Useful Atlas uses a minimal cookie and browser storage setup. Necessary storage keeps the site secure and usable. Self-hosted Plausible Analytics is used for cookieless aggregate measurement when enabled. Optional Google Analytics storage is only used after consent where required. Advertising storage is disabled unless it is deliberately enabled in the future.
Cookie and storage overview
| Category | Purpose | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Theme preference | Stores the selected light or dark theme in local storage. | Optional, browser-local |
| Public search | Fetches a public search index from the site. No search cookie is set. | Active |
| Admin security | Uses session and CSRF cookies for the protected admin area. | Admin only |
| Consent preference | Stores the selected privacy choice so the banner does not reappear on every page. | Enabled |
| Plausible Analytics | Measures aggregate page views and usage patterns for usefulatlas.com without setting tracking cookies or persistent visitor identifiers. | Active, cookieless |
| Google Analytics | Optional analytics that loads only after analytics consent where required. | Consent-gated |
| Advertising | Supports advertising or ad measurement only after future configuration and consent where required. | Disabled |
Analytics choices
Plausible Analytics is self-hosted at analytics.usefulatlas.com and does not set tracking cookies. It is disclosed here because it measures aggregate site usage, but it is not placed inside the necessary cookie category and does not use the consent preference cookie to identify visitors.
The cookie banner is currently enabled. When enabled, it offers "Accept all", "Reject non-essential", and "Customize" controls on the first layer. Google Consent Mode is currently enabled for the consent-gated Google Analytics setup. Google Analytics and future advertising or partner tracking remain disabled unless the visitor allows optional analytics or marketing where required.
Changing or withdrawing consent
If the consent banner is enabled, use the "Privacy choices" link in the footer to reopen the choices at any time. Choosing "Reject non-essential" or saving analytics as off leaves optional analytics disabled for future page views. You can also clear cookies and local storage in your browser settings.
Third-party tools
Plausible Analytics is self-hosted by Useful Atlas. Google Analytics is configured through the consent system when enabled. Google Ads, AdSense, embedded social media widgets, and other advertising or marketing tools remain disabled unless they are explicitly configured later. Before any new third-party tool is activated, this page and the privacy policy must be updated with provider names, purposes, storage details, retention periods, and transfer information.
Essential service
The public content remains available when optional analytics is declined. Necessary cookies and local storage are limited to functions required for security, preferences, and requested site features.