Cookie Policy
Last updated: October 2026
1. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, such as your preferences and login status, to make your next visit easier and more useful.
2. How DW Search Uses Cookies
We use cookies for the following purposes:
2.1 Essential Cookies (Required)
These cookies are necessary for the Service to function and cannot be switched off. They include:
- Session Cookie: Keeps you logged in during your browsing session. Uses Flask's signed session mechanism. Expires when you close your browser or after 30 days.
- Consent Cookie: Remembers that you have accepted our cookie notice so we don't ask you every time.
2.2 Anonymous Usage Cookies
For non-registered users, we set an anonymous usage cookie to:
- Track your monthly search quota (10 free searches per month)
- Prevent duplicate query deductions within a 10-minute window
- Ensure fair usage of the free tier
This cookie contains a random anonymous identifier. It does not contain personal information.
2.3 Analytics Cookies (Optional)
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the Service. These cookies collect anonymized information about:
- Pages visited and time spent on each page
- Referral sources (how you found us)
- Browser and device information
- General geographic location (country/region level only)
Google Analytics cookies are: _ga, _ga_*
You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
3. Cookie Details
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
session | Keeps you logged in | Essential | 30 days / session |
dw_anon_id | Anonymous usage quota tracking | Functional | 1 year |
_ga | Google Analytics - distinguishes users | Analytics | 2 years |
_ga_* | Google Analytics - maintains session state | Analytics | 2 years |
aarvi-search-theme | Remembers your dark/light mode preference | Functional | Forever (localStorage) |
dw_cookie_consent | Remembers your cookie consent choice | Essential | Forever (localStorage) |
4. Managing Cookies
You can control and manage cookies in several ways:
- Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. Check your browser's help documentation.
- Google Analytics: Use the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
- Incognito/Private Mode: Use private browsing to prevent cookies from being stored.
Note: Blocking essential cookies may prevent the Service from functioning properly, including login and search quota management.
5. Do Not Track
Our Service currently does not respond to "Do Not Track" (DNT) browser signals. However, you can use the opt-out mechanisms described above to limit analytics tracking.
6. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.
7. Contact
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us through our Contact page.