How we use cookies and tracking technologies
Cookie Policy
Last updated: November 8, 2025
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit DebateGenius. They help us remember your preferences, keep you signed in, and understand how you interact with the platform so we can deliver the best experience.
2. How We Use Cookies
We currently use cookies only for essential functionality that is strictly necessary for DebateGenius to work:
- Keeping you signed in and securely authenticated
- Protecting against cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks
- Authorizing access to video streaming content
- Managing staff administrative sessions (internal use only)
We do not currently use analytics, marketing, or non-essential tracking cookies. If we add these in the future, we will implement a cookie consent banner and update this policy.
3. Essential Cookies We Use
All cookies we use are essential for the platform to function. Under GDPR and ePrivacy regulations, essential cookies do not require consent. Here's a complete list:
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Retention | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| session | Maintains your login session after authenticating with Cognito | Up to 7 days | HttpOnly, Secure |
| csrf-token | Protects against cross-site request forgery attacks on monetary and form operations | 30 minutes (renewed on each request) | Secure |
| admin_session | Staff authentication for internal administrative tools | 30 minutes | HttpOnly, Secure (Staff only) |
| admin_session_refresh | Allows staff session renewal without re-authentication | Up to 7 days | HttpOnly, Secure (Staff only) |
| admin_csrf_token | CSRF protection for staff administrative operations | 30 minutes | Secure (Staff only) |
| CloudFront-Policy | Authorizes access to video streaming content (HLS previews and exports) | Up to 2 hours | Secure, temporary |
| CloudFront-Signature | Digital signature for video streaming authorization | Up to 2 hours | Secure, temporary |
| CloudFront-Key-Pair-Id | Identifies the signing key for video streaming authorization | Up to 2 hours | Secure, temporary |
Note on HttpOnly cookies: Cookies marked “HttpOnly” cannot be accessed by JavaScript, providing additional protection against cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. All cookies marked “Secure” are only transmitted over HTTPS connections.
4. Third-Party Services
We use trusted third-party services that may set their own cookies. These providers have their own privacy policies:
Stripe
Secure payment processing for deposits and billing. Stripe may set cookies during checkout flows.
View privacy policyAmazon CloudFront
Content delivery network for video streaming. Uses signed cookies (listed above) to authorize access.
View privacy policy5. Managing Cookies
Since we only use essential cookies, we do not display a cookie consent banner. However, you can still control cookies through your browser:
- Change browser settings to view, block, or delete cookies
- Use private browsing modes to prevent cookie storage
- Clear cookies manually through your browser's privacy settings
Important: Blocking or deleting essential cookies will prevent you from logging in and using DebateGenius. If you block cookies, you will not be able to access authenticated features like creating debates, managing your wallet, or viewing your profile.
If we add optional analytics or marketing cookies in the future, we will implement a cookie consent banner that allows you to opt in or out of non-essential cookies.
6. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect new cookies or regulatory requirements. We will update this page with the latest information and notify you of significant changes via email or in-product messages.
7. Contact
Questions about cookies or your data preferences? Reach out and our team will help.
Email us at privacy@debategenius.com.
Need a copy of our data protection agreements or custom cookie settings? Our team can support enterprise compliance workflows.