Cookie Policy
Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how #about ("we", "our", or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to recognize you when you visit our website at about.com (the "Site"). It explains what these technologies are and why we use them, as well as your rights to control our use of them.
By continuing to use the Site, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree, please adjust your browser settings or leave the Site.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They help the site remember your preferences, understand how you use the site, and improve your overall experience. Cookies can be set by us ("first-party cookies") or by external services we use ("third-party cookies").
Types of Cookies We Use
We categorize cookies based on their function and necessity:
| Category | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary | Essential for site functionality, security, and basic navigation. Cannot be disabled. | Session to 1 year |
| Functionality | Remembers your choices (language, region, login details) to provide enhanced, personalized features. | Up to 1 year |
| Performance & Analytics | Anonymously tracks how visitors interact with the site to help us improve performance and content. | 2 years |
| Marketing & Advertising | Tracks browsing habits across websites to display relevant ads and measure campaign effectiveness. | Up to 13 months |
How We Use Cookie Information
Information collected through cookies helps us:
- Ensure secure authentication and prevent fraudulent activity
- Remember your preferences and settings for faster, personalized access
- Understand which pages are most popular and how visitors navigate the Site
- Measure the effectiveness of our content and marketing campaigns
- Improve Site performance, fix errors, and develop new features
Third-Party Cookies & Analytics
We may use services from trusted third parties that set their own cookies. These include:
- Google Analytics: Helps us understand traffic sources, user engagement, and Site performance.
- Cloudflare: Provides security, performance optimization, and DDoS protection.
- Mailchimp/ConvertKit: Used for newsletter delivery and marketing automation.
- Stripe/PayPal: Secure payment processing cookies.
Each third party operates under their own privacy and cookie policies. We encourage you to review those policies for more details on how they use your data.
How to Manage or Delete Cookies
You have full control over cookies. Here's how you can manage them:
- Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to block, delete, or limit cookies. Visit your browser's help section for instructions.
- Cookie Preferences Center: Use our on-site banner to accept, reject, or customize cookie categories.
- Opt-Out Tools: Visit About Ads or Your Online Choices to opt out of personalized advertising.
- Do Not Track: Enable "Do Not Track" in your browser settings. Note that not all third parties honor this signal.
Please note: Disabling certain cookies may affect Site functionality or limit your access to certain features.
Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our operational practices. When we make significant changes, we will notify you via a prominent notice on the Site or through email. Your continued use of the Site after such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding our use of cookies, please reach out to our Data Protection team:
#about Data Privacy Team
📧 Email: privacy@about.com
📍 Address: 123 Creative Blvd, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107
📞 Phone: +1 (555) 019-2834