cookie policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, remember your preferences, and provide information to website operators.

Cookies can be “session” cookies (deleted when you close your browser) or “persistent” cookies (which remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them). They may be set by us (“first-party cookies”) or by third-party services we use (“third-party cookies”).

2. How We Use Cookies

Online Penpal uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

Keep you signed in to your account securely via Google Sign-In.
Remember your platform preferences, such as light or dark mode.
Understand how visitors use the Platform so we can improve it.
Support the technical operation of the Platform through Blogger (Google’s blogging service).

We do not use cookies to serve you targeted advertisements, and we do not sell cookie data to third parties.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the Platform to function. Without them, core features such as signing in and sending letters would not work. These cookies cannot be disabled.

3.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies remember choices you make, such as your preferred display theme (light or dark mode), to provide a more personalised experience. Disabling these may affect some features.

3.3 Analytics Cookies

We use Google Analytics (provided via Blogger) to collect anonymised data about how visitors use the Platform — for example, which pages are visited most. This helps us understand usage patterns and improve the site. No personally identifiable information is stored in analytics cookies.

3.4 Third-Party Cookies

Because Online Penpal is hosted on Blogger and uses Google Sign-In, Google may set cookies on your device as part of these services. These cookies are governed by Google’s own Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy, which you can review at https://policies.google.com/privacy.

4. Cookies Used on This Platform

The table below lists the main cookies that may be placed when you use Online Penpal:

Cookie Name	Type	Purpose	Duration
_ga, _gid	Analytics	Google Analytics — tracks page visits and user behaviour (via Blogger)	Up to 2 years
_gat	Analytics	Throttles Google Analytics request rate	1 minute
blogger_*	Functional	Blogger platform session and preferences	Session
NID, CONSENT, ANID	Third-party	Set by Google for authentication, preferences and ad personalization	Up to 2 years
GAPS, LSID, HSID, SID	Authentication	Google Sign-In session cookies that keep you logged in securely	Session / 2 years
pm_theme	Functional	Remembers your light/dark mode preference on the Platform	Persistent

Note: The exact cookies set may vary depending on which Google services are active and your browser settings. This list reflects cookies we are aware of as of the effective date above.

5. Third-Party Services

Online Penpal relies on the following third-party services that may independently set cookies:

Google Blogger — our hosting platform. See https://policies.google.com/privacy.
Google Sign-In — used for account authentication. See https://policies.google.com/privacy.
Google Analytics — used for anonymised traffic analysis. See https://policies.google.com/privacy.
Google Translate — used for the in-app page translation feature. See https://policies.google.com/privacy.

We do not control the cookies set by these services. Please refer to their respective privacy and cookie policies for more information.

6. Managing & Controlling Cookies

You have the right to control and manage cookies. You can do this in several ways:

6.1 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to view, manage, delete, and block cookies. Note that blocking all cookies may affect the functionality of the Platform, including your ability to sign in.

Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
Mozilla Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
Microsoft Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions

6.2 Google Analytics Opt-Out

You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking across all websites by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, available at: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

6.3 Google Account Settings

If you are signed in to a Google account, you can manage how Google uses your data at https://myaccount.google.com/data-and-privacy.

7. Your Consent

By continuing to use Online Penpal, you acknowledge and consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy. Strictly necessary cookies are placed without consent as they are required for the Platform to function.

If you do not consent to the use of non-essential cookies, you may disable them through your browser settings as described above.

8. Cookies & Children

Online Penpal is open to users aged 13 and older. We do not knowingly use cookies to track or profile users we know to be under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has accessed the Platform without parental consent, please contact us immediately.

9. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, law, or our practices. The effective date at the top of this document will be updated whenever changes are made. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.