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Cookie Policy

Here’s how and why Gishty uses cookies on Gishty's site.

Effective date: 21 December 2025

This Cookie Policy explains how Gishty uses cookies and similar technologies on Gishty's website, as provided by Sham Jaff (“Gishty,” or “Sham”).

By subscribing to Gishty's newsletters, you agree to this Cookie Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use Gishty's services.

See also:

1. Who Gishty Is

Gishty is operated by Sham Jaff, a freelance journalist (Freiberuflerin) in Germany.

The data controller responsible under Article 4(7) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is Sham Jaff.

You can contact Sham Jaff at [email protected] or at Holsteinische Strasse 38, 12161 Berlin, Germany.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They can help do things like recognize your browser, remember preferences and deliver personalized experiences.

Cookies can be:

  • Session cookies (deleted when you close your browser)
  • Persistent cookies (stored for a set duration or until deleted)
  • First-party cookies (set by Gishty directly)
  • Third-party cookies (set by service providers like Mailchimp or PayPal)
What's the tl;dr?
Cookies are small data files that help websites work better and remember who you are.
How this impacts you
Some cookies make the site functional; others help Gishty make Gishty easier to use. You have control over them.

3. Why Gishty Uses Cookies

Gishty uses cookies and related technologies to ensure users can log in, access VIP issues, update their email notification settings, upgrade their account, downgrade their account, share issues with others, etc.

Gishty does not use cookies to make automated decisions or profile users.

What's the tl;dr?
Gishty uses cookies because it's a requirement for Gishty's log-in system.
How this impacts you
You don't need to worry about Gishty using cookies to track you or sell your data.

4. Types of Cookies Gishty Uses

Below is an outline of the categories of cookies Gishty uses.

  • Essential: Required for the site to function (e.g. logging in, signing up, etc).
  • Non-essential: Supports features including (but not limited to) keeping you logged in after you restart your browser.
What's the tl;dr?
By default, Gishty only uses cookies that are required for Gishty to work. Any other cookies used required your permission.
How this impacts you
Same as above: you don't need to worry about Gishty using cookies to track you or sell your data.

5. How Gishty Obtains Your Consent

Under the GDPR, PECR, and ePrivacy Directive, Gishty must obtain your explicit consent before setting non-essential cookies.

When Gishty would like to set a non-essential cookie, Gishty will ask you for your permission. Gishty does this instead of a broad "cookie banner" to ensure that the only cookies set are the ones you would like to use.

Non-essential cookies are stored for up to 30 days, after which Gishty may ask you again to confirm consent.

What's the tl;dr?
Gishty will not store any non-essential cookies unless you give Gishty explicit permission to do so.
How this impacts you
You control what cookies Gishty uses beyond the ones strictly needed to make the site function.

6. Cookie Details

Below we've listed out the cookies Gishty uses along with a description of it's intended value.

  • Name: client:state:cacheBypass
    GDPR Essential: Yes
    Requires permission: No
    Description: Addresses caching issues and ensures non-stale content is loaded.
     
  • Name: client:state:cookieBannerShown
    GDPR Essential: Yes
    Requires permission: No
    Description: Tracks whether the cookie banner has been shown or not.
     
  • Name: client:state:cookieBannerShownTimestamp
    GDPR Essential: Yes
    Requires permission: No
    Description: Tracks when the cookie banner was shown.
     
  • Name: client:state:upgradeEmailAddress
    GDPR Essential: Yes
    Requires permission: No
    Description: Confirms the email address that should be upgraded during an upgrade flow.
     
  • Name: client:state:persistentSessions
    GDPR Essential: No
    Requires permission: Yes
    Description: Tracks whether the user's session is set to persist (for up to 30-days).
     
  • Name: client:state:persistentSessionsPermissionGranted
    GDPR Essential: No
    Requires permission: Yes
    Description: Tracks whether the user has allowed for their "logged in" session to persist (up to 30-days).
     
  • Name: client:state:persistentSessionsPermissionGrantedTimestamp
    GDPR Essential: No
    Requires permission: Yes
    Description: Tracks when the user granted permission for their "logged in" session to persist (for up to 30-days).
     
  • Name: server:token:publicId
    GDPR Essential: Yes
    Requires permission: no
    Description: Stores a secure, universally unique identifier to facilitate a "logged in" session.
What's the tl;dr?
Gishty will always list the exact cookies Gishty stores, why Gishty stores them, and if they're non-essential, Gishty will ask you for your permission first.
How this impacts you
This gives you clarity into what we're doing and why we're doing it, which helps you trust Gishty's intentions.

7. How to Manage or Delete Cookies

You can manage your cookie preferences at any time through:

  • Your browser settings (where you can block, delete, or restrict cookies).

Note: Disabling certain cookies may affect functionality or prevent access to specific site features.

For more information on how to control cookies, visit:

What's the tl;dr?
You can change your cookie choices whenever you like.
How this impacts you
If you turn off certain cookies, some parts of the site might not work perfectly — but the choice is always yours.

8. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are placed by third-party providers whose services Gishty uses. Examples may include:

  • Payment processors (e.g. PayPal)
  • Email tools (e.g. Mailchimp)
  • Social media embeds or sharing buttons

Gishty has no control over how these third parties use data collected via their cookies. Please review their respective privacy policies for details.

What's the tl;dr?
Other services Gishty uses — payment processors — may set their own cookies.
How this impacts you
Gishty chooses partners carefully, but you can read their policies if you want full details on how they handle data.

9. Data Transfers and Retention

If cookie-related data is transferred outside your Germany, Gishty ensures compliance with GDPR, PIPEDA, and other applicable laws through standard contractual clauses or equivalent safeguards.

Gishty retains cookie data only as long as necessary for its stated purpose, after which it is deleted or anonymized.

What's the tl;dr?
Some tools store information abroad — but only where it’s safe and legal to do so.
How this impacts you
Your cookie data gets the same protection, no matter where it’s processed.

10. Updates to This Cookie Policy

Gishty may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in technology, law, or Gishty's practices. The revised version will be published on this page with an updated effective date. Material changes will be clearly communicated 4-weeks prior to taking effect.

What's the tl;dr?
Cookies and regulations change — Gishty will keep this page up to date.
How this impacts you
You’ll always know how Gishty uses cookies and when something changes.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding Gishty's cookie practices, please contact Gishty at: [email protected].