Cookie Policy for thedeepthingsofgod.com

Effective Date: June 8, 2026

This Cookie Policy explains how thedeepthingsofgod.com (“we”, “us”, or “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website. This policy describes what these technologies are, why we use them, and your rights to control our use of them.

We use third-party tracking services provided by Google and Microsoft. In compliance with global data privacy regulations—including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR), the United Kingdom GDPR (UK GDPR), and United States state privacy laws (such as the California Consumer Privacy Act/CPRA)—we do not deploy non-essential trackers unless you provide explicit consent or your browser configuration dictates otherwise.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small data files placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used by website owners to make websites work more efficiently, as well as to provide reporting information.

• First-Party Cookies: Cookies set directly by the website owner.
• Third-Party Cookies: Cookies set by parties other than the website owner, which enable third-party features or analytics on the site.

2. Why Do We Use Cookies?

We use third-party cookies for performance and analytical purposes to understand how visitors interact with our content, identify popular articles, and measure user engagement (such as scrolling, clicks, and session navigation).

Search Engine Tools Notice: We utilize backend management tools including Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools. These tools function strictly on the search engine index level to monitor traffic and do not deploy cookies or track personal user data on your device.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

The specific cookies currently deployed on our website, their providers, and their lifespans are detailed below:

Performance and Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information in an aggregate, pseudonymous form to help us optimize website usability.

• Cookie Name: _ga
  Provider: Google Analytics
  Purpose: Distinguishes unique users and tracks website performance
  Lifespan: 2 Years
  Type: Third-Party
• Cookie Name: ga
  Provider: Google Analytics
  Purpose: Maintains session state and tracks individual visitor sessions
  Lifespan: 2 Years
  Type: Third-Party
• Cookie Name: _clck
  Provider: Microsoft Clarity
  Purpose: Stores a unique user identifier to track behavior over multiple pages
  Lifespan: 1 Year
  Type: Third-Party
• Cookie Name: _clsk
  Provider: Microsoft Clarity
  Purpose: Groups a single user’s page views into a single session recording
  Lifespan: 1 Day
  Type: Third-Party

Crucial Third-Party Data Processing Disclosures:

• Google Analytics 4 (GA4): Processes data anonymously. You can review how Google handles data via the Google Privacy and Terms page (google.com).
• Microsoft Clarity: We partner with Microsoft Clarity to capture how you use and interact with our website through behavioral metrics, heatmaps, and session replays. Microsoft utilizes this data as a Co-Data Controller. This means Microsoft uses this data not only to provide analytics for us but also for its own commercial purposes, including web optimization, security, and improving its own products/advertising systems. For more details, see the Microsoft Privacy Statement (microsoft.com).

4. Future Disclosures (Affiliates and E-commerce)

To maintain complete compliance with transparency laws, please note that we may implement the following commercial expansions in the future:

• Affiliate Tracking Links: If we feature book or product recommendations containing affiliate links, clicking them will deploy a third-party tracking cookie from an affiliate network (e.g., Amazon Associates) to track attribution and process potential commissions.
• Direct E-Commerce Sales: If we offer personal products directly for purchase, strictly necessary operational cookies will be added to securely hold items in your shopping cart, process checkouts, and prevent financial fraud.

This document will be updated to name those specific networks if and when those features go live.

5. Global Privacy Control (GPC) and US State Rights

We respect the Global Privacy Control (GPC) universal opt-out signal. If your browser transmits a GPC signal when entering our site, our framework interprets this as a directive to opt-out. It will automatically block Microsoft Clarity and Google Analytics from tracking your session, satisfying the “Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information” mandates under US state privacy frameworks (such as the CCPA/CPRA).

6. How Can You Control Cookies Manually?

You can exercise your cookie preferences through the following methods:

Our Cookie Consent Banner:
Upon your initial visit, a consent banner will request permission to fire analytical trackers. For EU/UK visitors, these cookies remain paused until explicit consent is granted. You can modify your preferences at any time by interacting with the consent preferences widget on our site.

Browser Controls:
You can configure your web browser to accept or refuse cookies. Review your browser’s official support documentation to alter cookie permissions:

• Google Chrome: google.com
• Apple Safari: apple.com
• Mozilla Firefox: mozilla.org
• Microsoft Edge: microsoft.com

Direct Analytics Opt-Out Add-ons:

• Google Analytics: Install the official Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on (google.com).
• Microsoft Clarity: Opt-out of global Microsoft telemetry profiling via the Microsoft Clarity Opt-Out Portal (microsoft.com).

7. Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding this Cookie Policy, please reach out to us:

• Email: connectwith@deepthingsofgod.com
• Website Contact Page: https://www.thedeepthingsofgod.com/contact-us/