Cookie Policy
Last Updated: January 15, 2025
This Cookie Policy explains how SecureWatermark ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website. We are committed to transparency about our data practices and want you to understand exactly what information we collect and how we use it.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, such as your preferred language and other settings, which can make your next visit easier and more useful.
Cookies can be either "session cookies" (which are deleted when you close your browser) or "persistent cookies" (which remain on your device for a set period of time).
Our Cookie Philosophy
At SecureWatermark, we believe in minimal, transparent cookie usage. We only use cookies that are absolutely necessary for providing our service and improving user experience. We do not use cookies to:
- Track your personal information
- Monitor your browsing behavior across other websites
- Create detailed user profiles
- Store sensitive data
Our watermarking tool processes all files locally in your browser, so we never need cookies to store your images, videos, or watermark settings.
Cookies We Use
We use cookies from two main sources: Google Analytics and Google AdSense. Here's exactly what each service does and what cookies they create:
Google Analytics Cookies
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website and improve our service. This helps us create better content and identify areas for improvement.
Google Analytics Cookies Created:
- • _ga: Distinguishes unique users (expires in 2 years)
- • _gid: Distinguishes unique users (expires in 24 hours)
- • _gat: Throttles request rate (expires in 1 minute)
Purpose: Website analytics, traffic analysis, and performance monitoring
Google AdSense Cookies
We use Google AdSense to display relevant advertisements that help support our free service. These cookies help ensure ads are relevant and prevent duplicate ads.
Google AdSense Cookies Created:
- • __gads: Tracks ad performance and prevents fraud (expires in 13 months)
- • _gac: Contains campaign information for advertisers (expires in 90 days)
- • _gcl_au: Used for conversion tracking (expires in 3 months)
- • _gcl_dc: Used for conversion tracking (expires in 3 months)
Purpose: Ad relevance, fraud prevention, and conversion tracking
Cookies We Do NOT Use
To be completely transparent, here are the types of cookies we do NOT use:
❌ We Don't Use:
- • Custom session cookies
- • User preference cookies
- • Shopping cart cookies
- • Login/authentication cookies
- • Social media tracking cookies
- • Third-party advertising cookies
✅ Why We Don't Need Them:
- • No user accounts required
- • No shopping cart functionality
- • All processing happens locally
- • No personal data collection
- • No user preferences to store
Our Commitment to Privacy
Since our watermarking tool processes everything locally in your browser, we have no need to store your files, settings, or personal information in cookies. This makes our service both more secure and more private than traditional online tools.
How to Control Cookies
You have several options for controlling cookies on our website:
Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:
- • Block all cookies
- • Block only third-party cookies
- • Delete existing cookies
- • Set preferences for specific websites
Google Analytics Opt-Out
To opt out of Google Analytics tracking, you can:
- • Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
- • Use browser privacy extensions that block analytics
- • Contact us to request analytics opt-out
Ad Personalization Control
To control ad personalization from Google AdSense:
- • Visit Google's Ad Settings page
- • Opt out of personalized ads
- • Use browser extensions that block ad tracking
Impact of Disabling Cookies
If you choose to disable cookies, here's what will happen:
What Will Still Work:
- • All watermarking functionality
- • File processing and download
- • Website navigation
- • Content reading
- • Contact forms
What May Be Limited:
- • Website analytics (we won't know how many visitors we have)
- • Ad relevance (ads may be less targeted)
- • Performance optimization (we can't identify issues as easily)
Important: Disabling cookies will not affect the core functionality of our watermarking tool. All processing happens locally in your browser, so your files and watermarking capabilities remain completely unaffected.
Cookie Duration
Here's how long different types of cookies remain on your device:
Cookie Expiration Times
Session Cookies
- • _gat: 1 minute
- • _gid: 24 hours
Short-term Cookies
- • _gcl_au: 3 months
- • _gcl_dc: 3 months
- • _gac: 90 days
Long-term Cookies
- • _ga: 2 years
- • _ga_: 2 years
- • __gads: 13 months
Third-Party Cookie Policies
Since we use Google services, you should also be aware of their cookie policies:
Google Analytics
Google Analytics cookies are subject to Google's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Learn more: Google Privacy Policy
Google AdSense
Google AdSense cookies are subject to Google's Advertising Privacy Policy.
Learn more: Google Advertising Privacy Policy
Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. When we make changes, we will:
- Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
- Notify users of significant changes through our website
- Provide clear information about what has changed
We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.
Contact Us About Cookies
If you have questions about our use of cookies or would like to opt out of specific tracking, please contact us:
Email: privacy@securewatermark.com
Subject: Cookie Policy Inquiry
Response Time: Within 24 hours
We're committed to transparency and will be happy to explain any aspect of our cookie usage or help you manage your privacy preferences.
Our Cookie Commitment
Transparency: We clearly explain every cookie we use and why we need it.
Minimalism: We only use cookies that are absolutely necessary for our service.
Control: We provide you with clear options to manage or disable cookies.
Privacy: We never use cookies to collect personal information or track you across websites.