Cookies Policy
Last Updated: January 2024
1. Introduction
This Cookies Policy explains how Squidralshak ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website at https://squidralshak.world (the "Website"). This policy provides detailed information about the types of cookies we use, why we use them, and how you can control them.
By using our Website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree to our use of cookies, you should adjust your browser settings accordingly or refrain from using our Website.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer, smartphone, or other device when you visit a website. Cookies are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners. They help websites remember your actions and preferences over a period of time, so you don't have to keep re-entering them whenever you return to the site or browse from one page to another.
Cookies can be "persistent" or "session" cookies. Persistent cookies remain on your device after you close your browser and are used when you make subsequent visits to the website. Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
We use the following categories of cookies on our Website:
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the operation of our Website and enable you to navigate and use its features. Without these cookies, services you have requested, such as maintaining your login session or completing a purchase, cannot be provided. These cookies do not gather information about you for marketing purposes.
Examples:
- Session management cookies that keep you logged in
- Security cookies that authenticate users and prevent fraud
- Load balancing cookies that distribute traffic across servers
- Cookie consent cookies that remember your cookie preferences
Legal Basis: These cookies are necessary for the performance of our contract with you or to comply with legal obligations. You cannot refuse these cookies if you wish to use our Website.
Retention Period: Session cookies are deleted when you close your browser; persistent cookies typically last up to 12 months.
3.2 Analytics and Performance Cookies
These cookies collect information about how visitors use our Website, such as which pages are visited most often, how long visitors spend on each page, and any error messages received. All information collected by these cookies is aggregated and anonymous. We use this information to improve how our Website works and understand user behavior.
Examples:
- Google Analytics cookies that track page views and user journeys
- Performance monitoring cookies that identify technical issues
- A/B testing cookies that help us optimize user experience
- Heatmap cookies that show where users click and scroll
Legal Basis: Your consent, which you can withdraw at any time through our cookie settings.
Retention Period: Typically 24 months from your last visit.
Third Parties: Google Analytics, Hotjar, and similar analytics providers.
3.3 Functionality Cookies
These cookies allow our Website to remember choices you make (such as your language preference, region, or username) and provide enhanced, personalized features. They may also be used to provide services you have requested, such as watching a video or commenting on a blog.
Examples:
- Language preference cookies
- Region or location cookies
- User interface customization cookies
- Video player cookies
Legal Basis: Your consent or our legitimate interest in providing you with an improved user experience.
Retention Period: Typically 12 months from your last visit.
3.4 Targeting and Advertising Cookies
These cookies are used to deliver advertisements that are relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement and help measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. These cookies remember that you have visited our Website and share this information with other organizations, such as advertisers.
Examples:
- Retargeting cookies that show you relevant ads on other websites
- Social media cookies that enable sharing and track engagement
- Advertising network cookies that deliver targeted advertisements
- Conversion tracking cookies that measure ad campaign effectiveness
Legal Basis: Your explicit consent, which you can withdraw at any time.
Retention Period: Typically 12-24 months from your last visit.
Third Parties: Google Ads, Facebook Pixel, and other advertising platforms.
4. Other Tracking Technologies
In addition to cookies, we may use other tracking technologies:
4.1 Web Beacons (Pixels)
Web beacons are small graphic images (also known as pixel tags or clear GIFs) embedded in web pages and emails. They work in conjunction with cookies to track user activity, measure campaign effectiveness, and compile statistics about website usage.
4.2 Local Storage
Local storage allows websites to store data locally on your device. Unlike cookies, local storage data does not expire and is not automatically transmitted to the server with every request. We use local storage to improve performance and remember your preferences.
4.3 Session Storage
Session storage is similar to local storage but is cleared when you close your browser tab. We use session storage for temporary data needed during your browsing session.
4.4 Device Fingerprinting
Device fingerprinting collects information about your device configuration (such as browser type, operating system, screen resolution, and installed fonts) to create a unique identifier. We may use this technology for fraud prevention and security purposes.
5. First-Party and Third-Party Cookies
5.1 First-Party Cookies
First-party cookies are set directly by our Website. We have full control over these cookies and use them to provide essential functionality and improve your experience.
