PilotStack

Cookie Policy

Last updated: July 19, 2026

This Cookie Policy explains how PilotStack ("we", "us", "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website. It supplements our Privacy Policy and explains what cookies are, why we use them, and how you can control their use.

What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that websites store on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) when you visit. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, enhance user experience, and provide information to site owners. Cookies typically contain a unique identifier — a sequence of numbers and letters — that allows websites to recognize your device on return visits.

Similar technologies include local storage, session storage, and web beacons (small transparent images used to track page views and email opens).

Cookies We Use

We minimize cookie usage to what is strictly necessary for site operation and basic analytics. We use a cookie consent banner that lets you control which categories of cookies are enabled.

Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be disabled. They are set automatically when you access our site and do not store any personally identifiable information.

  • Theme preference: Stores your light/dark mode preference in local storage. No expiration — persists until you change your preference or clear site data.

Analytics Cookies

We use analytics tools, including Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity, to understand how visitors interact with our site. These services may process usage and device information according to their own privacy policies and are loaded only after analytics consent.

  • Google Analytics 4 (GA4): Collects anonymized page views, session duration, and traffic source data. IP addresses are anonymized. Retention periods depend on the analytics configuration and applicable Google settings. Opt-out available via Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.
  • Microsoft Clarity: Provides session-replay and heatmap features to help us understand how users navigate the site. We configure it for analytics use and do not intentionally use it to collect passwords or other sensitive form data. Opt-out available via the Microsoft Privacy Statement.

Third-Party Cookies

Some third-party services we use may set their own cookies:

  • Google AdSense: If you consent to advertising cookies, Google AdSense may use cookies to serve personalized ads based on your browsing history. You can opt out via Google Ads Settings or www.aboutads.info.
  • Vercel Analytics: Edge network analytics — privacy-friendly, cookie-less by default for basic metrics.
  • Monetization scripts: Our ad and affiliate partners may set cookies to track impressions and clicks. These are third-party controlled and their use is governed by their respective privacy policies. Third-party partners may have their own privacy and consent requirements, which are described in their respective policies.

How We Use Cookie Data

Data collected via cookies is used exclusively for:

  • Ensuring the website functions correctly
  • Remembering your theme preference (light/dark mode)
  • Analyzing aggregate traffic patterns to improve content and user experience
  • Measuring the effectiveness of our content and site structure
  • Detecting and preventing technical issues

We never use cookie data for:

  • Building user profiles for commercial purposes beyond what AdSense provides with your consent
  • Selling or sharing data with data brokers
  • Cross-site tracking or fingerprinting outside of consented advertising

Cookie Duration

  • Session cookies: Expire when you close your browser. Used for temporary session management.
  • Persistent cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted. Retention periods vary by service and configuration.

Managing Cookies

You can control and manage cookies in several ways:

  • Browser settings: Most browsers let you view, block, or delete cookies. Check your browser's help documentation for instructions.
  • Privacy plugins: Browser extensions like uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, or Ghostery can block tracking scripts.
  • Do Not Track: Some browsers support the DNT header. We respect DNT signals where technically feasible.
  • GA4 opt-out: Install the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on to prevent data collection by GA4.

Please note that blocking essential cookies may affect site functionality, including theme persistence and basic session management.

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, regulation, or our practices. Material changes will be reflected on this page with an updated date. The "Last updated" date at the top reflects the most recent revision.

Contact

For questions about this Cookie Policy or our data practices, contact us at privacy@pilotstack.online.