What Are Cookies Anyway?

Cookies are small text files that websites place on your device. They help sites remember things about your visit—like your language preference or items in a shopping cart. Some expire when you close your browser, while others stick around longer.

We use cookies to make your experience smoother and to understand how people interact with our site. But we also recognize that you might not want all this tracking, which is why we're giving you clear options.

Essential Cookies We Can't Disable

Some cookies are necessary for the website to actually work. Without them, you wouldn't be able to navigate pages securely or use basic features. These stay regardless of your preference because they're not tracking you—they're just keeping the lights on.

• Session management cookies that remember you're logged in as you move between pages
• Security tokens that protect against malicious attacks and keep your browsing safe
• Load balancing cookies that ensure the site performs well for everyone
• Preference cookies that remember your cookie consent choice

These expire when you close your browser or after a short period, and they don't collect personal information beyond what's needed for basic functionality.

Third-Party Services and Their Cookies

Some cookies come from external services we use—like analytics platforms or embedded content. We carefully select partners who respect privacy, but they have their own policies that govern how they handle data.

Common third-party services on our site might include:

• Google Analytics for website statistics
• Social media platforms if you share content
• Email marketing tools for newsletter subscriptions
• Customer support chat services

When you reject non-essential cookies, we signal these services to minimize tracking, though some may still function in basic forms.

How Long We Keep Cookie Data

Different cookies have different lifespans. Session cookies disappear when you close your browser. Persistent cookies can last anywhere from 24 hours to 2 years, depending on their purpose.

We regularly review the cookies we use and remove those that no longer serve a clear purpose. Analytics data collected through cookies is typically retained for 26 months before being automatically deleted.

Updates to This Policy

We review this policy at least once a year and whenever we make significant changes to how we use cookies. When we update it, we'll change the date at the top and, for major changes, we'll notify you through the website or email.

We recommend checking back occasionally if you're concerned about privacy practices. Our commitment is to be transparent and give you meaningful control over your data.