Cookie Policy

1.1 Definition

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.

1.2 How Cookies Work

When you visit our website, cookies are sent to your browser and stored on your device. They allow the website to remember your actions and preferences over a period of time, so you don't have to keep re-entering them whenever you come back to the site or browse from one page to another.

1.3 Cookie Types by Duration

Cookies can be categorized by how long they remain on your device:

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them

2.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You cannot opt-out of these cookies.

• Authentication and security cookies
• Load balancing cookies
• User interface customization cookies
• Cookie consent preferences

2.2 Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This helps us improve our website's performance and user experience.

• Google Analytics cookies (_ga, _gid, _gat)
• Page view tracking
• User behavior analysis
• Traffic source identification

2.3 Advertising Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver advertisements that are relevant to you and your interests. They also help measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.

• Google AdSense cookies
• Ad personalization cookies
• Ad performance measurement
• Frequency capping (limiting how many times you see an ad)
• Conversion tracking

2.4 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences and settings.

• Language preferences
• Region settings
• Display preferences
• User interface settings

3.1 Google Services

We use several Google services that may set cookies on your device:

• Google AdSense: For displaying advertisements and measuring ad performance
• Google Analytics: For website analytics and user behavior tracking
• Google Fonts: For displaying web fonts (may set cookies)

3.2 Social Media Cookies

If you interact with social media features on our website (such as share buttons), those platforms may set cookies. We do not control these cookies.

3.3 Third-Party Content

Our website may include embedded content from third parties (such as videos, maps, or widgets). These third parties may set cookies when you interact with their content.

4.1 Google Analytics Cookies

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website. The following cookies may be set:

• _ga: Used to distinguish users (expires after 2 years)
• _gid: Used to distinguish users (expires after 24 hours)
• _gat: Used to throttle request rate (expires after 1 minute)
• _gac_*: Contains campaign-related information (expires after 90 days)

4.2 Google AdSense Cookies

Google AdSense uses cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website and other websites. These cookies may include:

• ID cookies for ad personalization
• Conversion tracking cookies
• Frequency capping cookies
• Interest-based advertising cookies

4.3 Our Own Cookies

We may set cookies for:

• Remembering your cookie consent preferences
• Maintaining your session
• Storing your preferences and settings

5.1 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

• Block all cookies
• Block third-party cookies only
• Delete existing cookies
• Set your browser to notify you when cookies are being set

5.2 Browser-Specific Instructions

To manage cookies in your browser:

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data
• Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Cookies and site permissions
• Opera: Settings > Privacy & security > Cookies

5.3 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner. You can:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• Customize your cookie preferences
• Change your preferences at any time

5.4 Opt-Out Tools

You can opt out of certain types of cookies:

• Google Analytics: Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Google AdSense: Visit Google's Ad Settings (https://adssettings.google.com)
• Network Advertising Initiative: Visit http://www.networkadvertising.org/choices/
• Digital Advertising Alliance: Visit http://www.aboutads.info/choices/

6.1 Essential Cookies

If you disable essential cookies, some features of our website may not function properly, including:

• User authentication
• Security features
• Basic website functionality
• Cookie consent preferences

6.2 Non-Essential Cookies

Disabling non-essential cookies may affect:

• Personalized content and advertisements
• Website analytics and improvements
• Remembered preferences and settings
• Social media integration

6.3 Your Choice

You have the right to accept or reject cookies. However, please note that disabling certain cookies may impact your experience on our website.

7.1 Browser DNT Settings

Some browsers include a 'Do Not Track' (DNT) feature that signals to websites you visit that you do not want to have your online activity tracked. Currently, there is no standard for how DNT signals should be interpreted.

7.2 Our Response

We do not currently respond to DNT browser signals. However, you can control cookie preferences through our cookie consent banner and browser settings.

8.1 Policy Changes

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by updating the 'Last Updated' date.

8.2 Regular Review

We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.