Cookie Policy

1. What cookies are

Cookies are small text files placed on your device by a website. They allow a site to remember information between page loads, such as whether you have already seen a consent message. Similar technologies include local storage, pixels, and SDK storage.

2. Cookies used on this site

This blog does not require an account and does not set its own login or shopping cookies. The cookies you may encounter come from the analytics and advertising services described below.

The exact cookies set can change when Google updates its services or when a consent choice is recorded. Third-party cookies are controlled by the provider, not by this site.

3. Analytics

I use Google Analytics 4 to understand aggregate readership: which articles and series are opened, how far readers scroll through an article, whether articles are read to completion, which search terms or topic filters are used on the blog index, and which reader features (font sizing, contrast modes, read-aloud audio, diagram zoom, and code-snippet copying) are used. The data is reviewed in aggregate and is not used to identify individual readers. Google's privacy policy and Analytics safeguards apply to this processing. You can install the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on if you prefer not to be measured.

4. Advertising

I use Google AdSense to display ads. Google and its partners may use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to this site or other websites. This helps keep the blog free to read, but you can opt out of personalized advertising through Google Ads Settings. You can also visit www.aboutads.info or www.youronlinechoices.eu to manage participating vendors.

Where required by law, a consent message from Google or another consent mechanism may appear before advertising or analytics cookies are used. You can change your choice later through that message, the links above, or your browser settings.

5. Local storage

The blog stores a few small functional preferences in your browser's local storage so your settings persist between pages:

• pinned_readlists — remembers which article series you pinned on the blog index;
• blog_reader_size_idx — remembers your chosen article font size (90%–130%);
• blog_reader_font — remembers your chosen article font family (sans, serif, or mono);
• blog_reader_theme — remembers your chosen contrast theme (terminal, paper_dark, or daylight); and
• blog_tts_speed_idx — remembers your chosen read-aloud playback speed.

These values stay on your device, are not cookies, and are not sent to the server as personal identifiers. Clearing site data in your browser removes them.

6. How to control cookies

• Use your browser's settings to view, block, or delete cookies.
• Use a private or incognito window to avoid persistent cookies.
• Use the Google Ads Settings page to control personalized ads.
• Use the Google Analytics opt-out add-on to opt out of Analytics.
• Use your device's ad settings to reset or limit advertising identifiers.

Blocking all cookies may affect the display of ads and the accuracy of traffic measurement, but the articles remain readable.

7. Do Not Track and Global Privacy Control

Some browsers send “Do Not Track” or “Global Privacy Control” signals. There is no consistent industry standard for interpreting every signal, and this site does not currently change its behavior based on them. I do not sell personal information. You can use the controls above to limit analytics and advertising cookies.

8. Changes

I may update this policy when the services used by the blog change. The effective date at the top will be revised. For more information about how personal data is handled, see the privacy policy.

9. Contact

Questions about cookies can be sent to contact@ojasdeshpande.in.