Cookie Policy
We set a small number of cookies. None of them follow you around the rest of the internet. Here is the entire list, what each one does, and how to turn them off.
Last updated · May 1, 2026
What is a cookie, anyway?
A cookie is a tiny text file your browser stores when you visit a site. It lets the site remember things between page loads, that you are signed in, what region you're in, whether you've dismissed a banner. Most cookies are harmless. Some, the tracking kind, are used to build profiles across sites. We don't use those.
The cookies we set
| Cookie | Purpose | Type | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
sb-access-token | Keeps editors signed in when they're working on the site. | Essential | 1 hour |
sb-refresh-token | Re-issues the access token without making you log in again. | Essential | 30 days |
bns-prefs | Remembers theme + cookie-banner choices for this device. | Preferences | 180 days |
Essential cookies are set the moment you arrive, the site cannot function without them. Preference cookies are set when you make a choice that benefits from being remembered.
Third-party cookies
Some pages embed a map (Google Maps or OpenStreetMap). Maps set their own cookies in their own iframe, we have no access to them. If you would prefer the map not load, you can block third-party iframes in your browser settings.
Beyond maps, this site is supported by display advertising and uses third-party analytics. Those vendors set their own cookies, which are covered in the next section.
Analytics & advertising cookies
To measure readership and pay our writers, the site loads the following third-party services:
| Vendor | Cookies set | Purpose | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics | _ga, _gid, _gat | Aggregate readership measurement | Up to 2 years |
| Google AdSense / Ad Manager | __gads, __gpi, NID, and others | Serving display ads, frequency capping | Up to 13 months |
| Mediavine | __mediavine_* and partner ad-tech cookies | Programmatic ad delivery | Up to 13 months |
These cookies are not essential. In the EU and UK, our cookie banner asks for your consent before any of them load. Decline and they never set. Accept and you can change your mind at any time from the "Cookie preferences" link in the footer.
For a full description of each vendor's data practices, see the linked privacy policies in our Privacy Policy.
How to manage them
Every modern browser lets you view, delete and block cookies. Here is how:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Safari: Settings → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Brave / Arc: shields icon in the address bar
Blocking the essential cookies will sign editors out. Blocking the preference cookie just means we'll re-ask the next time you visit.
Do Not Track
The Do Not Track signal is honored on this site. If your browser sends it, we don't set the preference cookie, the only cookie you have a real choice about, by default.
Questions? Write to hello@bnsmag.com.