Cookie Policy

Last updated: August 18, 2025

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how TruthOrFake ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our AI-powered fact-checking website and services (the "Service"). This policy provides you with clear information about these technologies and your choices regarding their use.

By using our Service, you consent to the use of cookies and similar technologies as described in this policy. Please read this policy carefully to understand what cookies are, how we use them, and how you can control them.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. They allow the website to remember your actions and preferences over a period of time, so you don't have to keep re-entering them whenever you come back to the site or browse from one page to another.

Cookies contain information that is transferred to your device's hard drive and help us improve your experience on our Service by making it more efficient and personalized.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

We use different types of cookies for various purposes to enhance your experience on our Service:

3.1 Essential Cookies (Always Active)

These cookies are necessary for the basic functionality of our Service and cannot be disabled:

• Session Management: Maintain your session while navigating our site
• Security: Protect against cross-site request forgery and other security threats
• Load Balancing: Distribute requests across our servers efficiently
• Authentication: Remember your login status for admin functions
• Rate Limiting: Prevent abuse and ensure fair usage of our services

3.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our Service:

• Page Views: Track which pages are visited and how often
• User Journey: Understand how users navigate through our site
• Performance Metrics: Monitor page load times and technical performance
• Error Tracking: Identify and resolve technical issues
• Popular Content: Determine which fact-checks and articles are most valuable

3.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization:

• Theme Preferences: Remember your dark/light mode preference
• Language Settings: Store your preferred language
• Display Preferences: Remember your layout and viewing preferences
• Search History: Temporarily store recent searches for convenience
• Accessibility Settings: Maintain your accessibility preferences

3.4 Targeting and Advertising Cookies

Currently, we do not use targeting or advertising cookies. However, if we implement advertising in the future, we will update this policy and seek appropriate consent.

4. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for the following specific purposes:

4.1 Service Operation

• Ensuring the basic functionality of our fact-checking Service
• Maintaining security and preventing fraud
• Managing server load and performance optimization
• Providing consistent user experience across sessions

4.2 User Experience Enhancement

• Remembering your preferences and settings
• Personalizing content presentation
• Improving site navigation and functionality
• Reducing the need to re-enter information

4.3 Analytics and Improvement

• Understanding user behavior and usage patterns
• Identifying popular content and features
• Measuring the effectiveness of our fact-checking Service
• Detecting and fixing technical issues
• Optimizing our Service based on user feedback and data

5. Third-Party Cookies

Our Service may include cookies from third-party service providers that help us operate and improve our platform:

5.1 Content Delivery Networks (CDN)

We use CDN services to deliver content efficiently. These may set cookies to optimize content delivery and performance.

5.2 Analytics Services

We may use third-party analytics services to understand user behavior and improve our Service. These services may set their own cookies.

5.3 Security Services

Third-party security services may set cookies to help protect our Service from threats and ensure reliable operation.

5.4 Embedded Content

When we embed content from other websites (such as videos or social media posts), those sites may set their own cookies. We recommend reviewing their respective privacy policies.

6. Cookie Duration and Retention

Cookies have different lifespans depending on their purpose:

6.1 Session Cookies

These cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. They are used for essential functions like maintaining your session while navigating our site.

6.2 Persistent Cookies

These cookies remain on your device for a specified period or until you delete them:

• Preference Cookies: Up to 1 year to remember your settings
• Analytics Cookies: Up to 2 years for long-term usage analysis
• Security Cookies: Up to 30 days for fraud prevention
• Performance Cookies: Up to 6 months for optimization purposes

7. Your Cookie Choices and Controls

You have several options for controlling how cookies are used on your device:

7.1 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically:

• View which cookies are stored on your device
• Delete existing cookies
• Block all cookies or cookies from specific sites
• Set preferences for how cookies are handled
• Receive notifications when cookies are set

7.2 Browser-Specific Instructions

7.3 Mobile Device Settings

On mobile devices, you can control cookies through your browser app settings or device privacy settings. The exact process varies by device and browser.

7.4 Impact of Disabling Cookies

While you can disable cookies, please note that this may affect your experience on our Service:

• Some features may not work properly or at all
• You may need to re-enter preferences each visit
• The site may load more slowly
• Some security features may be compromised
• We may not be able to remember your consent preferences

8. Cookies and Personal Data

Most cookies used by our Service do not directly identify you as an individual. However, some information collected through cookies may be considered personal data under applicable privacy laws:

8.1 IP Address Information

Some cookies may store or be associated with your IP address, which can be considered personal data in certain jurisdictions.

8.2 Unique Identifiers

We may use anonymous unique identifiers to track usage patterns without identifying individual users.

8.3 Privacy Protection

Any personal data collected through cookies is protected according to our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.

9. International Considerations

Cookie laws vary by jurisdiction. We comply with applicable cookie regulations including:

9.1 European Union (GDPR/ePrivacy)

For EU visitors, we obtain appropriate consent for non-essential cookies and provide clear information about our cookie usage.

9.2 California (CCPA)

California residents have rights regarding personal information collected through cookies as outlined in our Privacy Policy.

9.3 Other Jurisdictions

We strive to comply with cookie laws in all jurisdictions where our Service is available.

10. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. Changes may include:

• Adding new types of cookies or tracking technologies
• Modifying cookie retention periods
• Updating third-party service providers
• Enhancing user controls and choices
• Reflecting changes in applicable laws

When we make significant changes, we will notify you by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy and providing prominent notice on our website. Your continued use of our Service constitutes acceptance of the updated Cookie Policy.

11. Contact Information

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:

Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: Cookie Policy Inquiry
Phone: (623) 939-1401
Address: TruthOrFake Inc.
5142 W Glendale Ave
Glendale, AZ 85301
United States

12. Related Policies

This Cookie Policy works together with our other policies:

• Privacy Policy - How we collect, use, and protect your personal information
• Terms of Service - The terms governing your use of our Service

We encourage you to review all of our policies to understand your rights and our practices regarding your information and use of our Service.