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Cookie Policy

Last updated: July 9, 2026 (cookies do not expire, but this policy might)

THIS COOKIE POLICY EXPLAINS WHAT COOKIES ARE, HOW ERLC.FM USES THEM, WHAT TYPES OF COOKIES WE USE, HOW YOU CAN CONTROL AND MANAGE YOUR COOKIE PREFERENCES, AND THE VARIOUS TECHNICAL MECHANISMS BY WHICH INFORMATION IS STORED ON OR RETRIEVED FROM YOUR DEVICE WHEN YOU ACCESS THE SERVICE. BY USING THE SERVICE, YOU CONSENT TO THE USE OF COOKIES AND SIMILAR TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS POLICY. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE USE OF COOKIES AS DESCRIBED HEREIN, YOU SHOULD ADJUST YOUR BROWSER SETTINGS ACCORDINGLY OR DISCONTINUE USE OF THE SERVICE, FULLY AWARE THAT CERTAIN FUNCTIONALITIES MAY NOT WORK AS INTENDED WITHOUT COOKIES.

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE AND A GENERAL EXPLANATION OF WHY YOU ARE READING ABOUT SMALL TEXT FILES ON A RADIO STATION WEBSITE

1.1 Purpose of This Policy

This Cookie Policy (the “Cookie Policy”) provides you with clear and comprehensive information about the cookies, web beacons, tracking pixels, local storage objects, session storage objects, IndexedDB databases, service worker caches, and other similar technologies (collectively, “Cookies” or “Tracking Technologies”) used by the Service, the purposes for which they are used, the duration of their operation, the third parties that may set Cookies through the Service, and the choices you have regarding the use of Cookies. This Cookie Policy forms part of and is incorporated into the Privacy Policy and the Terms of Service.

1.2 Changes to This Policy

The Operators reserve the right to modify, amend, supplement, restate, recast, revise, replace, supersede, update, change, alter, edit, correct, clarify, or otherwise change this Cookie Policy at any time, in whole or in part, for any reason or no reason, with or without notice, in the Operators' sole and absolute discretion. Such modifications shall be effective immediately upon posting the modified policy on the Service or upon such other date as may be specified by the Operators. The Operators may, but are not obligated to, provide notice of material modifications to this Policy through the Service, via the Discord server, or through other communication channels.

SECTION 2. WHAT ARE COOKIES AND OTHER TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES AND THE TECHNICAL DETAILS OF HOW THESE SMALL TEXT FILES ACTUALLY WORK

2.1 Definition of Cookies

Cookies are small text files, typically consisting of letters and numbers, that are stored on your computer, tablet, smartphone, or other device (collectively, a “Device”) by your web browser when you visit a website or use an online service. Cookies are created by the website you are visiting (called “first-party cookies”) or by third-party services embedded in the website (called “third-party cookies”). Cookies allow the website to remember your actions, preferences, and settings over a period of time, so that you do not have to re-enter them each time you return to the website or navigate from one page to another. Cookies may also be used to track your browsing activity across different websites and over time.

2.2 Technical Characteristics of Cookies

Cookies have the following technical characteristics:

  • Size: Cookies are typically limited in size to approximately 4KB per cookie, although the exact limit may vary by browser and by individual cookie specifications.
  • Composition: A cookie typically contains: (a) the name of the server that set the cookie; (b) an expiration date or duration; (c) a value or identifier, which may be a randomly generated string, a user identifier, a session identifier, or other data; and (d) security flags, such as the Secure flag (indicating that the cookie should only be transmitted over HTTPS), the HttpOnly flag (indicating that the cookie should not be accessible to JavaScript), and the SameSite flag (indicating whether the cookie should be sent in cross-site requests).
  • Storage Location: Cookies are stored in your browser's cookie store, which is typically a dedicated database or file on your Device's storage. The specific location and format of the cookie store vary by browser and operating system.
  • Accessibility: Cookies can be accessed by the website that set them (first-party cookies) and, in some cases, by other websites that belong to the same domain or advertising network (third-party cookies). Cookies with the HttpOnly flag cannot be accessed by JavaScript running on the page, providing a degree of protection against cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

