Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide a better user experience by remembering your preferences and analyzing how you use our Service. This policy complies with the EU ePrivacy Directive, GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, and other applicable privacy regulations.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the Service to function properly and cannot be disabled:

• Session Management: Maintains your login session (session cookie)
• Authentication: Verifies your identity and prevents unauthorized access
• Security: CSRF tokens and fraud prevention (expires after 24 hours)
• Load Balancing: Distributes server load for performance (session cookie)
• Cookie Consent: Remembers your cookie preferences (1 year)

2.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

We use analytics cookies to understand how users interact with our Service (requires consent):

• Google Analytics (_ga, _gid): Usage statistics and visitor trends (2 years / 24 hours)
• Vercel Analytics: Performance monitoring and page load times (1 year)
• Heatmaps: User interaction patterns (90 days)
• A/B Testing: Feature optimization testing (30 days)

2.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance functionality and personalization (requires consent):

• Language Preferences: Remembers your language selection (1 year)
• Theme Settings: Dark/light mode preferences (1 year)
• Wallet Connection History: Recently connected wallets (90 days)
• UI Preferences: Customized dashboard layouts (6 months)

2.4 Advertising and Marketing Cookies

We do not currently use advertising cookies or third-party advertising networks. If we implement marketing cookies in the future, we will update this policy and obtain your explicit consent.

2.5 Social Media Cookies

If you share content via social media buttons, those platforms may set their own cookies. We do not control these third-party cookies.

3. Third-Party Cookies and Services

We use services from trusted third parties that may set their own cookies:

3.1 Analytics Providers

• Google Analytics: Website analytics and user behavior tracking
• Vercel Analytics: Performance monitoring and real-time metrics

3.2 Blockchain and Wallet Providers

• MetaMask: Wallet connection and transaction signing
• WalletConnect: Multi-wallet integration protocol
• Coinbase Wallet: Wallet connection services
• Ethereum RPC Providers: Blockchain data retrieval

3.3 Security Services

• Cloudflare: DDoS protection and security monitoring
• reCAPTCHA: Bot detection and spam prevention

3.4 Third-Party Privacy Policies

These third parties have their own privacy policies:

• Google Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
• Vercel Privacy Policy: https://vercel.com/legal/privacy-policy
• MetaMask Privacy Policy: https://consensys.io/privacy-policy

4. Local Storage and Session Storage

In addition to cookies, we use browser storage technologies:

4.1 LocalStorage

• Wallet Connection History: Previously connected wallet addresses
• User Preferences: Theme, language, and display settings
• Session Persistence: Maintains login state across browser sessions
• Cache Data: Improves app performance and load times

4.2 SessionStorage

• Temporary Data: Data for the current browsing session only
• Form State: Preserves form inputs during navigation
• Transaction Context: Temporary transaction preparation data

4.3 IndexedDB

• Wallet Providers: May be used by connected wallet extensions
• Encrypted Data: Stores encrypted wallet data locally
• Large Data Sets: Caches blockchain data for offline access

4.4 Security Considerations

All sensitive data stored locally is encrypted. Your private keys are never stored in browser storage accessible to our application. You are responsible for keeping your device secure.

5. Managing Cookies and Tracking

5.1 Cookie Consent Manager

When you first visit our site, you can choose which types of cookies to accept through our cookie consent banner. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer.

5.2 Browser Settings

Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies:

• 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
• Brave: Settings → Shields → Cookies and other site data

5.3 Opt-Out Tools

• Google Analytics Opt-out: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
• Do Not Track (DNT): Browser setting respected by our site
• Global Privacy Control (GPC): Automated privacy preferences signal
• Network Advertising Initiative: https://optout.networkadvertising.org/

5.4 Mobile Device Settings

• iOS: Settings → Safari → Privacy & Security → Block All Cookies
• Android: Browser Settings → Site Settings → Cookies

5.5 Clearing Storage Data

To clear LocalStorage, SessionStorage, and IndexedDB:

• Open your browser's Developer Tools (F12)
• Navigate to the Application/Storage tab
• Select the storage type and click "Clear" or "Delete"

6. Impact of Disabling Cookies

Disabling cookies may affect your experience:

6.1 Essential Functions

• Unable to stay logged in between sessions
• Security features may not function properly
• Form submissions may fail
• Service availability may be limited

6.2 User Experience

• Preferences (theme, language) not saved
• Wallet connection history not maintained
• Slower page load times due to lack of caching
• Repetitive cookie consent prompts

6.3 Analytics and Improvements

• We cannot understand how users interact with our service
• Service improvements may be less targeted
• Bug detection and fixing may take longer

7. Cookie Retention Periods

Different cookies have different lifespans:

7.1 Session Cookies

Automatically deleted when you close your browser. Used for temporary session management and security.

7.2 Persistent Cookies

• Authentication: 30 days (automatic logout for security)
• Preferences: 1 year (theme, language settings)
• Analytics: 2 years (Google Analytics standard)
• Consent: 1 year (remember cookie choices)
• Security: 24 hours (fraud detection)

7.3 Automatic Deletion

Cookies are automatically deleted when their retention period expires or when you manually clear them through your browser settings.

8. Your Consent

By using our Service, you consent to our use of strictly necessary cookies. For all other cookies:

• First Visit: Cookie banner displays all cookie categories
• Granular Control: Accept all, reject all, or customize by category
• Withdraw Consent: Change preferences anytime via footer link
• Clear Communication: Plain language explanation of each cookie type
• Pre-Checked Boxes: No pre-selected non-essential cookies (GDPR compliant)

9. Other Tracking Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use:

9.1 Web Beacons (Pixels)

Small transparent images embedded in web pages or emails to track user activity and email opens.

9.2 Fingerprinting

We do not use device fingerprinting for tracking purposes. Any fingerprinting is limited to fraud prevention and security.

9.3 ETags

HTTP caching mechanism that may incidentally function as a tracking mechanism. We do not use ETags for tracking.

9.4 JavaScript and APIs

• Web3 APIs: Interact with blockchain wallets
• Browser APIs: Access device features with your permission
• Geolocation API: Only with explicit user consent

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. Material changes will be communicated through:

• Updated "Last updated" date at the top of this page
• Cookie consent banner on your next visit
• Email notification for significant changes (if applicable)

We recommend reviewing this policy periodically to stay informed about our cookie practices.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy: