Cookie Policy
A clear, plain-language explanation of how cookies and local storage are used on FreeTimeline—and exactly what that means for you.
Last updated: April 20, 2026 · Effective: April 20, 2026
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how FreeTimeline uses them, and how you can control them. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which provides broader context about how we handle your information.
FreeTimeline is designed with privacy as a core value. Our own tools use localStorage rather than traditional cookies to store your timeline data. However, as a site that displays advertising through Google AdSense, third-party cookies are set in your browser by Google. This page explains everything in full.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by websites you visit. They are widely used to make websites work, to work more efficiently, and to provide information to website owners.
First-party vs. third-party cookies
First-party cookies are set directly by freetimeline.pt. Third-party cookies are set by a different domain—on FreeTimeline, these come from Google AdSense.
Session vs. persistent cookies
Session cookies are deleted automatically when you close your browser. Persistent cookies remain until they expire or you manually delete them.
3. localStorage vs. Cookies — An Important Distinction
FreeTimeline does not use traditional cookies to store your timeline data. We use your browser's localStorage instead—a technology that keeps data entirely on your device and never transmits it to any server.
- Cookies — automatically sent to the web server with every browser request. Servers can read, write, and track cookie data.
- localStorage — stored locally in your browser, never sent to any server. Only JavaScript running on freetimeline.pt can access it. It is sandboxed per domain—no other website can read FreeTimeline's localStorage.
FreeTimeline stores one consent record: a localStorage key called ft_cookie_consent which records whether you have accepted your cookie preferences, so that the consent banner is not shown on every visit.
4. Types of Cookies Used on FreeTimeline
4a. Strictly Necessary (localStorage, not cookies)
| Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
ft_universe_* | localStorage | Saves Universe Timeline data (events, categories, settings) | Until manually deleted |
ft_bio_* | localStorage | Saves Biography Timeline data (people, events, notes) | Until manually deleted |
ft_cookie_consent | localStorage | Records your cookie consent preference | Until manually deleted |
4b. Advertising Cookies (Google AdSense)
FreeTimeline uses Google AdSense to display advertisements. Google AdSense sets several cookies in your browser. These are third-party cookies set by Google, not by FreeTimeline directly.
| Cookie | Set by | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
NID | google.com | Registers a unique ID to remember your preferences and personalise ads | 6 months |
IDE | doubleclick.net | DoubleClick/DART cookie — targets relevant ads and measures ad effectiveness | 13 months |
ANID | google.com | Stores a randomly generated ID for ad personalisation | 13 months |
__gads | freetimeline.pt | Tracks ad engagement and prevents the same ad showing too often | 13 months |
DSID | doubleclick.net | Identifies a signed-in Google user for ad personalisation purposes | 2 weeks |
4c. Analytics Cookies
FreeTimeline does not currently use Google Analytics or any other analytics platform. No analytics cookies are set by FreeTimeline. If this changes, this policy will be updated and users will be notified via the consent banner.
5. How Google AdSense & DoubleClick Cookies Work
When you visit FreeTimeline, Google's ad-serving technology reads existing Google cookies, sets new ones if not already present, analyses your browsing history and device signals to select relevant ads, displays those ads in the designated slots on FreeTimeline pages, and records whether you viewed or clicked on them.
The DoubleClick DART cookie (stored under doubleclick.net) contains a unique, randomly generated identifier tied to your browser—not to your name, email, or any directly identifying information. This identifier is used across millions of websites in Google's advertising network to build an interest profile, which Google uses to show you more relevant ads wherever you browse.
6. Your Cookie Choices & How to Opt Out
Google Ad personalisation opt-out
Opt out of personalised advertising by Google at: google.com/settings/ads
Industry-wide opt-out tools
7. Managing Cookies in Your Browser
Google Chrome
Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data. To clear localStorage: Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → View permissions and data stored across sites → search for freetimeline.pt → Delete.
Mozilla Firefox
Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data → Manage Data. You can remove cookies for specific sites or clear all cookies and site data.
Apple Safari
Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data. Safari also has a "Prevent cross-site tracking" option that blocks many third-party cookies automatically.
Microsoft Edge
Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data. Edge also offers tracking prevention levels (Basic, Balanced, Strict) under Privacy, search, and services.
Please note: Blocking all cookies may affect the functionality of other websites. Disabling third-party cookies will prevent personalised Google ads but non-personalised ads will still be shown.
8. Third-Party Cookie Resources
9. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page and display a notice on the site. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
10. Contact
- Email: privacy@freetimeline.pt
- Contact form: Contact Us