What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?

Cookies are small text files that websites place on your device when you visit them. They help the site remember your preferences and recognize you when you return. Think of them as digital bookmarks that make your browsing smoother.

We also use similar technologies like web beacons, pixel tags, and local storage. These work differently but serve similar purposes—helping us understand how people use our site and making sure things work properly.

Types of Tracking Technologies We Use

How We Use Tracking Data

Here's what we actually do with the information these technologies collect:

• Recognize you when you return and remember your preferences from previous visits
• Understand which content resonates most with visitors so we can create more of what's useful
• Identify technical issues and improve site performance based on real usage patterns
• Measure the effectiveness of our communications and adjust our approach accordingly
• Prevent fraudulent activity and maintain security across the platform
• Customize content recommendations based on your interactions with our site

The data we collect through these technologies is typically aggregated. We look at patterns across many users rather than focusing on individual behaviors. When we do use individual data, it's usually to improve your specific experience—like remembering that you prefer certain display settings.

Third-Party Tracking Technologies

Some cookies on our site come from third-party services we use. For example, if we embed content from another platform or use analytics tools, those services may place their own tracking technologies on your device.

These third parties have their own privacy policies, and we don't control how they use their tracking technologies. The main third-party services we work with include:

• Analytics providers that help us understand site performance and user behavior
• Content delivery networks that speed up page loading times
• Communication tools that enable customer support features
• Marketing platforms that help us measure campaign effectiveness

Managing Your Browser Settings

Every browser handles cookie controls differently. Here's where to find these settings in common browsers:

You can usually set your browser to block all cookies, accept all cookies, or notify you when a cookie is being set. Some browsers also offer options to block only third-party cookies while allowing first-party ones.

Mobile Device Settings

Mobile devices have their own privacy controls. Both iOS and Android allow you to limit ad tracking and reset your advertising identifier. Check your device's privacy settings to see what options are available.

These settings typically affect how apps and websites can track you across different platforms, though they work differently than traditional browser cookies.

Data Retention and Storage

Different tracking technologies have different lifespans. Session cookies disappear when you close your browser. Persistent cookies stay on your device until they expire or you delete them.

We retain analytical data in aggregated form for up to three years to identify long-term trends. Individual user data collected through functional cookies is typically retained for the duration specified in each cookie type section above.

Cookie durations and retention periods may vary based on the specific purpose and legal requirements.

Updates to This Policy

We update this policy occasionally to reflect changes in how we use tracking technologies or to comply with regulatory requirements. When we make significant changes, we'll update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.

For major changes that substantially affect how we collect or use data, we'll provide more prominent notice—usually through a message on our site or via email if you're a registered user.