Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Aku Collective OÜ ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website. This policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy.

By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy. You can change your cookie preferences at any time using the tools described below.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners.

2.1 Types of Cookies

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them
• First-Party Cookies: Cookies set by our website directly
• Third-Party Cookies: Cookies set by external services we use on our website

2.2 Similar Technologies

We may also use similar technologies including:

• Web Beacons: Small graphic images used to track user behavior
• Local Storage: Technology that stores data locally on your device
• Session Storage: Temporary storage that expires when you close your browser
• Pixels: Tracking codes embedded in web pages or emails

3. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for several purposes to improve your experience on our website and to help us understand how our website is being used.

3.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled:

• Website Functionality: Enable basic website features like navigation and form submission
• Security: Help protect against fraud and security threats
• Cookie Consent: Remember your cookie preferences
• Session Management: Maintain your session while browsing our website

3.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website:

• Google Analytics: Track website usage, visitor behavior, and performance metrics
• Page Loading: Monitor website performance and loading times
• Error Tracking: Identify and resolve technical issues
• User Journey: Understand how users navigate through our website

3.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance your experience by remembering your preferences:

• Language Preferences: Remember your preferred language settings
• Form Data: Save information you've entered in contact forms
• Display Preferences: Remember your display and accessibility settings
• Regional Settings: Customize content based on your location

3.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver relevant content and track marketing effectiveness:

• Interest Tracking: Build profiles of your interests for relevant content
• Remarketing: Show relevant ads on other websites you visit
• Campaign Tracking: Measure the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns
• Social Media Integration: Enable sharing and social media features

4. Specific Cookies We Use

5. Third-Party Services and Cookies

5.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect information about your use of our website in an anonymous form.

• Data Collected: Pages visited, time spent, bounce rate, geographic location (country/city level)
• Purpose: Improve website performance and user experience
• Data Retention: 26 months
• Privacy: IP addresses are anonymized
• Opt-out: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on

5.2 Google Fonts

We use Google Fonts to display custom fonts on our website. This service may set cookies and collect usage information.

• Purpose: Provide consistent typography across devices
• Data: Font usage and loading performance
• Privacy Policy: Google Privacy Policy

5.3 Content Delivery Network (CDN)

We use CDN services to deliver website content efficiently. These services may use cookies for performance optimization.

• Purpose: Faster website loading and improved performance
• Data: Technical information about content delivery
• Duration: Session-based or short-term storage

6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

6.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner that allows you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• View this Cookie Policy for more information
• Customize your preferences (if available)

6.2 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

Chrome:

1. Click the three dots menu → Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
2. Choose your preferred cookie settings
3. You can block all cookies or allow only certain types

Firefox:

1. Click menu button → Options → Privacy & Security
2. Under "Cookies and Site Data," choose your settings
3. You can block tracking cookies or all cookies

Safari:

1. Safari menu → Preferences → Privacy
2. Choose your cookie and tracking preferences
3. You can prevent cross-site tracking

Edge:

1. Click three dots menu → Settings → Cookies and site permissions
2. Choose "Cookies and site data"
3. Configure your cookie preferences

6.3 Mobile Browsers

Mobile browsers also allow cookie management:

• iOS Safari: Settings → Safari → Block All Cookies
• Android Chrome: Chrome app → Settings → Site settings → Cookies
• Other mobile browsers: Check the privacy settings in your specific browser

7. Impact of Disabling Cookies

7.1 Essential Cookies

Disabling essential cookies may result in:

• Website functionality issues
• Inability to submit forms or navigate properly
• Loss of security features
• Repeated cookie consent requests

7.2 Analytics Cookies

Disabling analytics cookies means:

• We cannot track website performance
• Your visits won't be counted in our statistics
• We may not identify and fix technical issues as quickly
• Website improvements may be less targeted

7.3 Functional Cookies

Disabling functional cookies results in:

• Loss of personalized settings
• Need to re-enter preferences on each visit
• Less convenient browsing experience
• Default language and display settings

8. Cookie Security and Privacy

8.1 Data Protection

We implement security measures to protect cookie data:

• Secure Transmission: Cookies transmitted over HTTPS connections
• HttpOnly Flags: Prevent client-side script access to sensitive cookies
• SameSite Attributes: Protect against cross-site request forgery
• Regular Audits: Review and update cookie practices

8.2 Personal Data in Cookies

Our cookies do not directly contain personal information such as:

• Names, email addresses, or phone numbers
• Credit card or payment information
• Sensitive personal data
• Detailed personal profiles

8.3 Anonymous and Pseudonymous Data

Most cookies store anonymous or pseudonymous identifiers that:

• Cannot directly identify you as an individual
• Are used for technical and analytical purposes
• Are automatically generated by systems
• Can be deleted at any time

9. International Data Transfers

Some of our third-party service providers (like Google Analytics) may transfer and process cookie data outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

9.1 Safeguards

When data is transferred internationally, we ensure:

• Adequate data protection through approved mechanisms
• Standard Contractual Clauses or adequacy decisions
• Compliance with GDPR requirements
• Regular review of transfer arrangements

9.2 Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Know when your data is transferred internationally
• Understand the safeguards in place
• Object to certain types of international transfers
• Request information about transfer mechanisms

10. Updates to This Cookie Policy

10.1 Policy Changes

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:

• Changes in our cookie practices
• New technologies or services
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• Industry best practices

10.2 Notification Process

Significant changes will be communicated through:

• Updated policy posted on our website
• Email notifications to subscribers
• Cookie consent banner updates
• Direct communication for major changes

10.3 Continued Consent

Continued use of our website after policy updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Cookie Policy.

11. Contact Information

11.1 Questions and Concerns

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this policy, please contact us:

11.2 Data Protection Authority

You can also contact the Estonian Data Protection Inspectorate:

• Website: www.aki.ee
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: Väike-Ameerika 19, 10129 Tallinn, Estonia

11.3 Response Time

We will respond to cookie-related inquiries within 30 days of receiving your request.

12. Related Policies

This Cookie Policy should be read in conjunction with our other legal documents:

• Privacy Policy - How we handle your personal data
• Terms and Conditions - General terms for using our website and services

In case of conflicts between policies, our Privacy Policy takes precedence for data protection matters, and our Terms and Conditions govern general website use.