Cookie & Local Storage Policy

Transparent information about our use of cookies and local storage to provide essential functionality and privacy-respecting analytics.

Last Updated: August 30, 2025
Effective Date: August 30, 2025

Minimal, Transparent Storage

We use essential cookies required for the site to work, and Google Analytics (GA4) measurement cookies to understand basic usage. In the EEA, UK, and Switzerland, analytics cookies are set only after you give consent. You can change your choices at any time in Cookie Settings.

1. What Are Cookies and Local Storage?

1.1 Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device by your web browser when you visit websites. They enable core functionality (like security and session management) and, with consent where required, measurement and analytics.

1.2 Local Storage

Local storage lets websites store data on your device. Unlike cookies, this data is not automatically sent with every request and stays on your device until you clear it.

1.3 Session Storage

Session storage is temporary and is deleted when you close the browser tab or window.

2. Our Cookie Usage

2.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for our service to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They usually are set only in response to actions you take that amount to a request for services.

2.2 Specific Cookie Types We Use

Security / Session Cookies (Essential)

  • • Purpose: Prevent abuse, maintain session integrity, manage upload/processing status
  • • Duration: Session-based or short-lived (typically minutes to hours)
  • • Data stored: Anonymous tokens/session identifiers
  • • Third-party: No

Preference Cookies (Essential)

  • • Purpose: Remember basic preferences (e.g., language, UI settings)
  • • Duration: Up to 30 days
  • • Data stored: Preference values only
  • • Third-party: No

Analytics Cookies (Consent-based)

  • • Provider: Google Analytics (GA4)
  • • Purpose: Measure site usage (e.g., page views, device types) to improve reliability and usability — not for advertising
  • • Typical cookies: _ga (2 years), _gid (24 hours), _ga_* (2 years)
  • • EEA/UK/CH: Set only after consent; you can withdraw anytime in Cookie Settings
  • • GA4 configuration: Ads Features disabled, Google Signals disabled, data sharing with Google disabled; GA4 does not store IP addresses

2.3 Cookies We Do NOT Use

We do not use advertising cookies or social media tracking cookies. We do not enable Google Ads features or cross-site profiling.

3. Local Storage Usage

3.1 Processing History (on your device only)

We use local storage to keep a lightweight history of your processed images for convenience. This data stays on your device and is not sent to our servers.

What We Store Locally:

  • • Image metadata: Original filename, processing timestamp
  • • Processing status: Completion status and any error messages
  • • Download links: Temporary pre-signed URLs for accessing processed images
  • • User preferences: Basic interface settings and preferences

What We Do NOT Store:

  • • Actual image data: No image content is stored in local storage
  • • Direct identifiers: No names, emails, or similar identifiers
  • • Behavioral tracking: No cross-site tracking data

3.2 Session Storage

We use session storage for temporary data during image processing (e.g., upload progress). This data is automatically deleted when you close the browser tab.

4. Managing Your Choices

4.1 Cookie Settings

In the EEA, UK, and Switzerland, analytics cookies are set only after you consent. You can change or withdraw consent at any time in Cookie Settings.

4.2 Browser Controls

You can also manage cookies at the browser level:

  • • Block all cookies (may affect functionality)
  • • Block third-party cookies (limited impact on GA, which uses first-party cookies)
  • • Delete existing cookies (resets preferences and sessions)
  • • Use Google’s opt-out tools for Analytics

4.3 Clearing Local Storage

Clear local or session storage via your browser’s privacy settings. This removes your on-device history and preferences but does not affect your ability to use the service.

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 Google Analytics (GA4)

We use GA4 for measurement only. Ads Features and Google Signals are disabled, data sharing with Google is disabled, and GA4 does not store IP addresses. In the EEA/UK/CH, GA cookies are set only after consent.

5.2 Infrastructure Providers

Our cloud providers may use essential cookies for security and load balancing. These are not used for advertising or cross-site tracking and are covered by strict data protection agreements.

6. Legal Compliance

6.1 GDPR & ePrivacy

Essential cookies are used under legitimate interests. Analytics cookies require your prior consent in the EEA, UK, and Switzerland under the ePrivacy rules. You can withdraw consent at any time.

6.2 CCPA/CPRA

We do not sell or share personal information as defined by the CPRA. We use Analytics only for measurement and not for targeted advertising.

7. Retention

7.1 Cookie Retention

Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
Preference cookies: Typically up to 30 days
Analytics cookies: _gid ~24 hours; _ga and _ga_* up to 2 years (subject to your consent and browser settings)
Consent cookie: Stores your choices (typically up to 12 months, varies by CMP)

7.2 Local Storage Retention

Local storage remains until you clear it via your browser. It is never transmitted to our servers.

8. Manage Your Consent

You can review or change your cookie choices at any time in Cookie Settings (link in the site footer) or by revisiting this page at /cookie-policy#manage-consent.

9. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie & Local Storage Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Material changes will be communicated with reasonable advance notice.

Continued use of our service constitutes acceptance of any updates to this policy.

10. Contact

Questions about cookies or local storage? Contact us via our Contact page or email privacy@free-background-remover.com.

Our Commitment to Minimal Data

We use only what’s necessary to run the service and to understand basic performance. No ads cookies. No social tracking. Measurement only — with your consent where required.

This approach supports a free, privacy-respecting tool that gives you control.