Privacy-First Cookie Management
LocalFinds uses cookies responsibly with your explicit consent. We only place non-essential cookies when you specifically agree to our privacy preferences during account creation.
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how LocalFinds uses cookies and similar technologies on our website. Unlike many websites that use intrusive cookie banners, we integrate cookie consent naturally into your account creation process, giving you complete control over your privacy preferences from day one.
2. What Are Cookies?
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 efficiently and provide a better user experience. Cookies can be "persistent" (remain on your device) or "session" (deleted when you close your browser).
3. Our Privacy-First Approach to Cookies
3.1 Anonymous by Default
By default, LocalFinds operates without placing any non-essential cookies on your device. We only use essential cookies required for basic website functionality until you explicitly consent to additional features.
3.2 Consent Integration
Instead of interrupting your browsing with cookie banners, we integrate cookie consent into your account creation process. This allows you to make informed decisions about your privacy preferences without disruption.
3.3 Real-Time Control
You can change your cookie preferences at any time through your account settings. Changes take effect immediately and will update which cookies we use going forward.
4. Types of Cookies We Use
4.1 Essential Cookies (Always Active)
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be disabled.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| session_token | Authenticates your login session | Session |
| csrf_token | Protects against security attacks | Session |
| cookie_consent_preferences | Remembers your privacy choices | 1 year |
| anonymous_session | Anonymous session for non-logged users | 24 hours |
4.2 Analytics Cookies (With Your Consent)
These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website anonymously.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| analytics_session | Anonymous visitor tracking | 24 hours (auto-rotating) |
| page_analytics | Page view statistics (anonymous) | Session |
| performance_data | Website performance metrics | 7 days |
Privacy Note: Analytics cookies never contain personal information and cannot be used to identify you. Data is aggregated and anonymized.
4.3 Personalization Cookies (With Your Consent)
These cookies enable personalized recommendations and customized content.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| user_preferences | Stores your personalization settings | 1 year |
| recommendation_data | Powers "Handpicked For You" features | 6 months |
| search_history | Improves search suggestions | 3 months |
Privacy Note: Personalization cookies are linked to your account to provide customized experiences. You can disable this at any time in your privacy settings.
4.4 Marketing Cookies (With Your Consent)
These cookies help us deliver relevant marketing content and measure campaign effectiveness.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| marketing_consent | Tracks your marketing preferences | 1 year |
| email_engagement | Measures newsletter effectiveness | 6 months |
| campaign_tracking | Attributes traffic sources | 30 days |
Privacy Note: Marketing cookies help us send you relevant content. You can unsubscribe or disable marketing at any time.
5. How We Handle Cookie Consent
5.1 During Account Creation
When you create an account with LocalFinds, you'll see a clear explanation of our privacy practices and can choose which types of cookies to enable:
- Analytics & Performance: Anonymous usage data to improve our service
- Smart Recommendations: Personalized content based on your preferences
- Marketing & Communications: Newsletters and promotional content
5.2 Ongoing Management
You can manage your cookie preferences at any time by:
- Visiting your Privacy Settings
- Using your browser's cookie controls
- Contacting us directly
5.3 Anonymous Browsing
If you browse our website without creating an account, we only use essential cookies. We assign you an anonymous session token that automatically rotates every 24 hours and cannot be used to identify you personally.
6. Third-Party Cookies
We may occasionally work with trusted third-party services that may place their own cookies on your device (only with your consent). These include:
- Analytics Providers: For website performance measurement
- Payment Processors: For secure transaction processing
- Security Services: For fraud prevention and security
These third-party cookies are subject to their respective privacy policies and our consent requirements.
7. Browser Cookie Controls
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. However, please note that disabling essential cookies may affect website functionality. Here's how to manage cookies in popular browsers:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
8. Cookie Data Security
We protect cookie data using industry-standard security measures:
- Secure HTTPS transmission for all cookies
- Automatic session token rotation for anonymous users
- Encryption of sensitive cookie data
- Regular security audits and updates
- Strict access controls and monitoring
9. Cookie Retention and Deletion
9.1 Automatic Deletion
- Session cookies are deleted when you close your browser
- Anonymous session tokens rotate every 24 hours
- Analytics cookies expire based on their specified duration
9.2 Manual Deletion
You can delete cookies at any time by:
- Changing your privacy preferences (disables future cookie placement)
- Clearing your browser's cookie storage
- Requesting account deletion (removes all associated data)
10. International Cookie Laws
Our cookie practices comply with international privacy laws including:
- GDPR (Europe): Explicit consent and user control requirements
- CCPA (California): Consumer privacy rights and opt-out options
- ePrivacy Directive: Cookie consent and information requirements
11. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of significant changes by email or through a prominent notice on our website. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
12. Contact Us About Cookies
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us:
- Email: [email protected]
- Privacy Settings: Manage your cookie preferences
- Account Deletion: Delete your account and all cookies
Last updated: 6/7/2025
Effective date: 6/7/2025