This Cookie Policy explains how Ai4Ranks ("we", "our", "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our websites and within the dashboard application. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They allow the site to recognize your device, remember preferences, keep you logged in, and analyze how the site is used. We also use related technologies such as localStorage, sessionStorage, and pixel tags — these are covered by this policy.
2. Categories of Cookies We Use
2.1 Strictly Necessary (always on)
Required for the platform to function. Cannot be disabled.
- access_token (HTTP-only cookie) keeps you signed in to your dashboard.
- session_id (cookie) — OAuth session exchange with our auth provider.
- onboarding_state (localStorage) — remembers which onboarding step you're on.
- ai4ranks_consent_v2 (localStorage) — stores your consent categories, policy version, and choice timestamp.
- CSRF and load-balancer cookies set by our infrastructure.
2.2 Functional
Remember your preferences and improve usability.
- Theme preference (light/dark), sidebar collapse state, language preference.
- Recently viewed projects, dashboard filter selections.
2.3 Analytics (opt-in)
Loaded only after you actively allow the Analytics category. Rejecting or withdrawing consent keeps these services disabled.
- _ga, _ga_* — Google Analytics 4 client identifier (24 months).
- IP anonymization is applied where supported by GA4 configuration.
- ph_* — PostHog analytics identifiers stored for up to 12 months.
- PostHog session replay — may record page interactions after analytics consent so we can diagnose usability problems. Form inputs are masked, performance capture is disabled, and cross-origin iframes are not recorded.
2.4 Marketing (opt-in)
We do not currently set marketing/advertising cookies on our public site or dashboard. If this ever changes, we will update this policy and request your consent before any non-essential marketing cookie is set.
3. Third-Party Cookies
The following third-party services may set cookies when their features are active:
- Lemon Squeezy — checkout and subscription billing.
- Google Analytics 4 — usage analytics (only when enabled).
- PostHog — product analytics and privacy-masked session replay (only after Analytics consent).
- Google OAuth — "Sign in with Google" authentication.
These third parties have their own privacy and cookie policies, which we encourage you to review.
4. Managing Your Preferences
- Ai4Ranks controls: use the Cookie preferences link in the footer at any time to accept, reject, customize, or withdraw non-essential consent.
- Browser controls: most browsers let you block, delete, or be alerted about cookies. See your browser's help pages (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge).
- GA4 opt-out: install the Google Analytics opt-out add-on to disable GA4 tracking across all sites.
- Account deletion: deleting your Ai4Ranks account also clears authentication cookies tied to your session.
Note: blocking strictly-necessary cookies will prevent you from logging in or using core dashboard features.
5. Don't Track
Some browsers send a "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal. Because there is no industry-wide standard for interpreting DNT, we currently do not respond to DNT signals. We do, however, honor explicit consent choices you make in our cookie banner where one is presented.
6. Cookie Retention
Session cookies expire when you close your browser. Persistent cookies typically last from 1 day up to 24 months, depending on their purpose. GA4 identifiers are retained for up to 24 months, PostHog browser identifiers for up to 12 months, and PostHog session replay recordings for up to 30 days. Withdrawing consent stops new analytics collection and clears PostHog browser persistence where technically possible.
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy as our practices evolve. The "Last updated" date above reflects the latest revision. Material changes will be communicated via the dashboard or email.
8. Contact
Questions about cookies? Contact us at privacy@Ai4Ranks.com.