1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how cookies and similar technologies are used on the TheTopStickers website. The website offers neutral informational content about Stocks and capital markets and does not provide transactional services. Cookies are small text files that may be stored on a device when a visitor accesses the site. They can support basic technical functions, remember certain preferences, and allow for aggregated analytics. This policy describes the types of cookies that may be used, the purposes they serve, how long they remain active, and the options available to visitors for managing cookie preferences.
2. Types of Cookies Used
The website may use four broad categories of cookies: necessary, functional, analytics, and advertising-related cookies. Necessary cookies are required for the basic operation of the site and enable core functions such as secure navigation and access to certain features. Functional cookies support additional, optional behaviors such as remembering preferences or display settings. Analytics cookies collect aggregated information about how visitors use the site, including which pages are visited and how long sessions last. Advertising-related cookies are not used for targeted advertising but may be present in limited cases where infrastructure components rely on standard cookie mechanisms for basic measurement or compatibility.
3. Necessary Cookies
Necessary cookies enable the website to function correctly. They may include session cookies that maintain continuity between pages, security cookies that help protect forms from misuse, and cookies that store whether a visitor has set cookie preferences. These cookies do not store information for marketing purposes and are not used to track browsing behavior across different websites. Because they are required for the core operation of the site, they cannot be disabled through the website’s internal preference tools. Visitors can still manage or delete these cookies via browser settings, although doing so may affect the performance or availability of certain features.
4. Functional Cookies
Functional cookies support non-essential but helpful features that can make browsing more consistent. Examples include remembering whether an informational banner has already been displayed, preserving certain layout or viewing preferences, or maintaining language-related settings where applicable. These cookies are designed to improve the user experience on the site itself and are not used to build cross-site profiles. If functional cookies are disabled through preferences or browser controls, the core content remains accessible, but some optional features may behave in a more basic or repetitive way, such as showing the same notices again.
5. Analytics Cookies
Analytics cookies collect aggregated information about website usage. They may record page views, navigation paths, session durations, and general technical characteristics such as browser type and approximate region. The purpose of these cookies is to understand how visitors interact with the site in order to improve structure, navigation, and content presentation. Analytics cookies are configured to focus on aggregated data rather than individual monitoring. The website does not use analytics cookies to identify specific visitors or to make automated decisions about them. Where possible, analytics data is de-identified or aggregated to support a minimized data approach.
6. Advertising Cookies
The website does not use cookies to conduct targeted advertising or behavioral profiling. If advertising-related cookies are present due to infrastructure elements or standard components, they are not configured to track visitors across multiple sites for personalized advertising. The website does not sell or share personal information for targeted advertising purposes and does not rely on cookie-based marketing profiles. Any advertising-related or measurement cookies that may be used are limited to general functions such as high-level performance measurement or compatibility with standard web technologies.
7. Cookie Storage Periods
Cookies may be stored either for the duration of a browsing session or for a longer period. Session cookies are usually deleted when the browser is closed. Persistent cookies may remain on the device for a period ranging from several days to several months or longer, depending on their configuration and purpose. The website seeks to set cookie durations in line with the principle of data minimization, keeping them active only for as long as reasonably necessary. Visitors can see or modify cookie storage by using browser settings, which allow them to review, delete, or block cookies.
8. Cookie Consent and Banner
When visitors first access the website, a cookie banner may be displayed to explain that cookies are used and to request consent for functional and analytics cookies. The banner does not make use of pre-selected checkboxes. Visitors can choose to allow or refuse non-necessary cookies through the options provided. By selecting their preferences, visitors indicate whether functional and analytics cookies may be used beyond the strictly necessary category. Necessary cookies remain active as they are required for basic site operation.
9. Managing Cookie Preferences
Visitors can change cookie preferences at any time. This may be done through a dedicated settings interface, where available, or by adjusting browser options. Many browsers provide tools to block or delete cookies, either globally or for specific sites. Changes made to cookie preferences will affect future interactions with the website but may not automatically erase cookies already stored on the device. To remove existing cookies, visitors may need to use the delete or clear history functions in their browsers. Some functions of the website may be limited or operate differently if certain cookies are disabled.
10. Relationship Between Cookies and Personal Data
In some cases, cookie data may be associated with other information that could relate to an identifiable person, particularly when the same device is used to send a contact message or other communication. When cookie data is linked with personal data, it is treated as personal data and handled according to the principles described in the Privacy Policy. This includes transparency, purpose limitation, and data minimization. The website does not use cookies to sell or share personal information and does not employ cookies for targeted advertising as defined under applicable U.S. state privacy laws.
11. Third-Party Technologies
Certain technical components used to operate the website may be provided by third parties, such as hosting platforms or analytics providers. These components can rely on their own cookies or similar technologies. Such third parties are expected to process data only for purposes compatible with the operation and maintenance of the site. The website does not control how third-party providers configure their systems beyond contractual arrangements and technical choices, but it aims to select providers that align with the principles described in this Cookie Policy. Visitors can review the privacy and cookie information of their browsers and devices for additional controls over third-party technologies.
12. Updates to This Cookie Policy
This Cookie Policy may be updated to reflect changes in the use of cookies, technical infrastructure, or applicable legal requirements. When changes are made, the “Last Updated” date at the beginning of this document will be revised. Visitors are encouraged to review this page periodically to remain informed of the current cookie practices. Continued use of the website following changes indicates that the updated Cookie Policy has been noted.
