Cookie Policy
What cookies plud uses, why they exist, and how you can shut the optional ones off.
Last updated: August 1, 2026
TL;DR
What cookies are
Cookies are small text files a site drops on your device. They help pages load right, remember you, and give us useful signals about how the product is used.
plud uses cookies to keep your study workspace secure, remember preferences, and figure out what to improve. This page covers what we use and how you control it.
Types we use
| Type | Job | Duration | Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strictly necessary | Login, security, core navigation | Session | Yes |
| Functional | Remember preferences | 1 year | Optional |
| Analytics | See how people use plud | 2 years | Optional |
| Advertising | Relevant ads and campaign stats | 1 year | Optional |
Must-have cookies
These keep login, security, and core navigation alive. Without them, plud falls over.
| Cookie | Job | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| session_token | Keeps you signed in | Session |
| csrf_token | Stops cross-site request forgery | Session |
| cookie_consent | Remembers your cookie choices | 1 year |
| load_balancer | Sends you to the right server | Session |
You cannot turn these off
Functional cookies
These remember how you like things set up. Some come from plud. Some come from tools we plug in.
What they remember
- Language preference
- Theme (light or dark)
- Course and Library layout prefs
- Recent searches and filters
- Dashboard layout tweaks
Examples
user_preferences
UI and UX choices
language
Your language pick
theme
Light or dark mode
Analytics cookies
These help us see how people move through plud, usually in aggregate. Better product decisions. Less guessing.
| Service | Provider | Job | Kept |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics | Google LLC | Usage and behavior trends | 26 months |
| Hotjar | Hotjar Ltd | Heatmaps and session recordings | 1 year |
| Mixpanel | Mixpanel Inc | Product analytics | 1 year |
Ads cookies
These help show ads that are more relevant and measure campaigns. They are optional.
| Platform | Job | Data |
|---|---|---|
| Google Ads | Show relevant ads | Browsing history, interests, demographics |
| Facebook Pixel | Conversions and retargeting | Page visits, actions, device info |
| LinkedIn Insight | B2B marketing stats | Professional interests, company data |
Consent first
Third parties
Besides our own cookies, some partners may set theirs for stats or ads.
| Third party | Privacy policy | Opt out |
|---|---|---|
| policies.google.com/privacy | tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout | |
| facebook.com/privacy | facebook.com/ads/preferences | |
| Hotjar | hotjar.com/legal/policies/privacy | hotjar.com/policies/do-not-track |
How to control them
You have options:
Cookie preference center
Reset your choices and see the consent banner again.
Browser settings
Most browsers let you manage cookies here:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies
- Firefox: Options → Privacy and Security
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions
Browser controls
Do Not Track
Private mode
Extensions
If you block too much
On mobile
On phones and tablets, tracking prefs live in system settings:
iOS
- Settings → Privacy → Tracking
- Settings → Privacy → Apple Advertising
- Safari → Advanced → Website Data
- Limit Ad Tracking
Android
- Settings → Google → Ads
- Settings → Privacy → Advanced → Ads
- Chrome → Settings → Site settings
- Opt out of Ads Personalization
How long they live
| Type | Lifespan | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Session cookies | Until the browser closes | Gone when you quit the browser |
| Persistent cookies | Until a set date | Stay until they expire or you delete them |
| First-party cookies | Varies | Set by plud |
| Third-party cookies | Varies | Set by services we use |
When this changes
We may update this Cookie Policy when tech, law, or the product changes. For big updates, we will:
- Post the update on this page
- Change the "Last updated" date
- Show a notice on the site
- Email you for material changes
Talk to us
Questions about cookies? Email us.
Privacy team
Data Protection Officer
You are in charge
Last updated: August 1, 2026 · plud. Upload once. Remember it.