Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how myNaturevista uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website, dashboard, and embeddable widgets (collectively, the "Service").

This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognize your device and remember information about your visit.

2.1 Types of Cookies

By Duration:

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted

By Source:

• First-Party Cookies: Set directly by myNaturevista
• Third-Party Cookies: Set by external services we use (e.g., Stripe, Google reCAPTCHA)

3. Similar Tracking Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use:

• Web Beacons: Small graphic images (also called "pixels" or "clear GIFs") embedded in web pages
• Local Storage: HTML5 local storage for storing data in your browser
• Session Storage: Temporary browser storage that clears when you close your browser
• JWT Tokens: JSON Web Tokens stored in browser memory or storage for authentication
• API Keys: Unique identifiers used for API authentication and tracking

4. How We Use Cookies

4.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)

These cookies are required for the Service to function properly. Without them, you cannot use key features.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration	Type
auth_token / JWT	User authentication and session management	1 hour	Session
session_id	Maintain user session state	Session	Session
XSRF-TOKEN	Cross-site request forgery protection	Session	Security
cookie_consent	Remember your cookie preferences	1 year	Persistent

Legal Basis: These cookies are necessary for contract performance and legitimate interests in security.

4.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration	Type
user_preferences	Remember dashboard settings and preferences	90 days	Persistent
language	Remember your language preference	1 year	Persistent
timezone	Store your timezone for accurate timestamps	1 year	Persistent
theme	Remember dark/light mode preferences	1 year	Persistent

4.3 Analytics and Performance Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our Service, allowing us to improve performance and user experience.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration	Type
_analytics_id	Track unique visitors and usage patterns	2 years	Persistent
_page_views	Count page views and navigation paths	30 days	Persistent
_widget_stats	Track widget performance and interactions	90 days	Persistent
_performance	Measure page load times and performance	7 days	Persistent

4.4 Security and Fraud Prevention Cookies

These cookies help us protect your account and prevent abuse.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration	Type
_rate_limit	Prevent abuse through rate limiting	15 minutes	Session
_device_id	Recognize your device for security	6 months	Persistent
_security_check	Bot detection and fraud prevention	Session	Security

5. Third-Party Cookies

We use trusted third-party services that may set their own cookies:

5.1 Stripe (Payment Processing)

5.2 Google reCAPTCHA

5.3 Cloudinary (Media Hosting)

5.4 Firebase (Real-time Database)

Note: We do not control third-party cookies. Please review their respective privacy policies for more information.

6. Cookies in Embeddable Widgets

6.1 Widget Cookies

When you embed our widgets on your website, they may use cookies to:

• Track widget performance and interactions
• Remember visitor preferences within the widget
• Prevent duplicate counting of widget views
• Enable widget functionality

6.2 Your Responsibilities

7. Cookie Management and Your Choices

7.1 Cookie Consent Management

When you first visit our Service, you will see a cookie consent banner. You can:

• Accept All: Consent to all cookies, including analytics and marketing
• Reject Non-Essential: Only allow strictly necessary cookies
• Customize: Choose which categories of cookies to allow
• Manage Preferences: Update your choices at any time in settings

7.2 Browser Controls

You can control and delete cookies through your browser settings:

Note: Blocking cookies may limit Service functionality.

7.3 Opt-Out of Third-Party Cookies

• Google: https://adssettings.google.com
• Your Online Choices (EU): https://www.youronlinechoices.com
• Network Advertising Initiative (US): https://optout.networkadvertising.org

8. Data Retention

Cookie data is retained according to the following schedule:

Cookie Category	Retention Period
Authentication	Session or 1 hour
Preferences	1-2 years or until deleted
Analytics	24 months (aggregated)
Security	15 minutes to 6 months
Third-Party	Per third-party retention policies

You can delete cookies at any time through your browser settings.

9. Legal Basis for Cookie Processing

9.1 GDPR Compliance (EU Users)

For users in the European Economic Area:

• Strictly Necessary Cookies: Legitimate interest in providing the Service
• Functional Cookies: Your consent or legitimate interest
• Analytics Cookies: Your explicit consent
• Marketing Cookies: Your explicit consent (if applicable)

You have the right to withdraw consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing based on consent before withdrawal.

9.2 ePrivacy Directive

We comply with the EU ePrivacy Directive (Cookie Law) by:

• Obtaining consent before setting non-essential cookies
• Providing clear information about cookie usage
• Offering easy-to-use consent management tools
• Respecting your cookie preferences

9.3 CCPA Compliance (California Users)

Under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

• Cookies may constitute "personal information"
• We do not "sell" personal information collected via cookies
• You can opt-out of cookie tracking through browser settings

10. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in cookie usage, technologies, or legal requirements.

We will notify you of material changes by updating the "Last Updated" date, posting a notice on our website, or requesting renewed consent if required by law.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about our use of cookies:

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Thank you for trusting myNaturevista with your data. We are committed to transparency and protecting your privacy.