Cookie Policy

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Notice Regarding Children’s Accounts

Common Sense will discontinue accounts for Children [kids under 13], with the update scheduled to be implemented on the website on Thursday, October 9, 2025, and in the app on October 16, 2025. As of these dates, no new Children’s Accounts may be created, and existing Children’s Accounts will be closed and will no longer have access to the Services.

Profiles and associated Personal Information for discontinued Children’s Accounts will be deleted in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Teen Accounts (ages 13–17) and Adult Accounts remain unaffected and will continue to be supported.

COOKIE POLICY

Depending on how your device is configured, we and third parties who provide services to us may collect certain information automatically when you visit www.commonsensemedia.org or www.commonsense.org/education (collectively, the 'Site'), as well as all other applications ('Apps'), services, and websites that link to this Privacy Policy (collectively, the 'Services'). This information may be collected through the use of cookies, web beacons, and SDKs (collectively, 'cookies and similar technologies').

The information collected may include details such as the browser you are using (e.g., Safari, Internet Explorer, Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, etc.), the internet address from which you linked to the Services, the operating system of your device (e.g., Microsoft Windows, iOS, Android, etc.), the unique IP address of the device you used to access our Services, and your usage and browsing habits.

This Cookie Policy outlines how we use cookies and similar technologies to collect and store information about users. It provides transparency regarding:

  1. Types of technologies used: Describes the different categories of technologies used. It also identifies the different types of cookies whether third parties (e.g., advertisers, analytics providers) use cookies through the website, and how their cookies collect data.
  2. Data Collected and Purposes for the Collection: Specifies what data cookies collect, like browsing behavior or preferences, and how that data is used and protected. Explains why the cookies are used, such as improving user experience, tracking website performance, enabling certain functionalities, or delivering targeted ads.
  3. User Rights and Options: Informs users about their rights, including the ability to manage or opt out of cookies through browser settings or provided consent management tools.

This policy covers two different websites we operate with very similar branding:

  • CommonSenseMedia.org – where we provide age-appropriate ratings for various types of media (e.g., books, movies, TV shows, video games, apps, etc.) and promote and make available our advocacy, research, and other work.
  • CommonSense.org – designed for educators, where we promote and make available our non-profit educational activities, as well as our privacy program and its edtech evaluations.

Despite their similar appearance, these websites run on different systems. This means that decisions you make regarding your management of cookies on one website will not affect the other. If you want to keep your preferences consistent across both sites, you will need to actively align your choices by accessing our Cookie Preference Center via each website separately, using the links at the bottom of each site’s pages.

Additionally, because tracking to deliver relevant content does not occur on our education site (CommonSense.org), there are no advertising or social media cookies set on that site. Please note that CommonSense.org includes embedded YouTube links that redirect users to the YouTube platform, where any tracking or data collection is governed by YouTube’s privacy policies, which we do not control or oversee.

Our cookie policy ensures our compliance with applicable privacy by obtaining informed consent where needed and providing users with control over their data.

TYPES OF TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES USED

What is a cookie?

A cookie is a small data file stored on your computer, mobile phone, tablet, or similar device (a "device") when you visit a website. Cookies collect information about your interactions with the Site and Services, like your preferences, login status, or tracking activity for analytics purposes which may help us to personalize your experience when you arrive or to do other important things (such as keep our network secure). Some cookies are essential for the Services to function properly, while others are used to personalize content, improve user experience, or provide targeted advertisements. These cookies are invisible to you, and any portion of our Services may contain them.

What is a web beacon?

A web beacon is a small piece of data embedded with images on pages of the Services or in emails, which allow us to collect information such as the number of users that have visited a web page or opened an email. We use web beacons to measure the effectiveness of our content and campaigns and how visitors use our Services. This allows us to learn what pages are most attractive to our visitors, which parts of our Services are the most interesting and what kind of offers our visitors like to see.

What is an SDK?

A Software Development Kit (SDK) is a set of tools and resources that developers use to build or enhance websites or mobile applications. In the context of apps, SDKs can collect data, such as user interactions, performance metrics, or analytics, similar to cookies. SDKs are often used to integrate third-party services like social media, advertising, or analytics platforms into an app or website.

What are the different types of cookies?

Persistent vs. session cookies

Session cookies. These are only stored for the duration of your visit to our Site or Services and are deleted from your device when you close your browser.

Persistent cookies. These are saved on your device for a fixed period of time after the browser has closed. They may continue to be used where we or a third party need to identify you for a subsequent browsing session. The longest fixed time period for any 'persistent' cookies may be up to two (2) years.

First and third party cookies

First party cookies. These are set on your device by our Site.

Third party cookies. These are cookies that are used within our Services, which are set by organizations other than us. These include cookies from external analytics services which help us to understand the use of our Services.

