Last updated: 2024-06-01
This Cookie Policy explains how ClearSpout ("ClearSpout", "we", "us", or "our"), operating at clearspout.com, uses cookies and similar technologies such as localStorage when you visit our website. ClearSpout publishes independent reviews and buying guides about water filters, and this policy describes the small amount of technical data we store on your device to run the site and, where you allow it, to understand how visitors use our content.
What Are Cookies and localStorage?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by a website you visit. localStorage is a similar browser technology that allows a website to store small pieces of information directly in your browser, without necessarily sending that information back to a server on every request. We use a mix of both, depending on the purpose, as described below.
The Consent Banner and localStorage
When you first visit clearspout.com, you will see a cookie consent banner asking whether you accept or decline non-essential cookies, including analytics cookies. Your choice is saved directly in your browser's localStorage. This means:
- We do not set analytics cookies until you actively click "Accept."
- If you click "Decline," we record that preference in localStorage so the banner does not reappear on every page, and no analytics cookies are set.
- This consent record is stored locally on your device only; it is not itself used to track your browsing activity across other websites.
- The consent value remains in your browser until you clear your browser storage or change your decision through the banner (where offered) or your browser settings.
Essential Storage
Some cookies and localStorage entries are strictly necessary for the site to function properly and cannot be switched off through our consent banner. These may include items that remember your consent choice, basic security tokens, or settings needed to display the site correctly. These essential items do not track you for advertising purposes and are not shared with third parties for marketing.
Analytics Cookies (Only If You Accept)
If you click "Accept" on the consent banner, we activate analytics cookies that help us understand how visitors use ClearSpout, such as which review pages are most popular, how long readers stay on an article, and which pages might have technical issues. This data helps us improve our water filter reviews and site structure. Specifically:
- Analytics cookies are not set until consent is given.
- They typically collect information such as pages visited, time spent on the site, approximate location (city/region level), device and browser type, and referring website.
- This information is aggregated and used for statistical purposes; it is not used by us to build an individual advertising profile of you.
- If you later decline or withdraw consent, no new analytics cookies will be set, though previously set cookies may remain until they expire or you delete them manually.
Third-Party Cookies
Our analytics functionality is provided by third-party analytics services. When you accept analytics cookies, these providers may place their own cookies on your device to collect the usage data described above. These third parties process data according to their own privacy and cookie policies, and we encourage you to review those policies for more detail on how they handle information. We do not permit these analytics providers to use data collected on ClearSpout for their own independent advertising purposes.
We do not currently use third-party advertising cookies, retargeting pixels, or social media tracking cookies on clearspout.com.
How to Withdraw or Change Your Consent
You can withdraw or change your cookie consent at any time using any of the following methods:
- Clear your browser's cookies and site data (including localStorage) for clearspout.com through your browser settings. This will reset your stored preference, and the consent banner will appear again on your next visit so you can make a new choice.
- Use your browser's privacy or site-settings panel to view and delete individual cookies or storage items associated with clearspout.com.
- Adjust your browser's general cookie settings to block cookies from third-party analytics domains, or to block all cookies, though this may affect how some parts of the site function.
Because your consent choice is stored client-side in localStorage rather than in a server-side account, clearing your browser data is the most reliable way to reset your preference on a given device and browser.
Browser-Specific Instructions
Most browsers allow you to manage cookies and site data through their settings menu, usually under "Privacy," "Security," or "Site Settings." You can typically:
- View which sites have stored cookies or local data on your device.
- Delete cookies and local storage for a specific site, such as clearspout.com.
- Block cookies from all sites or from specific domains going forward.
- Set your browser to ask for permission before storing cookies.
Please note that if you block or delete essential storage, some features of ClearSpout, such as remembering your cookie preference, may not work as intended.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the technologies we use or for legal and regulatory reasons. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or how ClearSpout uses cookies and localStorage, please contact us through the contact page on clearspout.com.