Cookie Policy
Last updated: 9 August 2026
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device by your web browser. They are widely used to make websites work, remember your preferences, and understand how services are used. Local storage works similarly and is used for the same purposes.
How we use cookies
First Night uses cookies and local storage for essential functionality and, with your consent, basic analytics. Essential items are always used to keep the site working; analytics cookies are only set if you choose “Accept” in the cookie banner. We do not use advertising cookies or social media tracking pixels.
What we store
| Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| fn_token | Keeps you signed in to your account. Set by our server and readable only by it, never by scripts running in the page (cookie) | 30 days, or until you sign out |
| firstnight-theme | Remembers your chosen colour theme | Persistent |
| fn_cookie_consent | Remembers whether you accepted or declined analytics cookies | Persistent |
| pendingLog | Holds a log you started while signed out, so it isn't lost when you sign in | Until the log is saved or discarded |
Apart from fn_token, which is a genuine HTTP cookie, the items above are stored in your browser's local storage. Editors signed in to our admin tools also have a few admin-section: entries that remember which panels they left open.
Analytics
With your consent, we use PostHog (a product-analytics platform hosted in the European Union) to understand how people use First Night, for example which pages are visited and how new users progress through key actions. Analytics are only enabled after you choose “Accept” in the cookie banner; if you decline, no analytics cookies are set. PostHog sets its own first-party storage:
| Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| ph_* | Measures repeat visits and product usage (PostHog) | Up to 12 months |
PostHog analytics are limited to a fixed set of named events and, for signed-in users, an account ID. We never send your name, email, notes, or review text, and we do not use autocapture or session recording.
Error monitoring
We use Sentry to tell us when something breaks. It is not analytics and it sets no cookie, but it does run whether or not you accept analytics cookies, because we need it to keep the site working. When an error occurs it records technical detail about the failure, which can include your IP address, browser, and the page you were on. It does not track you between pages or build a profile of your browsing.
Changing your mind
You can change your analytics choice whenever you like, using the buttons at the top of this page. Withdrawing is one click, the same as giving consent, and takes effect immediately. The Cookies link in the footer of every page brings you back here.
You can also clear local storage and cookies at any time through your browser settings. Note that clearing authentication data will sign you out of First Night.
Contact us
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us at hello@firstnight.io.