DATA COLLECTION AND PURPOSES FOR THE COLLECTION

Depending on the type of account you have (e.g., Adult, Teen, or Child), and whether you are logged-in to that account or not, or are a subscriber, we may use all or some of the following first and third-party cookies.

Necessary Cookies. Necessary cookies enable the core operation of our Services and cannot be switched off in our systems. They include cookies that we use to help control secure areas of our Services and to make sure it is accessible to you. We may also use cookies and similar tracking technology to enforce any limitations we have set on access to our content, such as if we only permit certain subscribers to have unlimited access (for example, to reviews). You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the Services will not work as a result, such as creating an account.

Necessary cookies typically collect the following information:

  • Session data: Information needed to maintain your session, such as a unique session ID that keeps you logged in as you navigate our Site or Services.
  • Login details: Information related to authentication, like remembering your login credentials or user status (e.g., logged-in or logged-out).
  • Preferences: Basic settings and preferences, such as language selection, currency, or privacy preferences (e.g., consent for cookies).
  • Security-related information: Data related to the secure use of the Site and Services, like preventing unauthorized access or ensuring secure transactions.

The information collected through Necessary Cookies is used for the following purposes:

  • Service functionality: Necessary cookies are essential for the Site and Services to function properly. They enable basic services like page or screen navigation, access to secure areas, and maintaining session continuity.
  • Security: These cookies protect your data by ensuring secure connections and preventing fraudulent activity.
  • User preferences: They remember preferences (e.g., language, region, or privacy settings) to provide a more seamless experience.
  • Ensuring performance: Necessary cookies help the Site and Services deliver content efficiently and ensure that it operates without interruptions.

These cookies do not collect data for marketing purposes and are usually exempt from consent requirements under privacy regulations, as they are critical for the Services’ core functionality.

Analytics Cookies. These cookies allow us to collect information about patterns of behavior among people using the Site or Services. Analytics cookies allow us to count visits to the Site and Services and understand traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our Site and Services. We do not use these cookies when Teens or Children are logged in.

Analytics cookies typically collect the following information:

  • User behavior data: Information on how you interact with the Services, such as pages and screens visited, time spent on each page or screen, clicks, scrolling behavior, and navigation paths.
  • Device and browser information: Data about the device you're using (e.g., desktop, mobile) and your browser type or version.
  • Geographic location: General location information based on your IP address, typically to understand where users are accessing the Site and Services from.
  • Traffic sources: Data on how you arrived Site and on the Services (e.g., via search engine, direct visit, or from another website).
  • Performance metrics: Information on page load times, error reports, and how well different sections of the Site and Services are functioning.

The information collected through Analytics Cookies is used for the following purposes:

  • Services performance analysis: To understand how visitors use the Site and Services and identify areas for improvement. This helps in optimizing the Site and Services layout, content, and user experience.
  • Traffic and usage tracking: To monitor overall traffic to the Site and Services, page or screen popularity, and visitor trends over time, allowing for better content and marketing strategies.
  • Improving user experience: By analyzing user behavior, Common Sense can make data-driven decisions to enhance navigation, reduce friction, and improve usability.
  • Measuring the effectiveness of content: To determine what content or features are most engaging or useful to users, helping businesses tailor their offerings accordingly.

Analytics cookies collect data to provide insights into how our Services perform and how users interact with them. The collected information is typically anonymized and aggregated, meaning it is used for statistical purposes rather than identifying individual users. However, these cookies may still require user consent depending on the applicable privacy regulations

Personalization Cookies. Personalization cookies are used to adapt the Site and Services’ content and services to fit your specific needs and interests. These cookies enhance user experience by making our Services more relevant to individual users, offering personalized recommendations and saving settings across sessions. Depending on privacy laws, consent may be required before these cookies can be used.

These cookies help us offer relevant content and a more seamless browsing experience. They recognize you when you return to our or Services and help you use it. For example, we use cookies to remember choices you make and provide personalization and features based on your choices. We do not use these cookies when Teens or Children are logged in to their accounts.

Personalization Cookies typically collect the following information:

  • User preferences: Data about your choices and preferences, such as language selection, theme preferences (e.g., dark mode), and region-specific settings.
  • Browsing history: Information on your past visits, including the content you’ve viewed, sections of the Services you frequent, and actions you’ve taken (e.g., items you’ve liked or saved).
  • User profile information: Details related to your account, if applicable, such as past orders, saved items, or interests you've explicitly shared.
  • Interaction data: How you engage with specific features or content, like personalized product recommendations, search queries, or multimedia interactions.

The information collected through Personalization Cookies is used for the following purposes:

  • Customized user experience: Personalization cookies help deliver content, recommendations, or features that are tailored to your preferences and behavior, making your experience more relevant and enjoyable.
  • Remembering settings: They store your language, region, and other preference settings to ensure the Site and Services adapt to your individual needs on each visit.
  • Providing relevant content: Based on your browsing history or interactions, these cookies help show articles, products, or suggestions that align with your interests.
  • Optimizing user journeys: They streamline how you interact with the Site and Services by remembering your previous actions and preferences, reducing the need for you to reconfigure settings.

