Cookies Policy
Last updated: September 2026
EI Signal Stories uses cookies and similar browser technologies to provide, secure, and improve our service. This policy explains exactly what we use, why, and what you control.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by a website. They allow the site to remember information about your visit — such as whether you are logged in. We also use sessionStorage — browser memory that is automatically cleared when you close your tab (not a cookie, but covered here for completeness).
2. Essential Cookies (Required)
These cookies are strictly necessary for the service to function. They cannot be disabled without breaking core features such as login and session security.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| __Secure-authjs.session-token | Keeps you signed in after you sign in | 30 days |
| __Host-authjs.csrf-token | Protects sign-in against cross-site request forgery | Session |
| __Secure-authjs.callback-url | Remembers which page to return you to after signing in | Session |
| __Secure-authjs.pkce.code_verifier, .state, .nonce | Short-lived sign-in security checks while you sign in with Google or LinkedIn | 15 minutes |
| rs_session | A random ID (no personal data) that lets us see, in total, whether visits to the pricing page lead to a purchase later. First-party only; never shared | 180 days |
| pin-verified | Records that you have entered your 8-digit security PIN for this browser session | Session |
All of these cookies are first-party, httpOnly (not accessible by JavaScript) and Secure (HTTPS only). They are never shared with advertisers. Our security and delivery network may also set its own short-lived, strictly necessary security cookie.
3. Analytics Cookies (Google Tag Manager & GA4)
We use Google Tag Manager (GTM-N548RG8Z) which loads Google Analytics 4 (G-J99ETG9SQN). These analytics cookies help us understand how visitors use the service so we can improve it.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics — distinguishes unique visitors | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics 4 — session and engagement tracking | 1 year |
| _gid | Google Analytics — distinguishes daily sessions | 24 hours |
Data collected: page views, button clicks (anonymised), story creation events, pricing page visits. We do not collect the content of your research text or generated stories through analytics.
To opt out of Google Analytics tracking: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
4. What We Do NOT Use
- Advertising or retargeting cookies
- Third-party social media tracking pixels
- Cross-site profiling or behavioural advertising
- Device fingerprinting technologies
- Cookies from Facebook, TikTok, or ad networks
5. Browser Storage on Your Device (Not Cookies)
We use browser sessionStorage — cleared automatically when you close your tab — for:
- PIN unlock status — remembers that you entered your PIN so you don't have to re-enter it on every action within the same session
- Filmstrip intent — temporarily stores your selected persona card so the create form is pre-filled after you log in
We also keep a few small preferences in localStorage, which stays on your device until you clear it:
- Reading progress — so “Continue reading” can take you back to where you stopped in a library story
- Language choice — the language you picked on the Special Kids pages
- Your custom-prompt draft on Create, so it is not lost if you leave the page
- Small hints you have already seen (for example, the full-screen tip) and the reader type you chose
SessionStorage and localStorage data never leave your device and are not sent to our servers. You can clear them at any time in your browser settings.
6. Your Choices
You can manage cookies through your browser settings:
- View and delete individual cookies in browser settings
- Block all third-party cookies (analytics will stop but login still works)
- Use private/incognito mode — cookies are cleared when you close the window
- Use the Google Analytics opt-out add-on (link above)
Note: Blocking or deleting essential cookies (next-auth.*) will sign you out and prevent login from working.
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy when we change the technologies we use. Significant changes will be announced via the service or by email.
8. Contact
Questions about our use of cookies? Contact us at: support@ei4aisignals.com
See also: Privacy Policy · Terms of Service