1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how the Timesheet Calculator uses cookies and similar tracking technologies. By using our Service, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy and as configured in your cookie preferences.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that websites place on your device (computer, phone, tablet) to store information. Cookies help websites remember your preferences and understand how you use the site.
Types of Cookies:
- Session Cookies: Temporary cookies deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device until expiration or manual deletion
- First-Party Cookies: Set by us (the website you're visiting)
- Third-Party Cookies: Set by external services (Google, Mediavine, etc.)
3. Cookies We Use
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function. You cannot opt-out of these cookies.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
cookieConsent |
Stores your cookie consent preferences | 12 months | Timesheet Calculator |
3.2 Analytics Cookies (Optional)
These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website. You can opt-out of these cookies.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga |
Distinguishes unique users for Google Analytics | 2 years | Google Analytics |
_gid |
Distinguishes users for Google Analytics | 24 hours | Google Analytics |
_gat |
Throttles Google Analytics request rate | 1 minute | Google Analytics |
_ga_[container-id] |
Persists Google Analytics session state | 2 years | Google Analytics |
What Google Analytics Tracks:
- Pages you visit
- Time spent on site
- How you navigate through the calculator
- What device and browser you use
- Approximate location (city/region level)
- Anonymized IP address (last octet removed)
3.3 Advertising Cookies (Optional)
These cookies are used to display relevant advertisements. You can opt-out of these cookies.
Mediavine Cookies (if applicable):
| Cookie Category | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ad Delivery | Frequency capping, ad delivery optimization | Varies (typically 13 months) |
| Ad Personalization | Interest-based advertising, targeting | Varies (typically 13 months) |
| Analytics | Ad performance measurement, viewability | Varies (typically 13 months) |
Note: Mediavine works with multiple advertising partners. For a complete list of cookies, see Mediavine's Privacy Policy.
Google AdSense Cookies (if applicable):
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
__gads |
Registers actions after viewing or clicking ads | 13 months |
__gac |
Contains campaign-related information | 90 days |
DSID |
Identifies logged-in users on Google sites | 2 weeks |
IDE |
Used for ad personalization by DoubleClick | 13 months |
NID |
Contains unique ID for Google advertising preferences | 6 months |
4. localStorage (Not a Cookie)
We also use localStorage, which is different from cookies:
| Feature | Cookies | localStorage |
|---|---|---|
| Sent to Server | Yes, with every request | ❌ No, stays on device |
| What We Store | Cookie consent, tracking IDs | Hourly rate, overtime preference |
| Expiration | Set expiration date | Never (until manually cleared) |
| Privacy | Can track across sites | Cannot track across sites |
Your Calculator Data: Work hours, time entries, and calculations use localStorage ONLY. This data never leaves your device and is not accessible to us or any third parties.
5. How to Control Cookies
5.1 Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit our site, you'll see a cookie consent banner with these options:
- Accept All Cookies: Analytics + advertising cookies enabled
- Necessary Cookies Only: Only essential cookies (opt-out of analytics & ads)
- Customize Settings: Choose which cookie categories to enable
You can change your preferences anytime by clicking "Cookie Settings" in the footer.
5.2 Browser Settings
All browsers allow you to control cookies:
Google Chrome:
- Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Choose: Block third-party cookies or Block all cookies
- To delete: Clear browsing data → Cookies and site data
Mozilla Firefox:
- Settings → Privacy & Security
- Under Cookies and Site Data, choose Standard or Strict
- To delete: Clear Data → Cookies and Site Data
Safari (Mac):
- Preferences → Privacy
- Check "Prevent cross-site tracking"
- To delete: Manage Website Data → Remove All
Microsoft Edge:
- Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies
- Choose: Block third-party cookies or Block all cookies
- To delete: Privacy → Choose what to clear → Cookies
5.3 Mobile Devices
iPhone/iPad (Safari):
- Settings → Safari → Prevent Cross-Site Tracking (toggle on)
- To clear: Settings → Safari → Clear History and Website Data
Android (Chrome):
- Chrome → Settings → Site settings → Cookies
- Choose: Block third-party cookies
- To clear: Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data
5.4 Advertising Opt-Outs
Opt-out of personalized advertising:
- Google Ads: Ad Personalization Settings
- Mediavine: Opt-out Page
- Industry-Wide: DAA Consumer Choice
- Industry-Wide (EU): Your Online Choices
5.5 Do Not Track (DNT)
We respect browser "Do Not Track" signals:
- When DNT is enabled, we will not load Google Analytics
- Advertising cookies may still load per your consent preferences
- Enable DNT in browser settings → Privacy
6. Impact of Blocking Cookies
If You Block All Cookies:
- ✅ Calculator still works (uses localStorage, not cookies)
- ✅ Timesheet data still saved locally
- ❌ Cookie consent banner shows every visit
- ❌ We can't track site usage to improve experience
If You Block Only Third-Party Cookies:
- ✅ Calculator works perfectly
- ✅ Cookie consent remembered
- ❌ Analytics may not work properly
- ❌ Ads may be less relevant or fail to load
7. Third-Party Cookie Providers
7.1 Google (Analytics & AdSense)
Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
Cookie Policy: How Google Uses Cookies
Opt-Out: Google Analytics Opt-out
7.2 Mediavine
Privacy Policy: https://www.mediavine.com/privacy-policy/
Advertising Partners: Mediavine works with 100+ advertising partners. See their policy for the complete list.
Opt-Out: https://www.mediavine.com/opt-out/
8. GDPR Compliance (EU Users)
We comply with GDPR cookie requirements:
- ✅ Clear cookie consent banner before setting non-essential cookies
- ✅ Granular consent options (accept all, necessary only, customize)
- ✅ Easy to withdraw consent (cookie settings in footer)
- ✅ Clear information about each cookie's purpose
- ✅ Pre-checked "necessary only" as default
- ✅ Consent recorded and timestamped
9. CCPA Compliance (California Users)
Under CCPA, personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" of data. You can opt-out:
- Use our cookie banner to reject advertising cookies
- Use advertising opt-out links above
- Enable browser tracking protection
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy:
- Changes posted on this page
- "Last Updated" date revised below
- Cookie banner may prompt for new consent
- Material changes announced on calculator
11. Contact Us
Questions about cookies or privacy:
- Email: privacy@[yourdomain].com
- Subject: "Cookie Policy Question"
12. Related Information
- Privacy Policy - Complete privacy information
- Terms of Service - Legal terms
- AboutCookies.org - Independent cookie information
- AllAboutCookies.org - How to manage cookies
Last Updated: November 25, 2024
Effective Date: November 25, 2024