2.3 Types of Cookies by Duration

Cookies can be categorized by their duration or lifespan:

  • Session Cookies: Also known as transient cookies, session cookies are temporary cookies that are stored in your browser's memory only for the duration of your browsing session. Session cookies are typically deleted when you close your browser or when your session expires due to inactivity. Session cookies do not have a specific expiration date and are destroyed at the end of the browsing session.
  • Persistent Cookies: Also known as permanent or stored cookies, persistent cookies remain on your Device after you close your browser and persist across multiple browsing sessions. Persistent cookies have a specific expiration date or duration (e.g., 30 days, 1 year, or 2 years) and will remain on your Device until they expire or until you manually delete them through your browser settings. Persistent cookies are used to remember your preferences, settings, and actions across multiple visits to a website.

2.4 Types of Cookies by Source

  • First-Party Cookies: These cookies are set directly by the Service (specifically, by the domain you are visiting). First-party cookies are used to remember your preferences and settings on the Service and to provide essential functionality.
  • Third-Party Cookies: These cookies are set by domains other than the Service, typically by third-party services embedded in the Service, such as YouTube embedded players, analytics services, or social media widgets. Third-party cookies may be used to track your browsing activity across different websites that use the same third-party service.

2.5 Note on the Service's Approach to Tracking Technologies

The Service itself does not use web storage, IndexedDB, service worker caches, web beacons, tracking pixels, device fingerprinting, or any other client-side tracking technology. The Operators have deliberately chosen a privacy-respecting approach that minimizes data collection. The only potential tracking technologies on the Service are those set by third-party embedded content, as described in Section 3.3 of this Policy.

SECTION 3. COOKIES USED BY THE SERVICE AND THE EXHAUSTIVE AND TRANSPARENT LISTING OF EVERY SINGLE COOKIE WE USE, GROUPED BY CATEGORY, WITH METICULOUS ATTENTION TO DETAIL

3.1 Essential and Functional Cookies

The Service does not set any first-party essential or functional cookies. All user preferences (such as audio player volume and mute state) are maintained in-memory during your browsing session and are not persisted to your device after you close your browser. The Service does not require cookies to function, and no core functionality depends on the placement of cookies. NextAuth.js (used for admin authentication only) may set a session cookie if you log in as an administrator, but this is limited to authenticated admin sessions only.

3.2 Analytical and Performance Cookies

The Service does not set any analytical or performance cookies. The Operators do not use Google Analytics, Vercel Analytics, or any other third-party analytics service that would set cookies on your device. The Service's usage is monitored only through standard server-side request logs, which do not rely on cookies or any form of client-side tracking. Google Search Console may be used to monitor the Service's presence in search results, but this does not involve setting cookies on the Service itself.

3.3 Third-Party Embedded Cookies

The Service embeds content, widgets, and players from third-party platforms, which may set their own cookies on your Device when you interact with such embedded content. The Operators do not control the placement of these cookies and recommend that you review the cookie policies of the respective third parties for more information about their cookie practices.

  • YouTube Embedded Player Cookies: The Service uses the YouTube Embedded Player (via the YouTube IFrame API) to stream audio content. When you interact with the YouTube Embedded Player, YouTube may set cookies on your Device for various purposes, including but not limited to: tracking video performance and view counts; remembering your playback preferences (such as quality settings); serving advertisements (if you are logged into your Google account); and collecting analytics data about your interaction with the player. YouTube's cookie practices are governed by Google's Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, which are available at https://policies.google.com/technologies/cookies. The Operators have no control over which cookies YouTube sets, how long they persist, or how they are used. You can avoid YouTube cookies by not interacting with the embedded player, though this will prevent the Service from functioning as intended.

