Cookies Statement
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Contents
This Cookies Statement explains how PoliticalConcern uses cookies and similar technologies on our website. By using the platform, you consent to our use of cookies as described below.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device by your browser when you visit a website. They allow the website to remember information about your visit, such as whether you're logged in, and help us improve your experience.
2. Cookies We Use
Session Cookie (Essential)
Name: connect.sid
Purpose: Authentication — keeps you logged in across page loads.
Duration: 30 days from last activity.
Type: First-party, HTTP-only (cannot be read by JavaScript for security).
Required: Yes — the platform cannot function without this cookie. Login and session state
depend on it entirely.
This cookie stores a session identifier (not your actual data) that is linked to your session record in our database. No personally identifiable information is stored in the cookie itself.
3. Third-Party Cookies
Google reCAPTCHA v3 (Invisible)
Purpose: Bot protection on account registration. reCAPTCHA v3 runs invisibly — no CAPTCHA
challenge is shown to users.
Provider: Google LLC
Cookies set by: google.com domains
Privacy policy: Google Privacy Policy
Google reCAPTCHA may set its own cookies and collect device information to assess whether activity is human or automated. This data is governed by Google's Privacy Policy, not ours.
Stripe (Payment Pages Only)
Purpose: Fraud prevention and payment processing when you use the card payment option.
Provider: Stripe, Inc.
When set: Only when you initiate a card payment (event posting fee or donation).
Privacy policy: Stripe Privacy Policy
NowPayments (Crypto Payment Pages Only)
Purpose: Cryptocurrency payment processing.
Provider: NOWPayments
When set: Only when you initiate a crypto payment and are redirected to the NowPayments
hosted invoice page.
Privacy policy: NowPayments Privacy Policy
Analytics (First-Party, Anonymized)
We log page view and interaction events internally for product analytics. IP addresses are hashed (one-way) before storage and cannot be reversed to identify individuals. No persistent analytics cookies are set by our own code — analytics data is derived from server-side request logs and hashed event records.
4. Managing Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:
- View and delete existing cookies.
- Block cookies from specific websites or all websites.
- Be notified when a cookie is set.
Browser-specific instructions:
5. Impact of Disabling Cookies
Session cookie (connect.sid) is required. If you block or delete this cookie:
- You will not be able to log in or stay logged in.
- Your session will not persist between page loads.
- Features requiring authentication (posting, voting, event submission) will be unavailable.
Blocking Google reCAPTCHA cookies may prevent you from completing the account registration process.
Blocking Stripe or NowPayments cookies will prevent you from completing payments on their hosted pages.
6. Changes to This Statement
We may update this Cookies Statement as our use of cookies changes. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.
Questions? Email us at privacy@politicalconcern.com.