Cookie Policy
Effective Date: October 18, 2025
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They help the website remember your actions and preferences over time.
1.1 Types of Cookies
- Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
- Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them
- First-Party Cookies: Set by the website you're visiting (Abstract Explorer)
- Third-Party Cookies: Set by external services (currently not used on our site)
2. Cookies We Use
2.1 Necessary Cookies (Always Active)
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly. You cannot disable them.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
PHPSESSID |
Maintains your login session and authentication state | Session (deleted on logout) |
oauth2_state |
Security verification for X (Twitter) OAuth login | Temporary (minutes) |
oauth2_code_verifier |
PKCE security for OAuth 2.0 authentication | Temporary (minutes) |
csrf_token |
Prevents cross-site request forgery attacks | Session |
cookie_consent |
Stores your cookie preferences | 1 year |
2.2 Functional Cookies (Optional)
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization. The site works without them, but some features may not function.
| Cookie/Storage Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
tutorialCompleted |
Remembers if you've completed the tutorial | Persistent (localStorage) |
viewDensity |
Saves your preferred grid density (comfortable/compact/list) | Persistent (localStorage) |
card_order_[category] |
Stores your custom card arrangement per category | Persistent (localStorage) |
favorites |
Keeps track of your favorited projects | Persistent (localStorage + database) |
dismissed_[section] |
Remembers which callout boxes you've dismissed | Persistent (localStorage) |
2.3 Analytics Cookies (Optional)
These cookies help us understand how visitors use our site. We currently do NOT use analytics cookies, but may add them in the future.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| No analytics cookies currently in use | ||
3. LocalStorage and SessionStorage
In addition to cookies, we use browser storage technologies:
3.1 LocalStorage
Stores data on your device with no expiration. Used for preferences that should persist across sessions.
- Tutorial completion status
- Card order preferences
- Favorite projects (synced to database if logged in)
- View density settings
- Dismissed notifications
3.2 SessionStorage
Stores data for the current session only. Cleared when you close the tab.
- Currently not used on Abstract Explorer
4. Why We Use Cookies
| Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|
| Authentication | Keep you logged in, verify your identity |
| Security | Prevent fraud, protect against attacks (CSRF) |
| Preferences | Remember your settings, favorites, custom layouts |
| Functionality | Enable drag-and-drop, voting, personalization |
| User Experience | Skip tutorial if already seen, maintain view preferences |
5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
5.1 Through Our Cookie Banner
When you first visit Abstract Explorer, you'll see a cookie consent banner with options to:
- Accept All: Enable all cookies for full functionality
- Necessary Only: Use only essential cookies
- Customize: Choose which categories to enable
5.2 Change Preferences Anytime
You can update your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Preferences" link in the footer of any page.
5.3 Browser Controls
You can also control cookies through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Preferences → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and data stored
Note: Blocking all cookies may prevent you from using certain features like login, voting, and personalization.
6. Third-Party Cookies
6.1 X (Twitter) OAuth
When you sign in with X, Twitter's authentication service may set its own cookies. These are governed by X's privacy policy:
6.2 External Links
When you click links to external websites (project sites, Discord, etc.), those sites may set their own cookies. We are not responsible for third-party cookie practices.
7. Do Not Track (DNT)
We respect "Do Not Track" browser settings. If your browser sends a DNT signal, we will:
- Not use analytics cookies (currently we don't use any)
- Limit data collection to essential functions only
- Not share your data with third parties for marketing
8. Cookie Retention
| Cookie Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Session Cookies | Until you close your browser |
| Authentication Cookies | Until you logout or session expires (24 hours) |
| Preference Cookies | 1 year or until you clear them |
| Consent Cookie | 1 year |
9. Children's Privacy
Abstract Explorer is not intended for users under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children, including through cookies.
10. International Users
10.1 GDPR (European Users)
If you're in the EU/EEA, you have rights under GDPR:
- Right to Consent: We ask for your consent before setting non-essential cookies
- Right to Withdraw: You can withdraw consent anytime via Cookie Settings
- Right to Delete: You can delete cookies from your browser
- Right to Object: You can object to processing via cookies
10.2 CCPA (California Users)
California residents have the right to:
- Know what personal information is collected via cookies
- Opt-out of "sale" of personal information (we don't sell your data)
- Delete personal information collected via cookies
11. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Effective Date." We'll notify you of significant changes via a banner on the site.
12. Contact Us
For questions about cookies or this policy:
- Email: privacy@gmgnrepeat.com
- Cookie Settings: Manage Preferences
- Privacy Policy: View Full Policy