SECTION 4. PURPOSES OF COOKIE USAGE AND THE LEGITIMATE INTERESTS AND CONTRACTUAL NECESSITIES THAT JUSTIFY OUR USE OF TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

4.1 Essential Purposes

The Operators use Cookies for the following essential purposes, each of which is necessary for the provision of the Service to you:

  • To enable the core functionality of the audio player, including volume control, playback state, and stream connectivity;
  • To maintain your session state as you navigate the Service;
  • To authenticate Users who access restricted or administrative areas of the Service;
  • To protect the security and integrity of the Service and to prevent fraudulent, abusive, or unauthorized activity;
  • To remember your preferences and settings across sessions.

4.2 Non-Essential Purposes

The Operators also use Cookies for the following non-essential purposes, which are based on your consent (where required by applicable law) or on the Operators' legitimate interests:

  • To analyze how Users interact with the Service and to identify usage patterns, trends, and areas for improvement;
  • To measure the effectiveness of the Service and to optimize its performance, reliability, and user experience;
  • To understand which features are most popular and which may need improvement or reconsideration;
  • To assist with debugging, troubleshooting, and resolving technical issues;
  • To generate aggregated, anonymized statistical reports about the usage of the Service.

SECTION 5. CONSENT AND YOUR CHOICES AND THE VARIOUS WAYS IN WHICH YOU CAN EXERCISE CONTROL OVER THE COOKIES STORED ON YOUR DEVICE, INCLUDING DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR DIFFERENT BROWSERS AND PLATFORMS

5.1 Consent to Non-Essential Cookies

Where required by applicable law (including but not limited to the European Union's ePrivacy Directive and the General Data Protection Regulation), the Operators will obtain your consent prior to placing any non-essential cookies on your Device. Consent is obtained through a cookie consent banner or similar mechanism that is displayed when you first access the Service. The cookie consent banner provides you with information about the categories of cookies used and allows you to accept all cookies, reject all non-essential cookies, or customize your preferences on a per-category basis. You may change your cookie preferences at any time through the cookie preferences tool available on the Service.

5.2 Browser Settings

Most web browsers are initially configured to accept cookies automatically. However, you have the ability to control the use of cookies by adjusting your browser settings. You can typically configure your browser to:

  • Accept all cookies;
  • Reject all cookies;
  • Notify you when a cookie is being set, allowing you to decide whether to accept it on a case-by-case basis;
  • Block third-party cookies;
  • Delete cookies manually or automatically when you close your browser;
  • Manage exceptions for specific websites or domains;
  • Set cookie expiration preferences.

The specific steps for managing cookie settings vary by browser. Below are links to the cookie management instructions for the most common browsers:

  • Google Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
  • Mozilla Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enable-and-disable-cookies-website-preferences
  • Apple Safari: https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/manage-cookies-and-website-data-sfri11471/mac
  • Microsoft Edge: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/delete-cookies-in-microsoft-edge-63947406-40ac-c3b8-57b9-2a946a29ae09
  • Opera: https://help.opera.com/en/latest/web-preferences/
  • Brave: https://support.brave.com/hc/en-us/articles/360022806212-How-do-I-manage-cookies-in-Brave-

Please note that if you choose to disable or reject cookies, some parts of the Service (including but not limited to the audio player, the music request system, the voting system, and persistent user preferences) may not function correctly or may not function at all. The Operators are not responsible for any loss of functionality or degraded user experience resulting from your decision to disable or reject cookies.

5.3 Opting Out of Analytics Cookies

In addition to the general cookie management controls available through your browser settings, you may be able to opt out of specific analytics cookies through the following mechanisms:

  • Google Analytics Opt-Out: You may opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-On, available at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout. This add-on prevents the Google Analytics JavaScript code running on websites from sharing information with Google Analytics about your visit.
  • Your Online Choices: For more information about interest-based advertising and your choices regarding third-party tracking cookies, please visit http://www.youronlinechoices.com/.
  • Network Advertising Initiative: For more information about opting out of interest-based advertising from participating networks, please visit http://optout.networkadvertising.org/.

