Cookie Policy
1. What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They allow the site to recognise your browser, remember your preferences, and keep you signed in between pages. Cookies cannot execute code or carry viruses.
This policy explains exactly which cookies Directory of AI uses, why, and how long they last.
2. Cookies we use
Directory of AI uses only essential (strictly necessary) cookies. These are required for the website to function correctly. Without them you would not be able to sign in, navigate, or use the site.
| Cookie name | Type | Purpose | Duration | Set by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
wordpress_logged_in_* |
Authenticates you as a signed-in user. Without this cookie you would be logged out on every page. | Session; or up to 14 days if you choose "Remember me" | Our site (WordPress) | |
wordpress_sec_* |
Security token used in the WordPress admin area to protect against cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks. | Session | Our site (WordPress) | |
wp-settings-{user_id} |
Stores your WordPress interface preferences (e.g. admin panel layout). Only set for logged-in users. | 1 year | Our site (WordPress) | |
wp-settings-time-{user_id} |
Records when the above settings cookie was last updated. | 1 year | Our site (WordPress) | |
wordpress_test_cookie |
Tests whether your browser accepts cookies before completing the login process. Deleted immediately after the test. | Session (deleted on login) | Our site (WordPress) |
3. What we do NOT use
We do not use — and have never installed — any of the following:
- Analytics cookies — e.g. Google Analytics, Matomo, Hotjar, Mixpanel
- Advertising / tracking cookies — e.g. Google Ads, Facebook Pixel, LinkedIn Insight Tag
- Social media tracking pixels — from any platform
- Third-party retargeting cookies of any kind
- A/B testing or heatmap tools
Our payment processor (Polar.sh) and identity provider (Google OAuth) may set their own cookies on their own domains when you interact with their services. These are governed by their respective cookie/privacy policies and are not controlled by us:
4. Why we don't need a cookie banner
Under the EU ePrivacy Directive (Cookie Law), the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), and equivalent laws globally, strictly necessary cookies are exempt from consent requirements. Since we use only essential cookies, no cookie consent banner or pop-up is legally required. We do not drop any non-essential cookie before or without your consent.
If we ever add non-essential cookies in the future, we will update this policy, implement a compliant consent mechanism, and notify registered users.
5. Managing and deleting cookies
You can control and delete cookies through your browser settings at any time. Note that blocking essential cookies will prevent you from signing in and using personalised features of the site. Instructions for the most common browsers:
Signing out of your account will remove the authentication cookies from your browser.
6. Local storage & session storage
In addition to cookies, we use the browser's sessionStorage in limited cases — specifically to preserve your placement selection on the sponsor page when you are redirected to Google for sign-in, so you don't lose your progress. SessionStorage is cleared automatically when you close your browser tab and is never transmitted to our servers. It does not contain any personal data.
7. Changes to this policy
If we ever add new cookies or tracking technologies, we will update this page and the "Last updated" date before deploying them. For any additions of non-essential cookies, we will implement a consent mechanism compliant with applicable law before setting those cookies.
8. Contact
Questions about our cookie practices: info@directoryofai.com or our contact page. See also our full Privacy Policy.