This Widow Singles cookie policy explains what cookies are, which kinds dating website cookies can include, and how you can control them. We have written it in everyday language, because you should be able to understand what happens on your device without a technical background.
Cookies at a Glance
- Cookies are small files or similar technologies that help a website or app work and remember your choices.
- Essential cookies keep sign-in and security working and cannot be switched off in our settings.
- Analytics and advertising cookies are optional, and where the law requires it we rely on your consent.
- You can change your mind at any time through cookie settings, your browser or your device.
- For how we handle personal information more broadly, see our Privacy Policy.
What Cookies Are
Cookies are small text files that a website places on your browser or device when you visit. They let a site recognize your device, remember your preferences and keep you signed in while you move between pages.
Similar technologies do the same kind of job. These include local storage in your browser, small image files called pixels, and software development kits (SDKs) that can run inside a mobile app. In this policy, we use the word “cookies” to cover all of them, whether you use the Widow Singles website or the mobile app.
Types of Cookies Widow Singles May Use
Cookies are usually described in two ways. First-party cookies are set by Widow Singles, while third-party cookies are set by another company. Session cookies disappear when you close your browser, while persistent cookies stay for a set period. The table below sums up the categories we may use.
| Category | Purpose | Typical type | Can you turn it off? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Sign-in, security, keeping you logged in and remembering your cookie choices. | First-party, session or persistent | Not in our settings. Blocking them in your browser may stop sign-in from working. |
| Analytics | Understanding how visitors use pages so we can improve the site and app. | First-party or third-party, usually persistent | Yes. Optional, and based on consent where required. |
| Advertising | Measuring ads and, if used, showing more relevant ones. | Often third-party, persistent | Yes. You can opt out through settings, your browser or your device. |
| Service provider | Features supplied by outside companies that support our website or app. | Third-party, session or persistent | Often yes, through your browser or device controls. |
Essential Cookies
Essential cookies are the ones the site needs in order to function. They let you sign in, keep your session secure, protect against misuse and remember the cookie choices you have made, so we do not keep asking.
Because the website and app cannot work properly without them, you cannot switch essential cookies off in our settings. You can still block them in your browser, but sign-in, profile pages and messaging may stop working as a result. They do not exist to track you for advertising.
Analytics Cookies
Analytics cookies may help us understand how visitors use our pages, such as which sections are read most and where people get stuck. We would use that general picture to make Widow Singles clearer and easier to use.
These cookies are optional. Where the law requires your consent, we will ask before using them, and we will not treat your silence as agreement. You can decline them without losing access to the website or app.
Advertising Cookies
If we use advertising cookies, they may help us measure how well our own ads perform or show you ads that are more relevant to your interests. Some of this activity is known as cross-context behavioral advertising, which means using information about your activity on one site to shape ads on another.
This type of activity may count as “sharing” personal information under some state privacy laws. Where that applies, you have the right to opt out. You can do so through any cookie settings we provide, through your browser or device controls, or by using a universal opt-out signal, as described below.
Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies may be set by service providers or partners that help us run Widow Singles, such as companies that support analytics, advertising or technical features. These companies set and manage their own cookies under their own privacy policies.
We do not control how those cookies are used once they are set, so we encourage you to review the policies of any provider you interact with. Our Privacy Policy explains more about how we work with third-party services.
How to Turn Off Cookies on a Dating Website
You can turn off most cookies on a dating website in three ways: use the cookie settings on the site if they are offered, change the settings in your browser, or adjust the advertising controls on your phone or tablet. Blocking essential cookies may prevent you from signing in.
In your web browser
Menu names change from time to time, but the steps are similar everywhere. Open your browser’s settings and look for a privacy or security section.
- Chrome: Settings, then Privacy and security, then Third-party cookies or Cookies and other site data.
- Safari: Settings or Preferences, then Privacy, where you can limit cross-site tracking or block cookies.
- Firefox: Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Enhanced Tracking Protection and cookie options.
- Edge: Settings, then Cookies and site permissions, then Manage and delete cookies and site data.
You can also delete cookies that are already stored, which signs you out of most sites.
On your phone or tablet
On iPhone and iPad, open Settings and look under Privacy & Security for tracking and Apple advertising options. On Android, open Settings and look under Privacy or Google for ads controls, where you can reset or delete your advertising ID. If you use a browser app on your device, its own cookie settings apply as well.
Good to know: If you block every cookie, parts of Widow Singles may not work. Turning off only analytics and advertising cookies usually leaves the site fully usable.
Consent and Changing Your Mind
Where the law requires it, we rely on your consent for non-essential cookies, meaning analytics and advertising. You choose what to allow, and declining should not stop you from using the core parts of Widow Singles.
You can withdraw consent at any time. Use any cookie settings we make available on the website or app, or clear and block cookies in your browser or device. Withdrawing consent does not affect anything we did with your information before you changed your choice.
Browser Opt-Out Signals
Some browsers and extensions can send a universal opt-out signal, such as Global Privacy Control (GPC). It tells every site you visit that you do not want your personal information sold or shared for advertising, so you do not have to set it site by site.
Whether a business must honor these signals depends on applicable state law. Some states require it, and others do not expressly address it. Widow Singles will treat these signals as the law requires. Where we offer a separate opt-out option, it stays available whether or not you use a signal.
Updates to This Cookie Policy
We review this policy from time to time, since our website, our app and the law can change. When we make changes, we update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. If a change is significant, we will take reasonable steps to let you know. Please check back occasionally, especially before you sign up.
Cookie Questions
If you have a question about this policy or your cookie choices, please use the support options available on the Widow Singles website and in the app. You can also read our Privacy Policy for details on personal information, and our Terms & Conditions for the rules of using the service.
Ready to meet someone new? You can come back to this page whenever you like.