Cookie Policy

Cookies are small pieces of information that a website may store in a visitor's browser. They can be used for purposes such as remembering a session, maintaining access to a service, supporting security, or measuring how a website is used.

Similar technologies may include browser storage, temporary access credentials, and other mechanisms that store or access information on a user's device.

The technologies used by AER depend on how you interact with the website.

Certain AER research reports require an email address before the full report can be accessed.

After the research-access process is completed, AER may place a first-party cookie named aer_report_access in your browser.

This cookie is used to recognize an existing research-access authorization so that you do not need to repeat the email-access process each time you open eligible research during the access period.

The research-access cookie:

• has a maximum lifetime of 30 days;
• is marked Secure;
• is marked HttpOnly;
• uses SameSite=Lax;
• applies across the AER website; and
• is used for access control and website functionality rather than advertising.

The cookie contains an opaque access credential. AER stores only a cryptographic hash of that credential in its research-access database rather than storing the original usable token.

If the access credential is invalid or expired, the website may remove or disregard the cookie and require the research-access process to be completed again.

Authorized AER team members who access the private content-management system may use browser-based authentication or session storage necessary to remain securely signed in and use administrative functionality.

This storage is used for account authentication and security. It is not used to track general website visitors for advertising purposes.

AER uses technical safeguards intended to protect forms, research-access workflows, and other website functions against automated submissions, abuse, fraud, and security threats.

These technologies may process limited technical, browser, or network information necessary to verify that a request is legitimate and to protect the website.

Security-related technologies are used for operational and protective purposes rather than cross-site behavioral advertising.

Our website infrastructure and measurement services may process limited technical and usage information relating to website operation and performance.

This may include information such as:

• pages viewed;
• visits or sessions;
• referral source;
• device category;
• approximate geographic information;
• browser or network information; and
• website performance or diagnostic information.

Not all website measurement necessarily involves placing a cookie or other persistent identifier on your device.

If AER introduces non-essential cookies or similar technologies in the future for which applicable law requires prior consent, we will provide appropriate notice or choice before using those technologies.

AER does not currently use advertising cookies, third-party advertising pixels, or similar technologies to build profiles of visitors for cross-site behavioral advertising.

We do not use the research-access cookie for advertising.

Most browsers allow you to view, block, or delete cookies and other stored website data through browser settings.

Blocking or deleting technologies that are necessary for website functionality may affect certain features.

For example, deleting the AER research-access cookie may cause the website to ask you to complete the research-access process again before opening gated research.

Browser controls vary by browser and device. Please refer to the settings or help documentation provided with your browser for instructions.

We may update this Cookie Policy as our website, technology, or legal requirements change.

The effective date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was most recently updated.

If we materially change how we use cookies or similar technologies, we may provide additional notice where appropriate.

Questions about this Cookie Policy or AER's privacy practices may be sent to: