Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy explains how Spoken Past (“we”, “us”) uses cookies and similar technologies on spokenpast.com. It works together with our Privacy Policy.

We keep tracking minimal. We use a consent banner. If you are in the EEA/UK, optional cookies (like Google Analytics) are set only after you give consent.

1) What are cookies and similar tech?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We may also use similar technologies such as local storage and device identifiers to keep the site secure and functional.

2) How we use cookies

• Strictly necessary (always on): required for security, checkout, and spam protection (e.g., Stripe Checkout; Google reCAPTCHA on the contact form). Without these, core features won’t work.
• Performance/analytics (optional): to understand aggregate usage and improve the site. We use Google Analytics (consent-based in EEA/UK). We also use Vercel Analytics and Vercel Speed Insights, which generally operate without traditional cookies.
• Consent preference: a small cookie may remember your choices in the banner.

3) Providers we use (and typical cookies)

Exact names and lifetimes can change as providers update their services. The examples below are typical.

• Stripe (Checkout) — strictly necessary for donations.
  Typical cookies: __stripe_mid (~1 year), __stripe_sid (~30 minutes), and related cookies set on stripe.com / checkout.stripe.com for fraud prevention and session management. Card details never touch our servers.
• Google reCAPTCHA — strictly necessary to block spam on the contact form.
  Typical cookies: _GRECAPTCHA (may persist for months), plus related security cookies.
• Google Analytics — optional analytics to improve the site; runs only after consent in the EEA/UK.
  Typical cookies: _ga (2 years), _ga_* (2 years), _gid (24 hours). We do not run ads; this is for aggregate usage insights.
• Vercel Analytics & Speed Insights — performance metrics, generally cookie-less.
  These tools help measure performance and reliability without relying on traditional cookies.
• Consent preference — remembers whether you accepted or declined optional cookies.
  Typical cookie: a small first-party cookie such as cookie-consent (duration varies).

4) Your choices

• Banner: use the cookie banner to accept or decline optional cookies. You can change your decision any time via the banner (where available).
• Browser controls: you can block or delete cookies in your browser settings. Doing so may affect site functionality, especially for checkout and forms.
• Do Not Track: many browsers offer DNT; there is no single industry standard for responses. We minimize tracking and honor consent where required.

5) Region-specific notes

In the EEA/UK, optional cookies (e.g., Google Analytics) are only used after consent. In other regions (including Australia), we still minimize tracking and provide a banner for transparency and control.

6) Updates to this policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology or law. The effective date above will be updated, and we may provide a notice on the site if changes are material.

7) Contact

Questions about this Cookie Policy: support@spokenpast.com