relevant browser session or login ends. Persistent cookies remain until their stated expiration date or until you delete them. Third-party providers set their own retention periods, which are described in their policies and may change independently of this site.
6. Changes to this policy
This policy may be updated when the site adds or removes plugins, analytics, embedded services, advertising tools, or other technologies that affect cookie use. The “last updated” date at the top of this page identifies the current version.
7. Contact
Questions about cookies, tracking, or your privacy choices:
Contact form bw@brianwinum.com