What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files a website stores on your device to remember information between visits. We also use similar browser storage (such as local storage) for the same purpose. This policy explains what we use, why, and how you can control it.
The Cookies We Use
We keep this deliberately simple. There are only two categories, and you choose which apply to you the first time you visit, from the banner at the bottom of the screen.
Essential (always active)
These are required for the platform to function and cannot be switched off:
Session & authentication: keeps you signed in as you move between pages, and protects your account.
Security: helps us detect abuse and keep votes, essays, and debates trustworthy.
Your cookie choice itself: a small entry remembering which categories you accepted, so we don't ask you again every visit.
Philosophical Metrics (optional — off until you accept it)
If you accept this category, we use Google Analytics to understand overall traffic: which pages are read, roughly how many people visit, and which essays or debates generate discussion. This is aggregate usage data used to improve the platform — it is not linked to your username or used to build an advertising profile of you.
What We Don't Use
We currently run no advertising or marketing cookies of any kind — no ad networks, no retargeting pixels, no cross-site tracking. If that ever changes, this page and the cookie banner will be updated first, with a new choice for you to make.
Managing Your Preferences
You decide the first time you visit, via the banner. You can change your mind at any time — click "Cookie Preferences" in the footer of any page to reopen it and update your choice.
Browser Controls
You can also block or delete cookies directly through your browser's settings. Doing so may sign you out and prevent essential features (like staying logged in) from working correctly, since those cookies are required for the platform to function.
Changes to This Policy
If how we use cookies changes, we'll update this page and, where the change is significant, prompt you to review your preferences again.
Contact Us
Questions about this policy or your data generally can be directed through our Privacy Policy page.