Last updated: 20 August 2026
1. What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files that websites place on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit them. They serve several purposes: keeping you logged in, remembering your preferences, understanding how the site is used, and showing relevant advertisements.
Cookies can be session cookies (deleted when you close your browser) or persistent cookies (stored for a set period). They can be first-party (set by zbrandco.com) or third-party (set by external services like Google).
2. How we use cookies
zbrandco.com uses cookies for the following purposes:
- Essential — needed for the Site to function and stay secure (e.g., authentication, security tokens).
- Preferences — remember choices such as your light/dark theme and reading settings.
- Analytics — help us understand aggregate usage (via Google Analytics, Jetpack, and Site Kit).
- Advertising — where enabled, Google AdSense and partners use cookies to show and measure ads.
3. Cookies we use
3.1 Essential cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary for the Site to function. Without them, core features would not work.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
wordpress_sec_* | Authentication — stores session token to keep you logged in | Session | zbrandco.com |
wordpress_logged_in_* | Indicates when you’re logged in | Session | zbrandco.com |
wp-settings-* | Stores your admin interface preferences | 1 year | zbrandco.com |
wp-settings-time-* | Records when your admin preferences were set | 1 year | zbrandco.com |
zb-theme | Stores your light/dark theme preference (via localStorage) | 1 year | zbrandco.com |
3.2 Analytics cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with the Site by collecting and reporting information anonymously.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Google Analytics 4 — distinguishes unique users | 2 years | |
_ga_* | Google Analytics 4 — maintains session state for GA4 tracking | 2 years | |
_gid | Google Analytics — distinguishes users for 24-hour daily measurement | 24 hours | |
_gat_gtag_* | Google Tag Manager — throttles analytics request rate | 1 minute | |
tk_or, tk_r3d, tk_lr | Jetpack — anonymous analytics tracking | 30 days – 3 years | Automattic |
_pk_id.* | Jetpack Stats — unique user ID for analytics | 13 months | Automattic |
_pk_ses.* | Jetpack Stats — temporary session-level tracking | 30 minutes | Automattic |
3.3 Advertising cookies
These cookies are used to make advertising more relevant to you and to measure ad effectiveness.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
__gads | Google AdSense — measures ad performance and personalisation | 13 months | |
__gpi | Google AdSense — publisher-purpose cookie for personalised advertising | 13 months | |
DSID | Google DoubleClick — frequency capping and conversion tracking | 2 weeks | |
IDE | Google DoubleClick — ad personalisation and conversion tracking | 13 months | |
NID | Google — stores preferences for Google services, used for personalised ads | 6 months | |
uuid2 | AppNexus (Xandr) — programmatic ad auction ID | 3 months | Xandr |
anj | AppNexus — unique ID for ad targeting | 3 months | Xandr |
4. Third-party cookies
Some cookies are set by third-party services embedded in zbrandco.com. We do not control these cookies:
| Provider | Service | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Google (GA4) | Analytics | Site performance measurement |
| Google AdSense | Advertising | Ad serving & personalisation |
| Google Tag Manager | Tag management | Script firing & consent |
| Jetpack (Automattic) | WordPress analytics | Anonymous usage tracking |
| Google Site Kit | Search Console | Site performance data |
5. Local storage and similar technologies
In addition to cookies, zbrandco.com uses:
- localStorage — Stores your theme preference (light/dark mode) and reading settings. Unlike cookies, localStorage data stays on your device and is not transmitted to our servers.
- sessionStorage — Used temporarily during a browsing session for UI state (e.g., mobile menu open/closed). Deleted when you close your browser.
6. Your choices
You have several options to control cookies:
- Browser settings — Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. See your browser’s privacy settings.
- Google Analytics Opt-out — Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
- Google Ads Settings — Control Google ad personalisation at adssettings.google.com.
- Your Online Choices — EU residents can opt out of personalised advertising at youronlinechoices.eu.
- NAI opt-out — US residents can opt out via optout.networkadvertising.org.
- Digital Advertising Alliance — US residents can opt out via optout.aboutads.info.
Note: Blocking some cookies may affect site functionality, including losing your theme preference and being unable to use certain features.
7. Updates to this policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our data practices. Changes are effective immediately upon posting. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
8. Contact
If you have questions about our use of cookies or this policy, contact us at: privacy@zbrandco.com
This cookie policy was last updated on 20 August 2026.