Cookie Policy
Last updated: August 4, 2026
This Cookie Policy explains how Alternative.tools ("we", "our", or "us") uses cookies and similar technologies on https://alternative.tools (the "Site"), in compliance with the EU ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites function properly, improve user experience, and provide information to website owners.
2. Cookies We Use
We use only strictly necessary cookies that are essential for the Site to function. These cookies do not require your consent under EU law (Art. 5(3) ePrivacy Directive) as they are necessary to provide the service you have requested.
a) Authentication Cookies
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
authjs.session-token | Maintains your logged-in session so you don't have to log in on every page. | Session / 30 days | Strictly necessary |
authjs.csrf-token | Protects against cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks. | Session | Strictly necessary |
authjs.callback-url | Stores the redirect URL during the authentication flow. | Session | Strictly necessary |
b) Theme Preference
| Cookie / Storage | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
theme (localStorage) | Remembers your light/dark mode preference for a consistent experience. | Persistent | Strictly necessary (functional) |
3. Analytics
We use DataFast for website analytics, running in its cookieless mode. This means our analytics does not use cookies or store any tracking identifiers on your device, and does not collect personally identifiable information. It collects only anonymized, aggregated data such as page views, referrer URLs, browser type, and approximate geographic location.
Because our analytics does not use cookies or process personal data, no consent is required for its use under EU law.
4. Third-Party Cookies
We do not use any third-party tracking cookies, advertising cookies, or social media cookies. Our payment provider and merchant of record (Creem) may set its own cookies when you are redirected to their payment page, which is governed by their own cookie policy.
5. Cookie Consent
Since we only use strictly necessary cookies (required for the Site to function), we are not required to obtain your consent under EU law. Strictly necessary cookies are exempt from the consent requirement under Article 5(3) of the ePrivacy Directive.
If we ever introduce non-essential cookies (e.g., for marketing or analytics that use cookies), we will implement a cookie consent mechanism and update this policy accordingly.
6. How to Manage Cookies
You can control and delete cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling strictly necessary cookies may prevent the Site from functioning properly (e.g., you will not be able to stay logged in).
Common browser cookie settings:
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies
- Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date.
8. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please reach out via our contact page.