Cookie Policy
How openwhispr.com uses cookies, and how you stay in control.
Last updated: June 1, 2026
What this covers
This covers cookies and similar technologies on openwhispr.com. It complements our Privacy Policy. The OpenWhispr desktop app processes audio locally by default and is covered there.
Our approach
OpenWhispr is privacy-first. We use Google Consent Mode (Advanced): Google's analytics and ad tags load on every page, but they only set cookies based on your region and choice (see By regionbelow). When cookies aren't allowed yet, the tags still send Google an anonymous, cookieless signal — including your IP address and that consent was denied — used only for aggregate, non-identifying measurement (this goes to Google in the US). Our usage metrics via Vercel are cookieless and don't identify you, so they run either way. You can change your choice anytime from Cookie Settings in the footer.
Cookie categories
| Category | What it does | Consent required? |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly necessary | Sign-in, session security, your region, and remembering your cookie choice. | No — always active |
| Analytics | Aggregate usage measurement via Google Analytics 4. | Yes in the EEA/UK; on by default (opt-out) in the US |
| Marketing | Measuring our advertising via Google Ads. | Yes in the EEA/UK; on by default (opt-out) in the US (GPC opts you out) |
Cookies we may set
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ow_consent | OpenWhispr | A copy of your cookie choices and the policy version (read before tags load) | First-party | 12 months |
| ow-geo | OpenWhispr | Your region, to apply the right defaults and notice | First-party | 1 day |
| Session cookie | OpenWhispr (Better Auth) | Keeps you signed in | First-party | Per session |
| _ga, _ga_<id> | Google (Analytics 4) | Tells repeat visits apart so usage can be counted | Third-party | Up to 24 months |
| _gcl_au | Google Ads | Conversion and ad measurement | Third-party | Up to 90 days |
Google Tag Manager sets no cookiesitself. The third-party cookies above appear only after a Google tag fires — after you consent in the EEA/UK, or by default in opt-out regions like the US (unless you opt out). Even with cookies off, Google's tags may send an anonymous, cookieless signal (including your IP and consent status) for aggregate measurement only. We save your choice in the ow_consentcookie (a slim copy, read before tags load) and in full — your choices, a random non-identifying id, time, and region — in your browser's local storage. We keep no copy on our servers, so clearing your browser asks you again.
Managing your choices
Use Cookie Settings to accept, reject, or fine-tune your choices anytime; your browser can also block or delete cookies. If your browser sends a Global Privacy Control (GPC)signal, we treat it as an opt-out from ad cookies — use Cookie Settings to also turn off analytics.
By region
- EEA & UK:no analytics or ad cookies until you consent, and you can withdraw anytime. (Tags load first to send an anonymous, cookieless signal — see “Our approach” — but store nothing on your device until you agree.)
- United States: analytics and ad cookies are on by default; you can opt out anytime. Use Your Privacy Choicesin the footer or send a Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal — GPC turns off ad cookies; use Cookie Settings to also turn off analytics.
- Elsewhere: we show a notice and you can adjust your preferences anytime.
Changes to this policy
We'll update this page and the “Last updated” date when our cookie use changes. Questions? Email support@openwhispr.com.