Privacy
Cookies and device storage
Last updated: 20 October 2026
In The Loop does not use advertising cookies or third-party analytics. The small files and device storage below are used to make features you choose work.
Cookies we use
| Name | Purpose | How long |
|---|---|---|
itl_session | Keeps a signed-in member securely connected to their account. The browser holds a random token; the database holds only its hash. | Up to 30 days, or until you log out. |
itl_voice | Helps prevent the same browser voting repeatedly in Your Voice. It is not used to follow you around the site or identify an unsigned visitor by name. | Up to one year. |
These cookies are strictly necessary for the service requested: account sign-in and trustworthy poll participation. That is why the site does not show a consent banner. If optional analytics or marketing cookies are added later, they must stay off until a visitor has made a clear choice.
Things saved only on your device
Your browser may save unfinished form or message drafts, chat colours, Playroom choices, editing preferences and whether a small help prompt has already been dismissed. This information stays in that browser and is not sent to In The Loop merely because it was saved. You can remove it by clearing this site's browser storage.
Maps
The Local finds map loads tiles from OpenStreetMap. Like any web request, that provider receives ordinary connection information such as an IP address and browser details. Place searches are sent through In The Loop's server to OpenStreetMap's Nominatim service.
Optional video
YouTube and Vimeo players are not loaded until you choose to play a video. If you do, your browser connects to that provider and its own storage and privacy terms may apply. We use YouTube's privacy-enhanced player and Vimeo's do-not-track setting where supported.
Your choices
You can block or delete cookies in your browser, but blocking the sign-in cookie means member areas will not work and deleting the vote-protection cookie may cause a poll to forget that the browser has already answered. For questions, send a privacy request.