1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better experience and allow certain features to work properly.
Cookies can be either "first-party" (set by us) or "third-party" (set by other companies that provide services on our website).
2. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies for several purposes:
- Essential Functions: To make our website work properly
- Performance: To understand how visitors use our website
- Functionality: To remember your preferences and settings
- Marketing: To show you relevant content and advertisements
3. Types of Cookies We Use
3.1 Essential Cookies (Always Active)
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be disabled. They do not store any personally identifiable information.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| session_id | Maintains your session and security | Session | First-party |
| consent_preferences | Stores your cookie consent choices | 180 days | First-party |
| csrf_token | Protects against cross-site request forgery | Session | First-party |
| language_preference | Remembers your language choice | 365 days | First-party |
3.2 Analytics Cookies (Require Consent)
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website. They collect information anonymously and help us improve our services.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics - distinguishes unique users | 2 years | Third-party |
| _ga_[ID] | Google Analytics - session data | 2 years | Third-party |
| _gid | Google Analytics - session identifier | 24 hours | Third-party |
| _gat | Google Analytics - request rate limiting | 1 minute | Third-party |
3.3 Marketing Cookies (Require Consent)
These cookies are used to deliver personalized advertisements and track the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| _fbp | Facebook Pixel - advertising optimization | 90 days | Third-party |
| _fbc | Facebook Pixel - conversion tracking | 90 days | Third-party |
| ads_prefs | Google Ads - advertising preferences | 1 year | Third-party |
| IDE | Google DoubleClick - advertising | 1 year | Third-party |
3.4 Functionality Cookies (Require Consent)
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| user_preferences | Stores your personalized settings | 365 days | First-party |
| recent_searches | Remembers your recent search queries | 30 days | First-party |
| theme_preference | Stores your visual theme choice | 365 days | First-party |
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on our website are set by third-party services that we use to enhance your experience:
4.1 Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website. Google Analytics cookies collect information such as:
- Pages visited and time spent on each page
- How you reached our website (search, social media, etc.)
- Your device type and browser
- General location information (country/city level)
Google Analytics data is processed in accordance with Google's Privacy Policy.
4.2 Social Media and Advertising
We may use cookies from social media platforms and advertising networks to:
- Show you relevant content on social media
- Measure the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns
- Provide personalized advertising experiences
- Enable social media sharing and integration
5. Cookie Duration
Cookies have different lifespans:
5.1 Session Cookies
These cookies are deleted when you close your browser. They are used for:
- Maintaining your login session
- Storing temporary form data
- Security tokens and CSRF protection
5.2 Persistent Cookies
These cookies remain on your device for a set period, even after closing your browser. They are used for:
- Remembering your preferences and settings
- Storing consent choices
- Analytics and marketing purposes
6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
6.1 Browser Settings
You can control cookies through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
6.2 Mobile Device Settings
On mobile devices, you can manage cookies through:
- Your browser's settings menu
- Device settings → Privacy → Tracking
- App-specific privacy settings
7. Impact of Disabling Cookies
7.1 Essential Cookies
If you disable essential cookies, you may experience:
- Inability to log in or maintain your session
- Loss of security features
- Website functionality issues
- Need to re-enter information repeatedly
7.2 Analytics and Marketing Cookies
Disabling these cookies will:
- Prevent us from understanding how you use our website
- Limit our ability to improve our services
- Reduce the relevance of advertisements
- Not affect core website functionality
8. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect:
- Changes in our cookie usage
- New third-party services
- Legal or regulatory requirements
- Technology improvements
We will notify you of significant changes by:
- Updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page
- Displaying a notice on our website
- Sending email notifications to registered users
9. International Transfers
Some of our third-party cookie providers may process data outside your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place through:
- Standard contractual clauses
- Adequacy decisions by data protection authorities
- Other appropriate safeguards as required by law
10. Contact Information
If you have questions about our use of cookies or this policy, please contact us:
Data Protection Officer:
Email: [email protected]
Address: [Company Address]
General Inquiries:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (234) 567-890
11. Additional Resources
For more information about cookies and online privacy:
- All About Cookies - Comprehensive guide to cookies
- Your Online Choices - European advertising choices
- Network Advertising Initiative - US advertising choices
- Digital Advertising Alliance - US advertising choices