Cookie Policy
Effective Date: 28 March 2024
Last Updated: 28 March 2024
1. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better experience by remembering your preferences, analyzing site usage, and enabling essential website functions.
2. How We Use Cookies
SofaCleaner.org uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze website traffic, and provide personalized content. We comply with the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and UK GDPR in our cookie usage.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled. They include security cookies, load balancing cookies, and cookies that remember your privacy preferences.
Examples:
- session_id: Maintains your session while browsing (expires when browser closes)
- csrf_token: Prevents cross-site request forgery attacks (expires after 24 hours)
- cookie_consent: Remembers your cookie preferences (expires after 1 year)
3.2 Analytics Cookies
We use analytics cookies to understand how visitors interact with our website. This helps us improve our services and user experience. These cookies collect anonymized information about your visit.
Google Analytics Cookies:
- _ga: Distinguishes unique users (expires after 2 years)
- _ga_[container-id]: Stores session information (expires after 2 years)
- _gid: Distinguishes unique users (expires after 24 hours)
- _gat: Throttles request rate (expires after 1 minute)
Legal Basis: Legitimate interest in improving our services and understanding user behavior.
3.3 Preference Cookies
These cookies remember your choices and preferences to provide a more personalized experience on repeat visits.
Examples:
- location_preference: Remembers your preferred location for cleaner searches (expires after 30 days)
- service_preference: Remembers your preferred cleaning services (expires after 30 days)
- theme_preference: Remembers display preferences (expires after 1 year)
4. Third-Party Cookies
4.1 Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to analyze website traffic and user behavior. Google Analytics may set cookies to track your interactions across different websites. For more information about Google's privacy practices, visitGoogle's Privacy Policy.
4.2 Communication Platforms
When you interact with our WhatsApp or Telegram integration features, these platforms may set their own cookies according to their privacy policies.
5. Cookie Duration
We use both session and persistent cookies:
Session Cookies
Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser. Used for essential website functions and security.
Persistent Cookies
Remain on your device for a specified period (days to years). Used for analytics and remembering your preferences.
6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
6.1 Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner allowing you to:
- Accept all cookies
- Accept only necessary cookies
- Customize your cookie preferences
- View detailed cookie information
6.2 Browser Settings
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Here's how to manage cookies in popular browsers:
Browser Cookie Controls:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
6.3 Analytics Opt-Out
You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by:
- Installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
- Adjusting your cookie preferences in our banner
- Disabling analytics cookies in your browser settings
7. Impact of Disabling Cookies
Necessary Cookies Disabled
Essential website functions may not work properly, including security features, form submissions, and session management.
Analytics Cookies Disabled
Website functionality remains intact, but we cannot analyze traffic patterns or improve user experience based on usage data.
8. Cookie Policy Updates
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or for legal compliance. When we make significant changes, we will notify you through:
- Updated notice on our website
- Email notification to registered users
- New cookie consent request if required
9. Legal Basis for Cookie Processing
We process cookies based on:
Necessary Cookies
Legal Basis: Vital interests and contract performance - essential for website security and functionality
Analytics Cookies
Legal Basis: Legitimate interests in improving services and understanding user behavior
Preference Cookies
Legal Basis: Consent - you can withdraw consent at any time through browser settings or cookie preferences
10. Children's Privacy
Our services are not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 16 through cookies or any other means. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.
11. International Transfers
Some analytics data may be transferred to countries outside the UK (such as the United States for Google Analytics). We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers in accordance with UK data protection law.
12. Contact Information
If you have questions about our use of cookies, contact us:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +44 7123 456789
- Address: [Business Address], UK
- Data Protection Officer: Available upon request
13. Regulatory Information
This Cookie Policy complies with:
- UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
- Data Protection Act 2018
- Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)
- Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) guidance
For more information about your rights regarding cookies and data protection, visit theICO website.
Quick Summary
We use cookies to make our website work properly (necessary), understand how people use our site (analytics), and remember your preferences (functional). You can control which cookies you accept through our cookie banner or your browser settings. Essential cookies cannot be disabled as they're required for security and basic functionality.