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Cookie Policy

Last Updated: May 10, 2026

At TheTechCrunch, we believe in total transparency. In line with our “Truth-First” mission, we want to be crystal clear about how we collect and use your data through cookies. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and your rights to manage your digital footprint while browsing the “Pulse of Tech Truth.”

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site. At TheTechCrunch, cookies help us remember your preferences and understand how you interact with our reality checks and tech news.

2. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for several critical reasons, all aimed at improving your experience on our platform:

  • Essential Cookies: These are necessary for the website to function. They enable basic features like page navigation and access to secure areas of the site.
  • Performance & Analytics: These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources. They help us understand which of our “Hype Meter” or “Privacy Lab” articles are the most popular, so we can focus on the content that matters most to you.
  • Functional Cookies: These remember your choices (such as your language or region) to provide a more personalized experience.
  • Affiliate Tracking: As mentioned in our Affiliate Disclosure, we use cookies to identify when you click on a link to a retail partner. This ensures we receive the referral commission that keeps our journalism independent.

3. The Types of Cookies We Deploy

To keep the tech industry honest, we apply the same honesty to our own tech stack. Here are the categories of cookies you will encounter on TheTechCrunch:

A. First-Party Cookies These are set directly by us. They are primarily used for site functionality and to remember your session as you move through our categories like AI Intelligence and Tech Frontier.

B. Third-Party Cookies We use trusted third-party services that may set cookies on your device:

  • Google Analytics: To understand our US audience demographics and behavior.
  • Social Media Plugins: To allow you to share our “Reality Checks” on platforms like X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
  • Advertising Partners: While we avoid brand sponsorships, we may use ad networks to support our operations. These networks use cookies to show you relevant ads based on your interests.

4. Your Control: Managing Your Cookies

Your privacy is your right. At TheTechCrunch, we empower you to control how your data is handled.

  • Browser Settings: Most web browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through their settings. However, please note that disabling essential cookies may affect the functionality of our site.
  • Opt-Out Tools: You can visit the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) or the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) to opt-out of targeted advertising.
  • Privacy Lab Guidance: For more detailed advice on protecting your data from Big Tech, visit our Privacy Lab section.

5. Privacy Lab & Data Security

Cookies are part of a larger data ecosystem. Our Privacy Policy provides a deeper look at how we protect all your information, not just cookie data. We are committed to complying with US digital safety standards to ensure your browsing experience remains secure and truthful.

  • Session Cookies: These are temporary and expire once you close your browser.
  • Persistent Cookies: These remain on your device for a set period (e.g., 30 days) or until you delete them. These help us recognize you on your next visit to TheTechCrunch.

7. Transparency in Affiliate Tracking

It is important to note that when you click an affiliate link, a cookie is placed on your device to track the referral. This is essential for our business model, which allows us to remain independent from brand sponsorships. For a full breakdown, please refer to our Affiliate Disclosure.

8. Updates to This Policy

The tech world moves fast, and so does digital law. We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology or legislation. We encourage you to check this page periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your “Digital Pulse.”

For our readers in California and across the United States, we adhere to the latest privacy regulations (such as CCPA). We do not sell your personal data to third parties. Our use of cookies is strictly for functional, analytical, and transparency purposes.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or our commitment to tech truth, we are here to help. Our editorial team is dedicated to total transparency.

Thank you for trusting TheTechCrunch. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies as described in this policy.