Cookie Policy

Plain-English explanation of every cookie we set and how to control them.

Last updated: 10 May 2026

The short version: We use a small consent cookie to remember your choices, plus Google's analytics and advertising cookies if you accept them. You can decline non-essential cookies and the counter will still work perfectly.

1. What cookies are

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help sites remember your preferences, measure how their pages are used, and (sometimes) show you relevant ads.

Under the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and UK GDPR, we must tell you what cookies we use and ask for your consent before setting non-essential cookies.

2. Cookies we use

2.1 Strictly necessary (always on)

Cookie	Set by	Purpose	Duration
`wca_consent`	wordscounterai.com	Stores your cookie preferences so we don't ask again on every page.	12 months

2.2 Analytics (only with consent)

Cookie	Set by	Purpose	Duration
`_ga`	Google Analytics	Distinguishes anonymous users to count visits.	2 years
`_ga_*`	Google Analytics	Persists session state and aggregates page views.	2 years

2.3 Advertising (only with consent)

Cookie	Set by	Purpose	Duration
`__gads`	Google AdSense	Used by Google to serve, target and measure ads.	13 months
`__gpi`	Google AdSense	Stores ad personalisation preferences.	13 months
`NID` / `IDE`	Google	Frequency capping and conversion measurement for ads.	Up to 13 months

3. How to control cookies

3.1 On this site

When you first visit, you'll see a banner asking you to Accept or Decline non-essential cookies. You can change your choice at any time by clearing the wca_consent cookie in your browser, which will make the banner reappear.

3.2 In your browser

Most browsers let you block or delete cookies. Help pages:

3.3 Opting out of personalised advertising

Google Ads Settings — turn off personalised ads from Google.
Your Online Choices (UK) — opt out of behavioural ads from multiple advertising networks.
Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out.

4. What happens if you decline

If you decline non-essential cookies, the counter still works perfectly — every feature is client-side. You may still see ads (where required for the site to remain free), but they will be non-personalised and based only on the page you're viewing.

5. Changes to this policy

We may update this Cookie Policy when we add or remove cookies. The "Last updated" date at the top will reflect any change. For more on how we process data generally, see our Privacy Policy.

6. Contact

Questions about cookies on this site? Email hello@wordscounterai.com.