Targeting/Advertising Cookies. These cookies are primarily used for personalization and enhancing user engagement to deliver more relevant marketing and promotional campaigns and interactive features. Tracking through Targeting/Advertising Cookies to deliver relevant content does not take place on our education site (CommonSense.org)

Targeting Cookies also known as advertising cookies) typically collect the following information:

  • Browsing history and behavior: Pages or screens visited, time spent, clicks, and interactions on the Site and Services.
  • Demographic data: Information about your age, gender, interests, or preferences, often inferred from browsing patterns.
  • IP address and geolocation: To identify your location and deliver region-specific ads.

The data collected on our media site (CommonSenseMedia.org) through cookies and SDKs for targeting and advertising is used for several key purposes:

  • Personalized Advertising: To send you campaigns or show you ads for our services that are more relevant to your interests based on your browsing history and activity across different sites.
  • Retargeting: To display ads for our products or services when you have interacted with them previously, even across different websites.
  • Measuring Ad Performance: To assess the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and optimize future efforts.

We do not enable social media services to track your activities on our Site.

Any advertising or marketing activities are exclusively related to Common Sense services, the Common Sense Media app, and www.commonsensemedia.org, as no data is used for third-party advertising or collected on other Common Sense domains or platforms for such purposes. 

Unclassified Cookies. These Cookies do not fit into any of the above listed standard classifications, e.g., necessary, analytics, personalization and targeting and social media Cookies. We regularly scan our Services for Cookies using our consent management platform (CMP), managed by OneTrust. Unclassified Cookies are those that the system cannot identify and categorize from that scan. It is our responsibility to manually classify these Cookies into the correct category, which can be onerous and time-consuming. While completing this categorization process, we classify them as “Unclassified”, which gives our users the option to opt out of them.

Not all of the above will necessarily collect your personal information, but where this might be relevant, we have flagged this in our Privacy Policy. Our Cookie preference center (available at CommonSenseMedia.org Cookie List and CommonSense.org Cookie List) has the most up-to-date information. Please note that for European users, only necessary cookies are enabled by default

USERS RIGHTS AND OPTIONS

Your Rights Regarding Cookies

As a user, you have several rights regarding the use of cookies and similar technologies on our Services. We are committed to ensuring transparency and providing you with control over how your data is collected and used. Below are the rights you can exercise:

  1. Right to be Informed
    You have the right to be informed about how cookies are used on our Services. This Cookie Policy provides clear details on what cookies we use, the data they collect, their purpose, and any third parties involved.
  2. Right to Consent
    You have the right to provide or withhold consent for non-essential cookies (such as analytics, targeting, or personalization cookies). Essential cookies necessary for the operation of the Services may be set without your consent, but all other types will require your permission.
  3. Right to Withdraw Consent
    At any time, you can withdraw your consent to the use of cookies. You can do this by adjusting your browser settings, by using the cookie management tool available on our Site, or by using the App’s “privacy settings”. Revoking consent may affect certain functionalities, but it will not impact essential Service operations.
  4. Right to Access Your Data
    You have the right to request access to any personal data collected through cookies. We will provide information on what data has been collected, how it is being used, and the duration for which it is stored.
  5. Right to Delete Cookies
    You have the right to delete cookies stored on your device at any time. Most browsers allow you to clear cookies from your history and block them from being placed in the future. Please refer to your browser’s help section for instructions on how to do this.
  6. Right to Object to Processing
    If you do not want your data to be used for analytics or targeted advertising, you have the right to object to such processing. You can disable the relevant cookies through your browser settings or via our cookie preferences tool.
  7. Right to Data Portability
    In certain cases, where applicable, you have the right to request the transfer of personal data collected via cookies to another data controller.

For more information about exercising your rights or to submit a request, please contact us via the contact details provided in our Privacy Policy. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and ensuring that your choices regarding cookies are respected.

How do I control cookies?

If you want to change your cookie settings, including providing or withdrawing consent to any unnecessary cookies, you can do so at any time by clicking on the "Cookie settings" link at the bottom of the Common Sense Site or Service you are visiting. As described more below, we have two websites and cookies are managed on each separately.

You can also broadcast the Global Privacy Control (GPC) to opt-out of Targeting and Social Media Cookies for each participating browser system that you use. Learn more at the Global Privacy Control website.

You can update your SDK settings in the App by toggling on and off the SDK categories in the “Privacy Settings”.

You can also exercise cookie options in a browser, including removing previously placed cookies or changing your browser settings to notify you when you receive a cookie or not accept cookies generally. However, if you disable this function, you will not be able to use some of the features on our Services. To learn more about how to control privacy settings and cookie management, click the link for your browser below.