Cookie Policy
Last Updated: February 1, 2026
WhatAHackerBuys uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and how you can manage your preferences.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, phone, tablet) by websites you visit. They help websites:
- Remember your preferences
- Keep you logged in
- Analyze how the site is used
- Deliver relevant content
- Track conversions and referrals
Types of Cookies:
- Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent Cookies: Remain until expiration or deletion
2. Types of Cookies We Use
2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
Purpose: Essential for website functionality
Examples:
- Security and fraud prevention
- Load balancing and performance
- Basic navigation and access
Legal Basis: Legitimate interest (no consent required)
Can You Opt Out? No (required for site operation)
2.2 Analytics Cookies
Purpose: Understand how visitors use our website
Examples:
- Google Analytics (traffic analysis)
- Matomo/Plausible (privacy-friendly analytics)
- Page views, bounce rate, session duration
Legal Basis: Consent (in EU/EEA) or legitimate interest
Can You Opt Out? Yes (via cookie banner or browser settings)
Information Collected:
- Pages visited and time spent
- Referral sources (how you found us)
- Device type, browser, screen resolution
- Anonymous IP addresses (may be anonymized)
2.3 Functionality Cookies
Purpose: Remember your choices and preferences
Examples:
- Language preference
- Cookie consent preferences
- Dark/light mode toggle
- Previous search or filter settings
Legal Basis: Legitimate interest or consent
Can You Opt Out? Partially (may limit functionality)
2.4 Advertising and Affiliate Cookies
Purpose: Track referrals, conversions, and affiliate commissions
Examples:
- Affiliate network cookies (to attribute sales)
- Conversion tracking pixels
- Retargeting cookies (if applicable)
Legal Basis: Consent
Can You Opt Out? Yes (via cookie banner)
Third-Party Services May Include:
- Amazon Associates
- CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction)
- ShareASale, Awin, Impact, etc.
- VPN/antivirus affiliate platforms
3. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies are set by third-party services we use:
Google Analytics
- Provider: Google LLC
- Purpose: Website traffic analysis
- Cookies: _ga, _gid, _gat
- Duration: Up to 2 years
- Privacy Policy: Google Privacy
Amazon Associates
- Provider: Amazon.com
- Purpose: Track affiliate referrals
- Duration: 24 hours - 90 days
- Privacy Policy: Amazon Privacy
We do NOT control third-party cookies. Please review their privacy policies.
4. Consent and Cookie Banner
When You First Visit:
- You will see a cookie consent banner
- You can Accept or Reject non-essential cookies
- Accepting is NOT required to browse (essential cookies only)
- Both options are equally easy (no "dark patterns")
Your Choices Are Respected:
- We store your preference in a cookie (ironic, but necessary)
- You can change your mind at any time
- Your choice applies to this browser/device only
5. How to Manage Cookies
5.1 Through Our Website:
- Click the "Cookie Settings" link (footer or banner)
- Adjust your preferences category by category
- Save changes
5.2 Through Your Browser:
All browsers allow you to control cookies:
Google Chrome:
Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies
Mozilla Firefox:
Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
Safari:
Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data
Microsoft Edge:
Settings > Privacy, search and services > Cookies
You can:
- Block all cookies (may break website functionality)
- Block third-party cookies only
- Delete existing cookies
- Set exceptions for specific websites
5.3 Browser Extensions and Privacy Tools:
- uBlock Origin (ad/tracker blocking)
- Privacy Badger (blocks trackers)
- Cookie AutoDelete (auto-deletes cookies)
- Ghostery (tracker control)
6. Do Not Track (DNT)
Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" signal. However:
- There is no universal standard for DNT
- Most websites (including ours) do not honor DNT automatically
- We recommend using cookie settings or browser controls instead
7. Mobile Devices and Apps
On mobile devices:
- Cookies work similarly to desktop browsers
- You can manage settings in your mobile browser
- iOS: Settings > Safari > Privacy
- Android: Browser Settings > Privacy
Advertising ID:
- Mobile devices have advertising IDs (IDFA on iOS, AAID on Android)
- These can be limited or reset in device settings
- We do not have a mobile app (website only)
8. Consequences of Blocking Cookies
β Benefits:
- Your privacy is enhanced
- You control what data is collected
β Drawbacks:
- Some features may not work properly
- Preferences won't be saved
- We can't optimize user experience
- Analytics won't accurately count visits
Essential cookies are required for basic functionality.
9. How Long Do Cookies Last?
Duration varies by type:
- Session Cookies: Expire when browser closes
- Persistent Cookies:
- Analytics: 1-26 months
- Affiliate tracking: 24 hours - 90 days
- Functional: 6-12 months
- Consent preferences: 12 months
We regularly review and minimize cookie duration.
10. Updates to Cookie Usage
We may update our cookie practices when:
- We add new features or services
- We change analytics providers
- Legal requirements change
- We improve privacy protections
Check this page for the latest information (see "Last Updated" date).
11. Legal Basis (GDPR & EU Cookie Law)
Under EU law (ePrivacy Directive and GDPR):
- Non-essential cookies require informed consent
- Consent must be freely given, specific, and revocable
- "Accept" and "Reject" must be equally prominent
- Pre-ticked boxes are not valid consent
We comply with:
- EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- ePrivacy Directive (Cookie Law)
- Spanish LSSI (Ley de Servicios de la Sociedad de la InformaciΓ³n)
- AEPD guidelines on cookies
12. Cookies Table Summary
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Analytics | Google Analytics - User ID | 2 years |
| _gid | Analytics | Google Analytics - Session ID | 24 hours |
| cookie_consent | Functional | Stores your cookie preference | 12 months |
| [affiliate] | Affiliate | Track referrals and commissions | 30-90 days |
This table shows common cookies. Actual cookies may vary based on services used.
13. Children's Privacy
We do not knowingly collect data from children under 16. If you are under 16, please do not use cookies that track personal information. Parents can manage children's cookie settings in browser parental controls.
14. Contact Us
Questions about cookies?
- Email: contact@whatahackerbuys.com
- Subject: "Cookie Policy Inquiry"
For general privacy concerns, see our Privacy Policy.
15. More Information
Learn more about cookies:
Quick Summary
- β We use cookies to improve your experience
- β Essential cookies are required; others need consent
- β You can manage cookies via banner or browser
- β Third-party cookies may be set by partners
- β We comply with EU and Spanish cookie laws
- β Your preferences are respected and stored
Thank you for taking the time to understand our cookie practices!
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