1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how NewsUSA Inc. ("NewsUSA," "we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website at newsusa.ai (the "Site"). It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which provides broader information about how we handle personal information.
By continuing to use our Site, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy. You can withdraw or manage your consent at any time using the methods described in Section 6.
Questions? Contact us at rsmith@newsusa.com.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work properly, remember your preferences, and provide information to website owners.
Cookies set by the website you are visiting are called "first-party cookies." Cookies set by parties other than the website you are visiting are called "third-party cookies."
Cookies can be:
Session cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser.
Persistent cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a set period of time or until you delete them.
In addition to cookies, we may also use similar technologies such as:
Local storage: Browser-based storage used to remember small pieces of data, such as your theme preference or a queue of lead form submissions until our backend is connected. Unlike cookies, local storage data is not sent to our servers automatically.
Pixel tags / web beacons: Small transparent images embedded in web pages or emails that help us understand user behavior and email open rates.
3. Cookies We Use
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the Site to function. Without them, core features such as secure form submission and admin authentication cannot work. These cookies cannot be disabled.
| Cookie Name | Type | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
newsusa_lead_id | First-party | 30 days | May identify your lead record after form submission for follow-up and report access. Set as httpOnly where applicable to prevent JavaScript access. |
newsusa_session | First-party | Session | Maintains your admin session if you are an authenticated admin user. Deleted when you close your browser or log out. |
csrf_token | First-party | Session | Protects against cross-site request forgery attacks on form submissions. |
3.2 Functional Cookies and Local Storage
These technologies remember your preferences and improve your experience. They are not strictly necessary but enhance usability.
| Name | Type | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
newusa_qualification_leads | Local storage | Until cleared | Temporarily queues FREE AI Audit lead form submissions in your browser until a full backend connection is live. Not sent to our servers automatically. |
3.3 Analytics Cookies
We use analytics tools to understand how visitors interact with our Site. This helps us improve content, performance, and user experience. The data collected is aggregated and does not directly identify you.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Google Analytics (if enabled) | 2 years | Distinguishes unique users by assigning a randomly generated number as a client identifier. |
_ga_[ID] | Google Analytics (if enabled) | 2 years | Used to persist session state. |
Note: In our current Phase 1 deployment, we rely primarily on server-side request logging rather than client-side analytics cookies. If we implement Google Analytics or a similar service, we will update this policy and present a consent banner before setting analytics cookies for users in jurisdictions requiring prior consent.
3.4 Security and Rate-Limiting Cookies
These are set by our infrastructure providers for security and performance purposes.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
__cf_bm | Cloudflare | 30 minutes | Bot management cookie. Cloudflare sets this cookie to distinguish between humans and automated traffic. |
_cfuvid | Cloudflare | Session | Used by Cloudflare's rate limiting and bot protection features. |
cf_clearance | Cloudflare | 1 year | Set when a visitor successfully passes a Cloudflare security challenge, allowing them to proceed without being challenged again for the duration of the cookie. |
These cookies are set by Cloudflare, which provides our DNS, CDN, and security infrastructure. They are necessary for protecting the Site from abuse and are governed by Cloudflare's Privacy Policy, available at cloudflare.com/privacypolicy.
4. Cookies We Do Not Use
We want to be transparent about what we do not do:
- We do not use advertising or targeting cookies
- We do not use cookies to build behavioral profiles for advertising purposes
- We do not sell cookie data or share it with advertising networks
- We do not use cross-site tracking cookies that follow you across other websites
- We do not use fingerprinting techniques as a substitute for cookies
5. Third-Party Cookies
When you use our Site, certain third parties may set cookies on your device. We do not control these third-party cookies, and they are subject to the respective third party's privacy and cookie policies.
| Third Party | Purpose | Their Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | Security, CDN, bot management | cloudflare.com/privacypolicy |
| Google Analytics | Site analytics (if and when implemented) | policies.google.com/privacy |
| Vercel | Hosting and performance analytics | vercel.com/legal/privacy-policy |
6. Managing and Withdrawing Consent
You have several options for controlling cookies:
6.1 Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies, delete existing cookies, or be notified when cookies are being set. Here is how to access cookie settings in common browsers:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and Site Permissions → Manage and Delete Cookies and Site Data
Please note that blocking all cookies may prevent certain features of our Site from working correctly, including your ability to view a full report without re-entering your information.
6.2 Opt-Out Tools
Google Analytics: You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, available at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
Cloudflare: Security cookies set by Cloudflare are necessary for the Site to function and cannot be opted out of without using a different network connection or VPN.
6.3 Local Storage
To clear local storage data stored by our Site, you can use your browser's developer tools:
- Open developer tools (F12 or right-click → Inspect)
- Navigate to Application → Local Storage → newsusa.ai
- Delete individual keys or clear all local storage for this site
6.4 Do Not Track
Some browsers transmit a "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal. Our Site currently does not respond to DNT signals, as there is no universally accepted standard for what websites should do when receiving them. We will update this policy if an industry standard emerges.
7. Cookie Consent for European and UK Users
If you are accessing our Site from the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom, or another jurisdiction that requires prior informed consent for non-essential cookies, the following applies:
- Strictly necessary cookies (Section 3.1) are deployed without consent as they are required for the Site to function
- Functional and analytics cookies (Sections 3.2 and 3.3) require your consent before being set
- We will present a cookie consent banner on your first visit that allows you to accept or decline non-essential cookies
- Your consent is recorded and will be respected on subsequent visits for up to 12 months, after which you will be asked again
- You can withdraw your consent at any time by clearing your cookies and revisiting the Site, or by contacting us at rsmith@newsusa.com
Our legal basis for setting strictly necessary cookies is our legitimate interest in providing a functional and secure website. Our legal basis for setting analytics cookies, where consent is required, is your consent.
8. Cookie Retention Summary
| Category | Retention |
|---|---|
| Strictly necessary | Session to 30 days (see table in Section 3.1) |
| Functional / local storage | 7 days to persistent (see table in Section 3.2) |
| Analytics | Up to 2 years (Google Analytics) |
| Security (Cloudflare) | 30 minutes to 1 year (see table in Section 3.4) |
9. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use, changes in applicable law, or changes in our business practices. When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. If the changes are material, we will notify you by email or by displaying a notice on the Site.
We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.
10. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact:
Rick D. Smith, Founder
NewsUSA Inc.
1104 West Broad St. #1024
Falls Church, VA 22046
Email: rsmith@newsusa.com
Phone: +1 (703) 508-8700
Common questions about cookies on this site
Can I use the Site without accepting cookies?
Yes for most functionality, though some features, like keeping your dark/light theme preference or completing the audit lead form, rely on essential cookies described above. You can block or delete non-essential cookies through your browser settings without losing access to the Site’s core content.
Does NewsUSA use third-party advertising cookies?
The categories used on this Site are listed above, essential, analytics, and any functional cookies tied to features like the audit scheduler. Review the specific cookie table in this policy for the current list of first- and third-party cookies and their purposes.
Sources: FTC business guidance