5.4 Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers and browser extensions support the “Do Not Track” (DNT) signal, which sends a request to websites that you do not want your online activities tracked. Currently, there is no universally accepted standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals, and the Service does not currently respond to DNT signals. However, the Operators may choose to honor DNT signals in the future if a standard is adopted and implemented. In the meantime, you may use the other cookie management controls described in this Section to exercise control over the use of cookies on the Service.

SECTION 6. COOKIE RETENTION AND THE DURATION FOR WHICH COOKIES REMAIN ON YOUR DEVICE BEFORE EXPIRING OR BEING DELETED

6.1 Cookie Durations

The duration for which a cookie remains on your Device varies depending on the type and purpose of the cookie. Session cookies are typically deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies remain on your Device for the duration specified in the cookie itself, which may range from a few minutes to several years. The specific durations for the cookies used by the Service are indicated in Section 3 of this Policy where applicable. The Operators make reasonable efforts to ensure that cookie durations are no longer than necessary to achieve the purpose for which the cookie was set.

6.2 Renewal of Cookies

When you revisit the Service, the expiration date of certain persistent cookies may be renewed (reset to a new future date) to ensure that your preferences and settings continue to be remembered. This renewal occurs automatically when you interact with the Service and the cookie is updated. You may prevent the renewal of cookies by deleting them through your browser settings or by utilizing the cookie preferences tool available on the Service.

SECTION 7. THIRD-PARTY COOKIE PRACTICES AND THE LIMITATION OF THE OPERATORS' RESPONSIBILITY REGARDING COOKIES SET BY THIRD-PARTY SERVICES EMBEDDED IN THE SERVICE

7.1 Third-Party Cookie Usage

As described in Section 3.3 of this Policy, the Service embeds content and features from third-party platforms that may set their own cookies on your Device. The Operators have no control over: (a) the types of cookies set by these third parties; (b) the purposes for which these cookies are used; (c) the duration of these cookies; (d) the data collected through these cookies; (e) the processing of such data by the third parties; or (f) the disclosure, sharing, or sale of such data by the third parties. The Operators encourage you to review the cookie policies and privacy policies of any third-party services whose cookies may be set when you use the Service.

7.2 Limitation of Liability

THE OPERATORS HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, RESPONSIBILITY, OBLIGATION, OR DUTY WHATSOEVER ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THE COOKIE PRACTICES OF ANY THIRD-PARTY SERVICE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE SETTING, READING, STORAGE, PROCESSING, TRANSMISSION, DISCLOSURE, OR USE OF ANY COOKIE BY SUCH THIRD PARTY. YOU INTERACT WITH THIRD-PARTY SERVICES AND THEIR COOKIES ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

SECTION 8. CONTACT INFORMATION AND HOW TO REACH THE OPERATORS WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS COOKIE POLICY OR YOUR COOKIE PREFERENCES

8.1 Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, comments, requests, complaints, grievances, feedback, suggestions, ideas, or any other communications regarding this Cookie Policy, the cookies used by the Service, your cookie preferences, or any related matter, please contact the Operators through the official Discord server, accessible at https://fm.erlc.dev/discord. The Operators will make reasonable efforts to respond to your inquiry within a reasonable timeframe but make no commitment to respond within any particular period or at all.

This Cookie Policy was written with the understanding that cookies are a ubiquitous but poorly understood aspect of the modern web. The Operators believe in transparency and want you to understand exactly what data is being stored on your Device when you use the Service. That said, the Operators also recognize that cookie policies are perhaps the most universally ignored legal documents on the internet, and they appreciate you taking the time to read this one. If you have made it this far, you are now contractually obligated to take a small break, maybe get a glass of water, and appreciate the simple fact that you have read an entire cookie policy. You are a true internet legend. Wear that badge with pride.