Clear about cookies. In control of your choices.
Everything we store in your browser, why we store it, how long it lasts — and the simple ways you can manage or switch it off at any time.
Strictly necessary, performance, functional, and advertising.
We disclose every cookie we use and how long it lasts.
Your choice is remembered for a year, unless you clear it.
No cards, passwords or sensitive info are ever stored in cookies.
1 What this policy covers
The promise behind every tracker we use.
Welcome to Top7u.com. This Cookie Policy explains how, why and when we use cookies, tracking pixels, local storage and web beacons when you visit our site.
We operate in line with the EU ePrivacy directive, the GDPR, the CCPA/CPRA and Google Publisher policies. For anything beyond cookie identifiers, please read our Privacy Policy.
We use cookies only to keep the site working, measure traffic, remember preferences and serve relevant, non-intrusive ads. We never sell your data and never use tracking for deceptive profiling.
2 What cookies are
Small text files with a big role in how sites work.
Cookies are tiny text files a website places in your browser's storage when you load a page. They let the server recognise your session, remember your settings between visits and understand how readers use the content.
First-party cookies
Set directly by Top7u.com. They keep sessions secure, save your consent choice and help the site run faster.
Third-party cookies
Set by partners on our site, such as Google Analytics, Google AdSense and affiliate networks, to measure traffic and show ads.
Session vs. persistent
- Session cookies live only while your browser is open and vanish the moment you close it.
- Persistent cookies stay for a set period (days to years) so the site can recognise returning readers and keep your preferences.
We may also use invisible 1×1 pixels to check whether a page was opened or an email newsletter was read — without storing personal data on your device.
3 Cookie categories
Four functional tiers, each with one clear job.
Strictly necessary
Required for navigation, security, rendering and remembering consent. Cannot be switched off.
Performance & analytics
Aggregated, non-identifiable data on traffic, popular pages, bounce rate and load speed.
Functional
Remember your choices, such as layout, language and comparison-table filters.
Targeting & ads
Used by ad partners like Google AdSense to limit repeats and measure campaigns.
4 Advertising & the DART cookie
How ads are chosen, and how to opt out.
We work with Google AdSense to show relevant, programmatic ads that keep our research free. Google may use cookies — including the DoubleClick DART cookie — to serve ads based on your prior visits to Top7u.com and other sites, without inspecting personal identity files.
- Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on your past visits to our site or others.
- Google's advertising cookies let it and its partners serve ads based on those visits.
- You can opt out of personalised ads at Google Ads Settings or via www.aboutads.info.
Blocking tracking cookies reduces ad personalisation, but generic, non-personalised ads may still appear — they help keep the site free and independent.
5 Cookie inventory
Full transparency: the cookies we use and their lifespans.
| Cookie | Provider | Category | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| __cf_bm | Cloudflare | Strictly necessary | Bot management & traffic mitigation | 30 minutes |
| cookie_consent_status | Top7u.com | Strictly necessary | Remembers your consent choice | 12 months |
| _ga | Google Analytics | Performance | Distinguishes unique visitors | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Performance | 24-hour user counting | 24 hours |
| _gat_gtag_* | Google Analytics | Performance | Limits request rate | 1 minute |
| __gads / __gpi | Google AdSense | Targeting / Ads | Ad serving, frequency capping & reporting | 13 months |
| IDE | doubleclick.net | Targeting / Ads | Ad performance & relevant ads | 1 year |
6 Managing & revoking consent
You stay in charge — through the site or your browser.
1. Site consent banner
On your first visit, our banner lets you accept all, decline non-essential cookies, or fine-tune preferences by category. Reopen it anytime via the “Cookie Preferences” link in the site footer.
2. Industry opt-out frameworks
- DAA — Consumer choice tool
- EDAA (Europe) — Your Online Choices
- NAI — NAI opt-out page
7 Browser & mobile controls
Step-by-step guidance for the most common browsers.
Google Chrome
Go to Settings → Privacy and security → Third-party cookies to block third-party cookies, clear browsing data or set site permissions.
Mozilla Firefox
Open Settings → Privacy & Security and set Enhanced Tracking Protection to Standard, Strict or Custom.
Apple Safari
Go to Preferences → Privacy and enable “Block all cookies” or “Prevent cross-site tracking.”
Microsoft Edge
Open Settings → Cookies and site permissions to manage or delete cookies and site data.
iOS: Settings → Safari → enable “Block All Cookies” or “Prevent Cross-Site Tracking.” Android: open Chrome → Settings → Site settings → Cookies and choose your preference.
8 Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to the questions readers ask most.
What happens if I reject non-essential cookies?+
You can still read every article and comparison table. Only extras like saved layout preferences reset between visits, and any ads become non-personalised.
Do you track me after I leave the site?+
No. Our first-party cookies don't follow you around the web. Any cross-site tracking by partners such as Google AdSense only happens with your consent.
Are cookies safe for my device?+
Yes. Cookies are plain text — they can't run code, deliver viruses or read files on your device.
How often do I need to re-confirm my choice?+
Your choice is remembered for 12 months. If you clear your browser, install a privacy extension or switch devices, we'll simply ask again.
Do you collect financial information in cookies?+
No. We never store card details, passwords or sensitive personal information in cookies.
Where can I learn about broader privacy practices?+
See our full Privacy Policy for how we handle personal data and protect your rights under GDPR and CCPA.
9 Updates & contact
Keeping this policy accurate as the web evolves.
We review and update this policy as privacy law, technology and our ad partners change. Revisions appear on this page, and we encourage you to check back now and then.
Questions about cookies? Email privacy@top7u.com or use our contact page — a real member of the team will reply.
You're always in control.
Prefer fewer trackers? Use the consent banner, the industry tools above, or your browser settings — and read on with peace of mind.