Cookie Policy
What are cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They are used to make sites function correctly, remember your preferences, and — on sites that use them — track behaviour for advertising purposes. BrokenCtrl uses a minimal set of cookies focused on site functionality. We do not use advertising or behavioural tracking cookies.
Cookies we use
| Cookie | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| wordpress_logged_in_* | Strictly necessary | Keeps you logged in to the WordPress admin area. Not set for regular visitors. | Session |
| wordpress_sec_* | Strictly necessary | WordPress security cookie for the admin area. | Session |
| woocommerce_cart_hash | Strictly necessary | Helps WooCommerce detect when the cart contents change. | Session |
| woocommerce_items_in_cart | Strictly necessary | Tells WooCommerce whether the visitor has items in their cart. | Session |
| wp_woocommerce_session_* | Strictly necessary | Maintains WooCommerce session data across page views. | 2 days |
| Affiliate network cookies | Third-party | Set by affiliate networks when you click an affiliate link on a tool review page. Used by the network to track commissions. We do not control these cookies. | Varies by network (typically 30–90 days) |
We do not use Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, Google Ads, or any other advertising or behavioural tracking cookies. We do not use cookie consent banners for marketing purposes because we do not run marketing cookies that require consent.
Strictly necessary cookies
The WordPress and WooCommerce cookies listed above are strictly necessary for the site to function. They are not used for tracking or analytics. Under most privacy frameworks including GDPR and CCPA, strictly necessary cookies do not require your prior consent. If you disable them, parts of the site may not work correctly (the shop and tool directory use WooCommerce).
Third-party cookies from affiliate links
Some pages on BrokenCtrl contain affiliate links — marked as such on those pages. If you click an affiliate link, the destination site or its affiliate network may set cookies on your device to track whether a purchase was made. These cookies are set by third parties and are outside our control. We recommend reviewing the privacy policy of any site you visit via an affiliate link.
Affiliate link disclosure: we may earn a commission if you purchase a product through a link on BrokenCtrl. This does not affect our Ethics Scores or editorial assessments.
How to control cookies
You can control and delete cookies through your browser settings. The main browsers provide the following guides:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and Site Permissions → Cookies and Site Data
Blocking strictly necessary cookies may prevent the WooCommerce tool directory from functioning correctly. Blocking third-party cookies (recommended for privacy) will prevent affiliate tracking cookies from being set — this does not affect your ability to use the site.
You can also opt out of interest-based advertising across many networks via the Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out tool or the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.
Changes to this policy
If we add new functionality that requires additional cookies, we will update this policy and change the "last updated" date above. We will not introduce advertising or behavioural tracking cookies without making this explicit in the policy.
Questions
For any questions about our use of cookies, use the contact page. See also our Privacy Policy for broader information about data handling on BrokenCtrl.com.