Cookie policy | EmpowerLocal
Last updated: February 28, 2026
This Cookie Policy explains how Empower Local, Inc. DBA "EmpowerLocal" ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on empowerlocal.com, localmedia.store, and any associated subdomains or applications (collectively, the "Platform"). This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which provides additional detail on how we collect and use your information.
2. How we use cookies
We use cookies on the Platform for the following purposes:
- To operate the Platform: Essential cookies enable core functionality such as page navigation, secure access, and session management. The Platform cannot function properly without these cookies.
- To remember your preferences: Functional cookies store your settings and choices so you don't have to re-enter them each time you visit.
- To understand how the Platform is used: Analytics cookies help us measure traffic, identify popular pages, and understand how visitors navigate the Platform so we can improve the user experience.
- To support advertising services: Because EmpowerLocal operates advertising infrastructure connecting publishers and advertisers, certain cookies are used to deliver, measure, and optimize advertising campaigns facilitated through our Platform.
3. Types of cookies we use
| Category | Purpose | Duration | Consent Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Required for the Platform to function. These enable page navigation, secure access, session management, and load balancing. | Session to 1 year | No — strictly necessary |
| Functional | Remember your settings and preferences such as language, region, display preferences, and form inputs so you don't need to re-enter them on return visits. | Up to 1 year | Yes |
| Analytics | Collect anonymized or aggregated data about how visitors use the Platform, including pages visited, time on site, bounce rates, and traffic sources. | Up to 2 years | Yes |
| Advertising | Used to deliver, measure, and optimize advertising campaigns. These may track browsing activity across sites to build interest profiles and deliver relevant ads. | Up to 2 years | Yes |
4. First-party and third-party cookies
4.1 First-party cookies
First-party cookies are set directly by EmpowerLocal when you visit our Platform. These are used for essential functionality, preferences, and our own analytics.
4.2 Third-party cookies
Third-party cookies are set by services other than EmpowerLocal. We work with the following categories of third-party providers that may place cookies on your device:
- Analytics providers — such as Google Analytics, to help us understand site usage
- Advertising and demand partners — to facilitate programmatic advertising, campaign measurement, and audience targeting for campaigns run through the EmpowerLocal Network
- Platform and hosting services — for security, performance, and content delivery
- Communication tools — such as chat, email, or form providers embedded on the Platform
These third parties have their own privacy and cookie policies. We encourage you to review those policies. EmpowerLocal does not control cookies set by third parties.
5. Cookies on publisher sites
As part of the EmpowerLocal Network, participating publisher websites may use EmpowerLocal tags, plugins, or JavaScript widgets that set cookies on visitors' devices. These cookies are used to deliver and measure advertising campaigns, validate traffic quality, and optimize ad performance.
Publishers participating in the EmpowerLocal Network are responsible for disclosing the use of these cookies in their own privacy and cookie policies and for obtaining any consents required under applicable law. For more information about how EmpowerLocal uses data in connection with publisher sites, please see our Privacy Policy.
6. Managing your cookie preferences
6.1 Cookie consent banner
When you first visit the Platform, you will see a cookie consent banner that allows you to accept or decline non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in the website footer.
6.2 Browser settings
Most web browsers allow you to manage cookies through their settings. You can typically:
- View what cookies are stored on your device
- Delete some or all cookies
- Block cookies from specific or all websites
- Set your browser to notify you when a cookie is being set
Please note that blocking or deleting cookies may affect the functionality of the Platform. Some features may not work as intended if essential cookies are disabled.
For more information about managing cookies in your browser:
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy
- Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies
- Edge: Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions
6.3 Opt-out of analytics
If we use Google Analytics, you can opt out by installing the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on, available at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
6.4 Advertising opt-outs
You can opt out of interest-based advertising from participating companies through the following industry programs:
- Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA): optout.aboutads.info
- Network Advertising Initiative (NAI): optout.networkadvertising.org
- European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance (EDAA): youronlinechoices.eu
Please note that opting out of interest-based advertising does not mean you will stop seeing ads. You will still see ads, but they may be less relevant to your interests.
7. Do Not Track signals
Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want your browsing activity tracked. There is currently no industry-wide standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. The Platform does not currently respond to DNT signals. If a standard is adopted in the future, we will update this policy accordingly.
8. Updates to this cookie policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use, changes in technology, or changes in applicable law. We will indicate the date of the most recent update at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
9. Contact us
If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us at:
Empower Local, Inc.
123 SE Parkway Ct, Ste 110
Franklin, TN 37064