Cookie Policy

Last updated: June 8, 2026 · Plain English. No dark patterns.
The short version. Helm uses cookies only for things that make the Service work: keeping you signed in, remembering your settings, and keeping you safe from bots. We do not use cookies for advertising, behavioral tracking across other sites, or selling data.

1. What is a cookie?

A cookie is a small text file a website saves on your device so it can remember things about you between visits. Similar technologies include local storage, session storage, and pixel tags. This policy uses “cookies” to refer to all of them.

2. What we use cookies for

Essential (always on)

NamePurposeExpires
helm_access_tokenKeeps you signed in after you log in.15 minutes (rolling)
helm_refresh_tokenLets us issue a new access token without you logging in again.30 days
helm_session_userStores your basic profile (handle, display name) for fast page loads.30 days
helm_csrfProtects against cross site request forgery.Session
helm_cookie_consentRemembers your cookie banner choice so we don’t ask again.1 year

Preferences (optional, on by default)

NamePurposeExpires
helm_themeRemembers your light or dark mode choice.1 year
helm_feed_tabRemembers which feed tab you last opened.30 days
helm_langRemembers your language preference.1 year

Analytics (optional, you can opt out)

Helm runs first party analytics to understand which features work and which don’t. We do not share this data with third parties.

NamePurposeExpires
helm_visit_idAnonymous identifier for one browsing session.Session
helm_first_seenLets us measure how many days since you first signed up.2 years

What we do not use

3. Your choices

When you first visit Helm we show a cookie banner with three options:

You can change your choice anytime in Settings > Privacy. You can also clear all cookies from your browser settings, but you will be logged out and asked to choose again.

4. Third party cookies

The only third party cookies that may be set on Helm are from optional integrations you choose to enable, such as connecting another social platform for cross posting. We do not embed third party advertising trackers, social share buttons that track you, or content delivery networks that personally identify you.

5. Do Not Track and Global Privacy Control

We honor the Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal from your browser as a request to opt out of any sale or sharing of personal information. As noted in our Privacy Policy, we do not sell personal information regardless of GPC.

6. Updates

If we add a new cookie we will update this page and, where required by law, re-prompt you in the cookie banner. Material changes will be announced at least 30 days in advance.

7. Contact

Helm Social, Inc.
Privacy: privacy@helmsocial.app