Cookies

The short version: Forwrd uses a small number of strictly necessary cookies to keep you signed in and to remember your language. Advertising cookies are set by Google AdSense when ads are displayed. On EU/EEA visits we ask for your consent before loading non-essential cookies.

1. What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files that a website stores on your device. They let the site remember things like whether you are signed in or which language you prefer. "Similar technologies" — such as localStorage, sessionStorage, and pixel tags — work in the same way for the purposes of this policy.

2. Categories of cookies we use

Strictly necessary

• Authentication. When you sign in, our authentication provider stores a session token in your browser so you stay signed in.
• Language preference. We remember the language you selected so the next page loads in the same language.
• Security. Our hosting and security provider may set short-lived cookies to detect abusive traffic and protect the Service.

These cookies cannot be disabled through a banner because the Service does not work properly without them. You can still delete them in your browser at any time.

Advertising

• Google AdSense and partners. When ads are displayed — for example on the brief interstitial page that precedes a redirect on free and Tracker-plan short links — Google and its ad partners may set cookies to measure ad performance and to show ads, including personalized ads.

On EU/EEA visits these cookies are loaded only after you indicate consent via the cookie banner. adssettings.google.com.

Analytics

We currently use only first-party server-side counters for traffic measurement. If we add a third-party analytics tool in the future, we will update this page and, where required, ask for your consent before loading it.

3. Pro accounts & ad-free links

Pro accounts can disable the interstitial ad page for short links they own. When the interstitial is disabled, the advertising cookies described above are not set as part of the redirect. Ads may still appear elsewhere on the Service.

4. Managing cookies

• Most browsers let you block or delete cookies in their settings. Doing so may sign you out and reset your language preference.
• On EU/EEA visits, you can withdraw or change your cookie consent at any time by clearing site cookies and reloading the page; the consent banner will reappear.
• Opt out of personalized Google ads: adssettings.google.com.

5. Changes

If we materially change the cookies we use, the "Effective date" above will change. See also our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

6. Contact

Questions? Email privacy@forwrd.us. Forwrd is operated from Beaufort, South Carolina, United States of America.