5.2 Third-Party Cookies
Third-party cookies are set by external services we use on our Website. We do not control these cookies, and they are subject to the privacy policies of the third parties. Third-party services we use include:
- Google Analytics: For website analytics and performance monitoring
- Google Ads: For advertising and remarketing campaigns
- Facebook Pixel: For social media advertising and conversion tracking
- Payment Processors: For secure payment processing
- Content Delivery Networks: For faster content delivery
We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of these third parties to understand how they use cookies and your data.
6. How Long Do Cookies Last?
The duration of cookies varies depending on their purpose:
- Session Cookies: Deleted automatically when you close your browser
- Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted
Specific retention periods for different cookie categories are outlined in Section 3 above. You can delete cookies at any time through your browser settings.
7. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You have several options for managing cookies:
7.1 Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit our Website, you will see a cookie consent banner allowing you to:
- Accept All: Consent to all cookies, including analytics and marketing cookies
- Reject: Decline non-essential cookies (only strictly necessary cookies will be used)
- Cookie Settings: Customize your preferences by cookie category
You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the cookie settings link in our website footer.
7.2 Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically:
- View and delete cookies stored on your device
- Block all cookies or only third-party cookies
- Clear cookies when you close your browser
- Receive notifications when cookies are set
Please note that blocking or deleting cookies may impact your ability to use certain features of our Website. Here are links to cookie management instructions for popular browsers:
- Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
- Mozilla Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data
- Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data
- Opera: Settings > Privacy & security > Cookies
7.3 Opt-Out Tools
You can opt out of certain third-party cookies using these tools:
- Google Analytics Opt-Out: Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
- Network Advertising Initiative: Visit www.networkadvertising.org/choices to opt out of participating networks
- Digital Advertising Alliance: Visit www.aboutads.info/choices for opt-out options
- European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance: Visit www.youronlinechoices.eu for European users
7.4 Mobile Device Settings
Mobile devices offer settings to limit ad tracking:
- iOS: Settings > Privacy > Tracking > Allow Apps to Request to Track (disable)
- Android: Settings > Google > Ads > Opt out of Ads Personalization
8. Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want your online activities tracked. Currently, there is no universal standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. Our Website does not currently respond to DNT signals, but you can use the cookie management options described above to control tracking.
9. Cookies and Personal Data
Some cookies may collect personal data, such as IP addresses or unique identifiers. When cookies collect personal data, we process this data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws, including GDPR.
You have rights regarding your personal data collected through cookies, including the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing, and object to processing. For more information about your rights, please see our Privacy Policy.
10. Cookies for Logged-In Users
If you create an account on our Website, we use cookies to manage your login session and remember your preferences. These cookies are essential for providing account-related services and are retained until you log out or your session expires.
11. Cookies in Emails
We may use tracking technologies in our marketing emails to understand whether you have opened the email and clicked on any links. This helps us measure the effectiveness of our communications and improve our content. You can opt out of marketing emails by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email or contacting us directly.
12. Impact of Disabling Cookies
If you choose to disable cookies, certain features of our Website may not function properly. Specifically, you may experience:
- Inability to stay logged in to your account
- Loss of personalized settings and preferences
- Reduced website functionality and performance
- Inability to complete purchases or use certain features
- Repeated display of cookie consent banners
Strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled if you wish to use our Website, as they are essential for basic functionality.
13. Updates to This Cookies Policy
We may update this Cookies Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.
If we make material changes to how we use cookies, we will notify you by posting a prominent notice on our Website or sending you an email notification.
14. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about our use of cookies or this Cookies Policy, please contact us:
Email: partnership@squidralshak.world
Phone: +358 10 429 5000
Postal Address: Squidralshak, Keilaranta 3, 02150 Espoo, Finland
We will respond to your inquiry as promptly as possible.
15. Additional Resources
For more information about cookies and online privacy, you may find these resources helpful:
- All About Cookies: www.allaboutcookies.org
- European Commission - Cookies: Information about EU cookie regulations
- ICO (UK): Guidance on cookies and similar technologies
- Your Online Choices: www.youronlinechoices.eu - European opt-out tool