4. Cookie Policy
4.1 What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) by websites you visit. They are widely used to make websites function correctly, to remember your preferences, and to provide information to site owners about how the site is being used. Cookies cannot execute programs or deliver viruses to your device. They are uniquely assigned to you and can only be read by the web server that issued them. In addition to cookies, Charitey may use similar technologies including local storage, session storage, and web beacons, all of which function in broadly similar ways. References to 'cookies' in this policy encompass these technologies unless otherwise specified.
4.2 Essential Cookies
Essential cookies are strictly necessary for the Charitey Platform to function. Without them, core services such as logging in, navigating between pages, and submitting forms would not work. These cookies do not collect personal information and cannot be switched off without impairing Platform functionality. Examples include:
- Session cookies that maintain your login state while you browse.
- CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery) tokens that protect your account from malicious requests.
- Load balancing cookies that direct requests to the appropriate server.
- Security cookies that flag suspicious activity.
- No consent is required for essential cookies under applicable law, as they are strictly necessary for the service you have requested.
4.3 Functional Cookies
Functional cookies allow the Platform to remember choices you have made and provide enhanced, personalised features. They may be set by Charitey or by third-party providers whose services we have integrated. Examples include:
- Language and regional preference settings.
- Remembering your login details (if you select 'stay logged in').
- Storing display preferences such as accessibility settings.
- These cookies are generally set only with your consent, except where they are necessary to provide a feature you have specifically requested.
4.4 Analytics Cookies
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with the Platform by collecting and reporting information anonymously. We use this data to improve the Platform's design, content, and performance. Information collected may include:
- Which pages are visited most frequently.
- How long users spend on each page.
- Where users come from (referral source).
- Which device and browser users are using.
- Whether users complete key actions (such as submitting a donation listing).
Analytics data is aggregated and does not personally identify individual users. We may use tools such as Google Analytics or equivalent privacy-compliant analytics platforms. Where such tools are used, they are configured to anonymise IP addresses and comply with applicable data protection law.
4.5 Marketing Cookies
Charitey does not currently use marketing or advertising cookies. In the future, if we introduce paid advertising, partnerships, or targeted outreach campaigns, we may deploy marketing cookies to measure the effectiveness of campaigns and to show relevant content. Any introduction of marketing cookies will:
- Be preceded by an update to this Cookie Policy and appropriate notice to users.
- Require your explicit prior consent through a clear consent mechanism.
- Be subject to your right to withdraw consent at any time.
4.6 Cookie Consent
When you first visit the Platform, you will be presented with a cookie consent notice. By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to the use of all cookie categories described in this policy. You may also customise your preferences by selecting specific categories. Choosing 'Reject Non-Essential' will limit cookies to essential cookies only.
Your consent is stored and respected on subsequent visits. You may change your cookie preferences at any time by accessing the cookie settings panel available in the website footer.
4.7 Managing Cookies Through Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to manage cookie preferences through their settings. You can typically:
- View all cookies stored by websites.
- Delete individual or all cookies.
- Block all cookies from specific websites.
- Set preferences to be notified before a cookie is placed.
Please note that blocking essential cookies will impair your ability to use the Platform. Instructions for managing cookies in popular browsers can be found through the browser's help documentation. Clearing cookies will also remove any saved preferences or login sessions.
4.8 Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on the Platform are set by third-party service providers, including analytics providers and social sharing tools. These third parties have their own privacy and cookie policies. Charitey does not control the cookies set by third parties and recommends that you review the relevant third-party policies. Currently, third-party cookies may be set by analytics services. We will maintain an updated list of third-party cookie providers in our Platform's cookie management interface.
4.9 Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, regulation, or our Platform's features. Material changes will be communicated via the Platform and, where required, renewed consent will be sought. The 'Last Updated' date at the top of this document will reflect any changes.