Cookie Policy
Effective Date: October 13, 2026
This Cookie Policy explains how ATDb (“The AdTech Database”) uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit theatdb.com.
What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device by your web browser. They help websites remember information about your visit, such as your login session or preferences. Some cookies are essential for the site to function; others help us understand how the site is used.
Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These cookies are required for core functionality and cannot be disabled.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| sb-*-auth-token (may be split into sb-*-auth-token.0, .1, ...) | Supabase | Session authentication | Up to 400 days |
| sb-*-auth-token-code-verifier | Supabase | PKCE auth flow verification | Up to 400 days (removed once sign-in completes) |
| atdb_cookie_consent | ATDb | Stores your cookie consent preferences | 1 year |
Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors use the site so we can improve the experience. Analytics cookies are only set after you grant consent via the cookie banner.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics | Maintains session state | 2 years |
| ph_*_posthog | PostHog | Product analytics and session replay | 1 year |
With analytics consent, we also keep one item in your browser's local storage: atdb_first_touch (ATDb) remembers the tracking link or site that first brought you to ATDb, so that if you create an account within 30 days we can tell which channel worked. It is set only after you accept analytics and is removed if you turn analytics off.
Functional Browser Storage
Beyond cookies, ATDb stores a few small items in your browser's local or session storage to remember preferences. None contains personal information, and they are not sent to analytics services:
- theme — your light/dark/system theme choice
- atdb_agency_tour_completed_v2, atdb.compare-shift-tip-shown, and atdb.banner-dismissed:* (session only) — remember that you have seen or dismissed a tip on the Agency Map
- atdb_ga4_*_fired — remembers that a one-time milestone (for example, your first edit suggestion) has already been counted, so it is not counted twice
- atdb-admin-help-mode: remembers whether help tips are switched on in the site operator's admin area
Error Monitoring
We use Sentry for error monitoring and performance tracking. It runs on every page, sets no cookies, and we have not turned on any Sentry feature that stores data in your browser (such as session replay). When an error happens it sends the error, the page address, your browser type and, if you are signed in, your account ID (not your email address). This data is used solely for diagnosing technical issues and improving service reliability. Sentry is governed by Sentry's Privacy Policy.
Third-Party Cookies (Feedback)
If you visit the feedback page, the Canny.io widget is loaded to enable feature requests and bug reports. Canny may set its own cookies to manage your session within the feedback widget. These cookies are governed by Canny's Privacy Policy. The Canny widget is only loaded when you actively visit the feedback page.
Bot Protection
Our sign-in, registration, password-reset, and resend-confirmation-email forms, the public submission form, and the “Spotted an error?” form (which also handles “Is this you?” requests and the About page Contact form) use Cloudflare Turnstile to block automated abuse. Turnstile usually runs invisibly; if Cloudflare needs more signal it shows a single checkbox. It may store a short-lived token in your browser's local storage to remember that a challenge was passed. It is only loaded on pages with those forms and is governed by Cloudflare's Privacy Policy.
Cookie Consent
When you first visit ATDb, a cookie consent banner appears at the bottom of the page. You can choose to:
- Accept All — enables analytics cookies
- Reject All — blocks analytics cookies
- Manage — opens a panel where you can turn analytics cookies on or off. Essential cookies are always on.
Your preference is saved in the atdb_cookie_consent cookie and remembered for one year. You can change your preference at any time by clicking “Cookie Settings” in the footer of any page.
Analytics Services
We use Google Tag Manager (GTM-5M95966G) to manage our analytics tags. GTM loads on every page so it can read your consent choice. GTM does not set cookies, but loading it sends Google standard request data (your IP address, browser type, and the page address). It loads Google Analytics 4, which records usage data including pages visited, session duration, device information, and approximate geographic location; we see this data only in aggregated reports. No additional marketing or advertising tags are currently loaded through GTM.
We also use PostHog for product analytics and session replay. PostHog collects usage data including each page visited (including in-site navigation), clicks, and scroll depth, and records browsing sessions that are not linked to an ATDb account, to help us understand how visitors navigate ATDb. It stores its identifier in a cookie and in local storage. Like Google Analytics, PostHog only activates after you grant consent via the cookie banner.
ATDb implements Google Consent Mode v2. Before GTM loads, we set a default consent state of “denied” for analytics storage and for Google’s advertising signals. ATDb runs no ads, and the advertising signals stay denied whatever you choose. GTM loads on every page so it can read your choice. This means:
- Before you consent — no analytics cookies are set, and our Google Analytics tag is configured to wait for your consent before it runs.
- After you accept analytics — consent is updated to “granted” and Google Analytics operates normally with cookies.
- If you reject analytics — analytics storage remains denied and no analytics cookies are set. If you accepted earlier and later turn analytics off, analytics stop running and we delete the analytics cookies and browser storage we set.
How to Manage Cookies
The easiest way to manage your cookie preferences is to click “Cookie Settings” in the footer of any page. This re-opens the consent banner where you can update your choices.
You can also control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. Note that blocking essential cookies will prevent you from signing in to your account.
To opt out of specific analytics services, you can:
- Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
- Use your browser's cookie settings to block cookies from google-analytics.com
- Use your browser's cookie settings to block cookies from posthog.com
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy if we add new cookies or change our tracking practices. Changes will be reflected by updating the effective date at the top of this page.
Contact
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy, contact us at admin@theatdb.com.