Cookie Policy

Last Updated: October 27, 2025

Effective Date: October 27, 2025

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognize your device and remember information about your visit, such as your preferred language and other settings.

Cookies can be classified as:

• 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 manually deleted
• First-Party Cookies: Cookies set directly by GiftFalcon.org
• Third-Party Cookies: Cookies set by external services we use

2. How We Use Cookies

GiftFalcon.org uses cookies to:

• Ensure the platform functions properly and securely
• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze how you use our platform to improve services
• Provide personalized educational content
• Maintain your login session
• Prevent fraud and enhance security

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the platform to function properly. They enable core functionality such as:

• Authentication: Keeping you logged in during your session
• Security: Protecting against cross-site request forgery attacks
• Load Balancing: Distributing platform load across servers
• Session Management: Maintaining your session state

Examples: session_id, csrf_token, load_balancer

Retention: Session duration or up to 24 hours

3.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our platform by collecting information anonymously:

• Usage Analytics: Tracking page views, user paths, and feature usage
• Performance Monitoring: Measuring page load times and errors
• A/B Testing: Testing different versions of content or features
• Error Tracking: Identifying and fixing technical issues

Examples: _ga, _gid, _analytics_session

Retention: Up to 2 years

3.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization:

• User Preferences: Remembering your settings and choices
• Language Settings: Storing your preferred language
• Educational Progress: Tracking your learning progress and achievements
• Customization: Personalizing content based on your interests

Examples: user_preferences, language_choice, progress_tracker

Retention: Up to 1 year

3.4 Communication Cookies

These cookies enable communication features and customer support:

• Chat Support: Enabling customer support chat functionality
• Notifications: Managing notification preferences and delivery
• Feedback Systems: Collecting user feedback and suggestions

Examples: chat_session, notification_prefs

Retention: Up to 30 days

4. Third-Party Cookies

We may use third-party services that set their own cookies. These include:

4.1 Website Analytics

Purpose: Website usage analysis and performance monitoring

Data Collected: Page views, session duration, user demographics

Privacy Protection: Analytics data is processed according to industry privacy standards

Opt-out Available: Users can disable analytics through browser settings or contact support

4.2 Educational Technology Partners

Purpose: Enhancing learning experience and content delivery

Data Collected: Learning progress, assessment results, engagement metrics

Data Processing: Strictly for educational purposes only

4.3 Security Services

Purpose: Fraud prevention and security monitoring

Data Collected: IP addresses, device fingerprints, behavior patterns

Data Processing: Security analysis and threat detection

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

5.1 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

• Chrome Browser: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data

5.2 Cookie Preferences Center

Our Cookie Preferences Center allows you to:

• View detailed information about cookies we use
• Enable or disable specific cookie categories
• Update your preferences at any time
• Export your cookie settings

5.3 Do Not Track Signals

We respect Do Not Track (DNT) signals sent by your browser. When DNT is enabled, we:

• Limit data collection to essential functions only
• Disable non-essential analytics and tracking
• Respect your privacy preferences

6. Impact of Disabling Cookies

Disabling certain cookies may affect your experience:

6.1 Essential Cookies

If you disable essential cookies:

• You may not be able to log in to your account
• Security features may not function properly
• Some platform features may become unavailable

6.2 Functional Cookies

If you disable functional cookies:

• Your preferences and settings will not be remembered
• Learning progress may not be tracked accurately
• Personalized content recommendations may not work

6.3 Analytics Cookies

If you disable analytics cookies:

• We cannot analyze platform usage to improve services
• Performance monitoring will be limited
• Your usage data will not contribute to platform improvements

7. Data Protection and Security

We implement appropriate security measures for cookie data:

• Encryption: Sensitive cookie data is encrypted
• Secure Transmission: Cookies are transmitted over secure connections
• Access Controls: Limited access to cookie data by authorized personnel only
• Regular Audits: Periodic review of cookie usage and security measures

8. International Data Transfers

Some cookies may involve international data transfers. We ensure:

• Adequate protection through appropriate safeguards
• Compliance with applicable data transfer regulations
• Standard contractual clauses where required
• Privacy Shield compliance where applicable

9. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:

• Changes in our cookie usage practices
• New features or services requiring cookies
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• Industry best practices and standards

We will notify you of material changes through email, platform notifications, or prominent website notices.

10. Contact Information

Related Policies

For complete information about data handling, please also review:

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• Legal Information