Cookie Policy
Last updated: 23 October 2026
1. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, keep you signed in and keep forms secure. Ancestral Lineage uses a few cookies, plus your browser's local storage, for the purposes listed below. We do not use analytics or advertising cookies.
2. Categories of Cookies We Use
| Category | Purpose | Can you turn it off? |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Authentication, security, and core site functionality. Without these, the Platform cannot function properly. | No |
| Functional | Remembers your light or dark mode choice, and keeps a family tree you start on the Try a Tree page before you create an account. | You can clear these in your browser settings. |
| Analytics | Not in use. We do not run any analytics tools. | Not applicable |
| Marketing | Not in use. We do not run any advertising tools. | Not applicable |
3. Cookies and Storage We Use
Cookies are sent to our server with each request. The names below are the ones used on Ancestral Lineage, which is served over HTTPS.
| Name | Category | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| __Secure-authjs.session-token | Essential | 30 days after you were last active | Keeps you signed in to your account |
| __Host-authjs.csrf-token | Essential | Until you close your browser | Protects forms against cross-site request forgery |
| __Secure-authjs.callback-url | Essential | Until you close your browser | Returns you to the page you were on after signing in |
| __Secure-authjs.pkce.code_verifier | Essential | 15 minutes, only while you sign in with Google | Protects the Google sign-in step |
Browser storage
These items are kept in your browser's local storage. They are not cookies, and they are not sent to our server.
| Name | Category | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| al-theme | Functional | Until you clear it | Stores your light or dark mode choice |
| cookie-consent | Essential | Until you clear it | Remembers that you have seen the cookie notice |
| ancestral-lineage-tree-draft-v1 | Functional | Until you save the tree to an account, reset it or clear it | Keeps the family tree you start on the Try a Tree page |
4. Managing Cookies
The first time you visit, a short notice explains how we use cookies. Every cookie and storage item listed above is either needed for the site to work or holds a choice you made yourself, so there are no optional cookies to switch on or off.
You can block or delete cookies, and clear site storage, in your browser settings. If you block the sign-in cookies, you will not be able to sign in.
5. Third-Party Cookies
If you choose to sign in with Google, Google may set its own cookies:
- Google (OAuth): Authentication cookies if you sign in with Google
These third parties have their own privacy policies governing their use of cookies.
6. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. If we start using a kind of cookie that needs your consent, we will ask you before we set it.
7. Contact
For questions about our use of cookies, contact us at privacy@ancestrallineage.com or visit our Contact page.