This Cookie Policy describes the cookies and similar technologies that may be used on Plateaus.org, why they are used, and the choices available to visitors.
What Cookies Are
Cookies are small text files placed on a browser or device when a website is visited. They can support essential functions, remember settings, measure site use, prevent abuse, and help deliver or evaluate advertising. Similar technologies include local storage, pixels, tags, software development tools, and identifiers that perform related functions.
A cookie may be a first-party cookie, set in connection with Plateaus.org, or a third-party cookie, set by another service whose technology appears on the website. Session cookies generally expire when a browser is closed. Persistent cookies remain for a defined period or until deleted.
Cookie Categories
| Category | Purpose | Typical status |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly necessary | Security, network delivery, fraud prevention, consent storage, and core website functions. | Usually active because the website cannot reliably provide the requested function without them. |
| Preferences | Remember choices such as consent, display, language, or other settings where available. | May depend on the feature and applicable consent rules. |
| Analytics | Measure visits, page use, referral sources, device categories, and aggregated engagement so content and performance can be improved. | Used with consent where required by law. |
| Advertising | Deliver, limit, personalize where permitted, and measure advertisements; detect invalid traffic and support frequency controls. | Used according to consent choices and regional requirements. |
Technologies That May Be Used
The exact names and lifetimes of cookies can change as browsers, consent settings, and third-party services are updated. Depending on the services active during a visit, technologies may include:
| Provider or source | Examples | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Plateaus.org and WordPress infrastructure | Security, load balancing, preference, and consent records | Operate and protect the website and retain user choices. |
| Google Analytics | Identifiers commonly beginning with _ga | Distinguish visits and prepare aggregated traffic and engagement reports. |
| Google advertising services | Cookies or identifiers associated with Google, DoubleClick, __gads, or __gpi | Serve and measure ads, prevent repeated ads, detect invalid activity, and personalize ads where allowed. |
| Security or delivery providers | Short-lived security, bot-management, or network cookies | Protect the website and deliver pages efficiently. |
Not every listed technology is necessarily placed during every visit. Availability depends on location, browser settings, consent, page features, and provider configuration.
Google Advertising Cookies
Third-party vendors, including Google, may use cookies to serve ads based on a visitor’s previous visits to Plateaus.org or other websites. Google’s use of advertising cookies enables Google and its partners to serve, limit, and measure advertisements and, where the visitor has permitted it, select more relevant ads.
Visitors can manage Google ad personalization through Google Ads Settings. Information about Google’s processing on partner websites is available in How Google uses information from sites or apps that use its services.
Your Cookie Choices
Consent Controls
Where a cookie consent message is displayed, its controls can be used to accept, reject, or manage optional cookie purposes. A choice may be stored so the website does not need to ask again on every page. Clearing cookies or changing browsers may reset that choice.
Browser Controls
Most browsers allow users to view, block, or delete cookies and to limit third-party storage. Browser help documentation explains the available controls. Blocking all cookies may affect privacy settings, security checks, saved preferences, and other website functions.
Advertising Choices
In addition to Google Ads Settings, industry opt-out tools may be available through Digital Advertising Alliance WebChoices or Your Online Choices. These tools are operated by third parties and may vary by region and device.
Do Not Track
Browsers may transmit a “Do Not Track” signal. Because there is no universally adopted interpretation for this signal, the website and its providers may not respond to it in a uniform way. Privacy choices specifically presented through the site’s consent controls should be used where available.
Changes to This Policy
This Cookie Policy may be updated when technologies, providers, legal requirements, or site functions change. The revision date at the top indicates the latest version.
Contact
Questions about cookies or privacy choices may be sent to contact@plateaus.org. For broader information about personal data practices and rights, read the Privacy Policy.