Cookie Policy
Effective date: September 8, 2026
1. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. We also use local storage, session storage, and similar browser technologies (collectively, "cookies" in this policy) to operate Bracket Generator App (https://bracketgen.app/).
This Cookie Policy explains what we use, why, and how you can manage your choices. It should be read with our Privacy Policy.
2. Types of Cookies We Use
2.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)
These cookies are required for the Services to function and cannot be switched off in our systems in most cases. They include:
- WordPress authentication and security cookies (logged-in sessions, comment/session integrity where applicable);
- REST API nonces and CSRF protections used by the bracket tool;
- Room host tokens / session identifiers needed to manage live brackets and votes;
- Load balancing or basic security cookies from our hosting provider.
Without these, accounts, hosting, and live voting may not work.
2.2 Functional Cookies & Local Storage
These improve usability but are not strictly required:
- Theme preference (light/dark mode);
- Sound mute preference;
- Local resume data (e.g., host room code in session storage);
- Bracket UI state saved locally for convenience.
2.3 Performance & Analytics Cookies
Where enabled, these help us understand how visitors use the Site:
- Google Analytics (or similar analytics tools) — page views, referrers, device/browser statistics, and aggregated usage patterns.
Analytics may use cookies or pseudonymous identifiers. We configure retention and minimization consistent with our Privacy Policy.
2.4 Advertising Cookies
Where ads are displayed, third-party advertising partners — including Google AdSense — may set cookies to:
- Serve ads on this Site and elsewhere;
- Limit how often you see an ad;
- Measure ad effectiveness;
- Enable personalized or non-personalized advertising depending on your settings and consent.
Google and its partners may use advertising cookies (including cookies associated with Google's ad services) as described in our Privacy Policy — Advertising Choices.
3. Third-Party Cookies
Third parties may set cookies when you interact with their services embedded on or linked from our Site, including:
| Provider | Purpose | More information |
|---|---|---|
| Google / AdSense | Advertising, ad measurement | Google Privacy & Terms |
| Google Analytics | Site analytics | Google Analytics policies |
| Stripe | Payment checkout (premium upgrades) | Stripe Privacy |
We do not control third-party cookies. Review their policies for details.
4. Google Consent Mode & Cookie Banners
Where required by law (for example, in the EEA, UK, or certain US states), we may display a cookie consent banner and implement Google Consent Mode (or equivalent) so that non-essential analytics and advertising tags respect your choices before loading.
You can update preferences by revisiting the banner (if available), clearing cookies, or using the opt-out tools below.
5. Managing Cookies
5.1 Browser Settings
Most browsers let you block or delete cookies. Instructions vary by browser:
Blocking essential cookies may break login, voting, or room management.
5.2 Advertising Opt-Outs
- Google Ads Settings: https://adssettings.google.com
- AboutAds / DAA: https://www.aboutads.info/choices/
- NAI: https://www.networkadvertising.org/choices/
5.3 Do Not Track
There is no uniform industry standard for "Do Not Track" signals. We honor applicable legal opt-out mechanisms (including CPRA "Do Not Sell or Share" requests) as described in our Privacy Policy.
6. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. The effective date above indicates the latest version.
7. Contact
Bracket Generator App
Email: info@bracketgen.app
Website: https://bracketgen.app/