Cookie Policy | M3U Edit

📌 TL;DR — In Plain English

M3U Edit uses minimal cookies. We only set what's needed to keep you logged in, protect against attacks, and remember your preferences (like dark mode).

✅ Essential cookies only by default
✅ No tracking across other websites
✅ Opt-out anytime via your browser
✅ Analytics & ads only when explicitly enabled (currently OFF)
✅ GDPR & CCPA compliant

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, login state, and other information to provide a better experience.

Similar technologies include local storage and session storage — used for things like saving your tool sessions and theme preference. We treat these the same as cookies for transparency.

2. Essential Cookies (Required)

These cookies are strictly necessary for the Service to function. They cannot be disabled without breaking core features.

Cookie	Purpose	Duration
`m3uedit_session`	Keeps you logged in during your visit	Session
`csrf_token`	Protects against cross-site request forgery attacks	Session
`theme` (localStorage)	Remembers your light/dark mode preference	1 year
`tool_session_*` (localStorage)	Auto-saves your work in tools (so you don't lose progress)	Until you clear it

Why these are required: Without them, you couldn't log in, your preferences would reset every page load, and we couldn't protect your account from attacks.

3. Analytics Cookies (Optional)

Currently: We do not use third-party analytics like Google Analytics. We rely on simple, privacy-respecting server-side counts (e.g., total tool uses) that don't identify individuals.

If we add analytics in the future, we'll:

📢 Notify you via banner/email
✅ Ask for consent before activating
🔒 Use privacy-first providers (e.g., Plausible, Fathom)
🚫 Never use Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel

4. Advertising Cookies (Optional)

Currently: M3U Edit displays no ads. We're funded by premium credits, not advertising.

If we add ads later (e.g., Google AdSense to support free tools), this section will be updated and you'll see a clear consent banner before any ad cookies are set. You'll be able to:

Opt out of personalized ads
Use generic (non-targeted) ads instead
Or pay a small monthly fee for a fully ad-free experience

If/when ads are enabled, the cookies used would be:

Cookie	Set By	Purpose
`__gads`, `__gpi`	Google AdSense	Ad serving & frequency capping
`IDE`, `NID`	Google	Ad personalization (opt-out available)

5. Functional Cookies (Optional)

These remember your settings to enhance usability. All optional.

Cookie	Purpose	Duration
`remember_token`	Keeps you logged in across browser restarts (only if you check "Remember me")	30 days
`last_visited_tool`	Quick access to your most-used tool	30 days
`cookie_consent`	Remembers your cookie preferences (so we don't ask again)	1 year

6. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are set by third-party services we may use. Currently we use:

🔒 Cloudflare (when enabled) — Security and performance. Sets __cf_bm and cf_clearance for bot management.
💎 NOWPayments (during crypto checkout only) — Payment processing. No cookies set on our site; you're redirected to their secure checkout.
🛡️ reCAPTCHA / hCaptcha / Turnstile (when enabled by admin) — Bot protection. Each provider sets its own cookies for verification.

We do NOT currently use:

❌ Google Analytics
❌ Facebook Pixel
❌ Cross-site tracking pixels
❌ Social media trackers
❌ Marketing automation tools

7. How to Control Cookies

🌐 Browser Settings

Most browsers allow you to block, delete, or manage cookies. Here's how:

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

⚠️ Warning: Disabling essential cookies will prevent the Service from working properly. You may not be able to log in or use most features.

🚫 Opt-Out of Personalized Ads

Even though we don't currently show ads, you can opt out of personalized advertising across the web:

Google Ad Settings — Manage Google ad personalization
AboutAds.info — Industry-wide opt-out
YourOnlineChoices.com — EU-wide opt-out

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy as our practices change. When we do:

📅 We'll update the "Last updated" date at the top
📧 For material changes (e.g., enabling ads/analytics), we'll email registered users
🔔 A consent banner will appear before any new tracking is activated
📋 You'll always have a chance to opt out

9. Questions or Concerns?

Questions about cookies, this policy, or your privacy?

📧 Email: [email protected]
📨 Use our contact form (select "General")
🕒 Response time: usually within 24 hours

See also: Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · DMCA Policy