# Cookie and Tracking Technologies Policy > Learn how VA Loan Network uses cookies, analytics, and ads, what is essential, and how to opt out using Do Not Sell or Share. **URL:** https://valoannetwork.com/legal/cookie-policy/ **Last updated:** April 14, 2026 --- Skip to Contact **Last updated:** April 23, 2026 ## What Are Cookies Cookies are small text files stored on your browser or device when you visit a website. They help websites function properly and provide information so site owners can improve performance, measure usage, and understand what content is helpful. In addition to cookies, we may use related technologies such as pixels, device identifiers, local storage, and tags or scripts used for analytics and measurement. - **Pixels:** Used to measure page views and campaign performance. - **Device identifiers:** Used to recognize a browser or device in a limited way. - **Local storage:** Used to store settings or tool state in your browser. - **Tags and scripts:** Used to support analytics, error monitoring, and measurement. ## How We Use Cookies We use cookies and tracking technologies for four primary purposes. ### 1. Essential Website Functionality These cookies are required for the site to work. They support security and core functionality. - **Site operation:** Page loading, navigation, and basic performance. - **Forms and secure interactions:** Form submissions and protections against abuse. - **Tool continuity:** Saving progress in tools and calculators when supported. - **Security:** Spam prevention and fraud detection. Because these are necessary for core functionality and security, essential cookies cannot be disabled through our cookie controls. ### 2. Performance and Analytics We use analytics tools to understand how visitors use the site and how to improve it. These tools can measure engagement and technical performance. - **Engagement:** Which pages and tools are used and how visitors navigate. - **Performance:** Load times, device types, and error patterns. - **Content improvement:** Understanding what information is most useful. - **Measurement:** Evaluating campaign performance in aggregate. Examples may include analytics and server side performance logs. #### Session Recording and Heatmaps (Microsoft Clarity) Microsoft Clarity records anonymized playback of how visitors interact with our pages, including mouse movements, clicks, scrolls, and time on page. Clarity also generates aggregated heatmaps showing where users click and how far they scroll. This is a higher-sensitivity category of tracking than standard analytics because it captures interaction-level behavior, not just pageviews. Sensitive content, including text you type into loan eligibility forms, calculators, and contact forms, is automatically masked by Clarity and is not visible in recordings. We use this data only to identify usability issues, improve site performance, and understand which content is most useful to VA loan borrowers. ### 3. Personalization Certain cookies allow us to remember preferences such as tool inputs, menu states, or form progress, so your experience is smoother when you return. ### 4. Advertising and Cross Context Behavioral Advertising We may work with advertising partners that use cookies or similar technologies to measure campaigns and show more relevant messages. - **Relevance:** Deliver more relevant ads or messages. - **Measurement:** Measure the effectiveness of campaigns. - **Frequency:** Reduce repetitive ads. - **Understanding engagement:** Understand how visitors engage with content in aggregate. Some of these uses may be considered “selling” or “sharing” personal information under certain state privacy laws. You can opt out of this activity using our Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information page. ## Types of Cookies We Use Cookies on our site generally fall into these categories. Some cookies are placed by third parties that support analytics, advertising, form processing, or embedded tools. - **Strictly necessary:** Required for basic functionality and security. - **Performance and analytics:** Help us understand site usage and performance. - **Functional and preference:** Remember settings and past interactions. - **Advertising:** Support campaign measurement and relevance where permitted. ### Specific Cookies and Tracking Technologies Currently in Use The table below lists the third-party tools and cookies actively running on VA Loan Network as of the last updated date above: | Provider | Tool / Cookie | Purpose | Category | Duration | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Google | Google Analytics 4 (_ga, _ga_*) | Measures pageviews, traffic sources, and conversion events | Performance / Analytics | Up to 2 years | | Google | Google Tag Manager | Loads and manages other tracking scripts on the site | Functional | Session | | Microsoft | Microsoft Clarity (_clck, _clsk, CLID, MUID) | Session recordings, heatmaps, scroll and click tracking. Sensitive form fields are masked and not recorded. | Behavioral Analytics | Up to 1 year | | Meta | Facebook Pixel (_fbp, fr) | Measures ad performance and supports targeted advertising on Facebook and Instagram | Advertising | Up to 90 days | This list reflects the tools active at the time of publication. We may add, remove, or replace tools over time. Material changes will be reflected in this policy and in the last-updated date above. ## How Long Cookies Last Cookies may be session cookies or persistent cookies. Expiration times vary depending on the purpose of the cookie and the policies of providers that set them. - **Session cookies:** Removed when you close your browser. - **Persistent cookies:** Stored until they expire or you delete them. ## Your Cookie Choices ### 1. Cookie controls on this site Our cookie settings and opt out tools are available through our Do Not Sell or Share page. - **Opt out of selling or sharing:** Use Do Not Sell or Share where applicable. - **Manage non essential cookies:** Disable advertising or analytics cookies where available. - **Submit requests:** Use the tools provided for requests permitted by state privacy laws. Essential cookies cannot be turned off because they are required for security and core functionality. ### 2. Browser level controls Most browsers allow you to clear cookies, block cookies, control cross site tracking, and use private browsing modes. Instructions vary by browser. ### 3. Opt out of interest based advertising You may also opt out through industry supported tools such as DAA and NAI. These tools apply to participating companies and browsers, not all advertising technologies. - **DAA opt out:** [Digital Advertising Alliance](https://optout.aboutads.info/) - **NAI opt out:** [Network Advertising Initiative](https://optout.networkadvertising.org/) ### Per-Vendor Opt-Out Links You can opt out of individual tracking tools using the links and methods below: - **Google Analytics:** Install the [Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on](https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout). - **Microsoft Clarity:** Block scripts from clarity.ms using a privacy extension, block third-party cookies in your browser, or manage your data through [Microsoft's privacy controls](https://privacy.microsoft.com/). - **Meta / Facebook Pixel:** Adjust your [Facebook ad preferences](https://www.facebook.com/settings?tab=ads) or use your browser's tracking protection. - **All advertising cookies:** Use the DAA WebChoices tool or the NAI opt-out page. ## Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information Certain cookies may share limited data with advertising partners. In some states, including California, this may be treated as “selling” or “sharing.” To opt out where applicable, visit: **Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information** ## Third Party Cookies Some cookies are set by third party tools we use for analytics, advertising, form processing, spam prevention, or embedded media. These providers may include, but are not limited to, the following categories. Their use of data is governed by their own privacy policies. - **Analytics and measurement:** Tools that measure usage and performance. - **Advertising platforms:** Partners that measure campaigns and ad relevance. - **Security and spam prevention:** Services that help prevent abuse. - **Infrastructure:** CDNs or hosting and performance services. - **Embedded media:** Services that power videos or embedded content. ### Examples Examples may include providers such as Google, Meta, LinkedIn, CDN providers, and spam prevention tools. The specific tools used may change over time. ## Changes to This Cookie Policy We may update this Cookie and Tracking Technologies Policy to reflect changes in technologies, legal requirements, or internal practices. Material changes will be posted on this page and, where required, we may provide additional notice. ## Contact Us If you have questions about how we use cookies or how to exercise your privacy rights, contact us at: - **VA Loan Network** - **Address:** 3128 Napier Park, Suite 103, San Antonio, TX 78231 - **Phone:** (800) 230 7201 - **Email:** contact@valoannetwork.com