Cookie Policy
Last updated: May 2026 · Effective: May 1, 2026
This Cookie Policy describes the cookies and similar technologies in use on askme.rest, why we use them, and how you can control them. The policy supplements our Privacy Policy and the Children’s Privacy notice.
1. What cookies are
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a Site. Similar technologies include local storage, session storage, pixel tags, and SDKs — treated equivalently under the consent framework below.
2. Cookie categories
Strictly necessary cookies
Required for the Site to function. Cannot be disabled without breaking core functionality. Includes session identifiers, security cookies (CSRF protection), cookie-consent state, and load-balancing cookies. Legal basis: legitimate interest under GDPR Art. 6(1)(f) or legal obligation under Art. 6(1)(c). Consent not required.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| ar_session | Session identifier | Session |
| ar_cookie_consent | Records cookie-consent decision | 12 months |
| ar_csrf | CSRF protection | Session |
| WordPress core (where applicable) | Authentication, navigation state | Varies |
Analytics cookies
Help us understand how visitors use the Site. Loaded only after explicit consent. Legal basis: consent under GDPR Art. 6(1)(a).
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga, _ga_* | Google Analytics 4 (where active) | Aggregate analytics | 14 months |
| cookieless analytics alternative | Plausible / similar (where active) | Aggregate analytics, no cookies | n/a |
Where Google Analytics is in use, IP anonymization is enabled, advertising features are disabled, and data-retention is minimized. We aim to use cookieless analytics where feasible.
Advertising cookies (Adsterra)
Set by our advertising partner Adsterra and its sub-vendors to deliver and measure advertising. Loaded only after explicit consent through the consent management platform. Legal basis: consent under GDPR Art. 6(1)(a).
| Cookie family | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adsterra ad-delivery cookies | Adsterra | Ad delivery, frequency capping | Varies; managed via CMP |
| Adsterra sub-vendor cookies | Adsterra-affiliated DSPs/SSPs | Ad inventory, measurement | Varies |
| IAB TCF v2 consent string | Consent management platform | Records advertising-consent state | Per CMP config |
Adsterra’s privacy policy is at adsterra.com/privacy-policy. The Site uses Adsterra’s COPPA-compliant ad inventory where the audience may include under-13 users; the COPPA-compliant inventory does not perform behavioral targeting.
In-game cookies (set by game developers)
Individual games on the catalog may set their own cookies for game-state persistence (saved progress, high scores, in-game preferences). These cookies are set by the game’s developer / publisher infrastructure, not by ASK.ME. The developer’s privacy framework applies to game-set cookies.
3. Consent
For cookies beyond the strictly-necessary category, we obtain consent through a consent management platform (CMP). The CMP allows you to:
- Accept all categories.
- Reject all non-necessary cookies.
- Manage consent at category and (where applicable) vendor level.
- Withdraw consent at any time by re-opening the CMP through the footer link.
Consent records are retained for 12 months.
4. CCPA / CPRA — California residents
California residents have rights including the right to opt out of “sale” or “sharing” of personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising. We honor the Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal as a valid opt-out request. You can also email privacy [at] askme [punto] rest with a CCPA opt-out request.
5. Children — COPPA
For traffic identified as potentially under-13, the Site uses Adsterra’s COPPA-compliant ad inventory that does not perform behavioral targeting. Analytics cookies are loaded with reduced retention. Detailed framework on Children’s Privacy.
6. Browser-level cookie controls
You can manage cookies at the browser level, independent of the Site’s CMP:
- Most browsers allow you to view, delete, and block cookies.
- Browser-level cookie blocking may affect Site functionality.
- “Private browsing” / “incognito” modes typically clear cookies at the end of the session.
7. Vendor-specific opt-outs
- Adsterra: consent and opt-out via the on-site CMP.
- EU cross-vendor opt-out: youronlinechoices.eu.
- U.S. cross-vendor opt-out: aboutads.info.
8. Updates
This Cookie Policy is updated when we add or remove cookie categories, change advertising partners, or applicable law changes. The “Last updated” date reflects the most recent revision.
9. Contact
Questions about cookies and tracking: privacy [at] askme [punto] rest.
Related pages: Privacy Policy · Children’s Privacy · Affiliate Disclosure · Terms of Service · Contact Us