Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They contain information that is sent back to the website's server each time you visit. Cookies serve many purposes: remembering login information, tracking browsing behavior, personalizing content, and enabling website functionality.

Cookies may be set by us directly ("first-party cookies") or by third-party services we use ("third-party cookies"). They may persist for a single session or remain on your device for extended periods ("persistent cookies" vs. "session cookies").

2. Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies for the following legitimate business purposes:

• Essential Site Function: To enable login, session management, and website security
• User Experience: To remember your preferences, language settings, and browsing history
• Analytics & Performance: To understand how visitors use our website, track traffic patterns, and identify issues
• Marketing & Personalization: To display relevant content and advertisements tailored to your interests
• Fraud Prevention: To detect and prevent unauthorized access and fraudulent activity
• Third-Party Integration: To enable functionality from external services (e.g., payment processors, social media)

3. Types of Cookies

3.1 Essential/Necessary Cookies

These cookies are required for the website to function properly. They cannot be disabled without breaking site functionality. Examples include:

• Session identifiers for login and authentication
• Security tokens and CSRF protection
• Checkout and payment processing cookies

3.2 Analytics Cookies

We use analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to measure website traffic and visitor behavior. These cookies collect information about:

• Pages visited and time spent on each page
• Referral sources and navigation paths
• Device types and browser information
• Geographic location (general region, not precise)

Analytics data is typically anonymized and does not identify you personally. You can opt-out of analytics cookies through your browser settings or our cookie preferences.

3.3 Preference Cookies

These cookies remember your choices and settings, such as:

• Language and region preferences
• Display options and theme preferences
• Cookie consent choices

3.4 Marketing Cookies

Used to track your interests and deliver personalized advertisements. These may include:

• Retargeting cookies that follow you across websites
• Social media tracking pixels
• Advertising network cookies

You can disable marketing cookies through cookie preferences or opt-out links provided by advertising networks.

4. Third-Party Cookies

We use third-party services that set their own cookies on our website. These include:

• Google Analytics: Web analytics to measure traffic and user behavior (data processed according to Google's privacy policy)
• Payment Processors: Cookies set by payment gateways for secure transaction processing
• Social Media: Cookies from social platforms to enable social sharing and tracking
• Advertising Networks: Third-party ad networks for retargeting and interest-based advertising

Third-party services may collect information according to their own privacy policies. We are not responsible for their data practices. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies directly.

5. Cookie Duration

• Session Cookies: Automatically deleted when you close your browser (typically 1–24 hours)
• Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for specified periods, usually 30 days to 2 years, until manually deleted or expiration
• Analytics Cookies: Typically retained for 12–24 months
• Preference Cookies: May persist indefinitely until preferences are changed

6. Your Cookie Choices & Control

6.1 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your web browser:

• View saved cookies
• Allow or block all cookies
• Delete cookies upon browser closure
• Block third-party cookies
• Block specific domains or cookie types

Instructions for popular browsers:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Preferences → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
• Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Clear browsing data

6.2 Our Cookie Banner

When you visit our website, a cookie consent banner appears. You can:

• Accept All: Accept all cookie types (essential, analytics, preferences, marketing)
• Reject: Decline non-essential cookies; essential cookies remain enabled
• Your choice is stored in localStorage and remains until you clear your browser data or change your preferences

6.3 Opt-Out Options

Additional opt-out options:

• Google Analytics: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Advertising Networks: Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) opt-out tool
• Email List: Unsubscribe links in marketing emails

7. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers allow you to send "Do Not Track" (DNT) signals to websites. However, DNT is not universally standardized or enforced. MacFlow Setup currently does not respond to DNT signals, but we respect your privacy choices through our cookie settings and this policy.

We recommend using your browser settings and our cookie preferences to manage tracking and cookies.

8. Similar Tracking Technologies

Besides cookies, we may use other tracking technologies:

• Pixels/Web Beacons: Tiny images embedded in websites to track page views and user actions
• Local Storage: Browser storage for persisting preferences and data (similar to cookies but with larger capacity)
• Log Files: Server-side logs recording IP addresses, browser types, and access times
• Device Identifiers: Unique codes assigned to your device for tracking purposes

These technologies are subject to the same privacy principles and choices as cookies.

9. Data Security

We protect cookie data and user information through:

• Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/SSL)
• Secure cookie attributes (HttpOnly, Secure, SameSite flags)
• Access controls and authentication
• Regular security audits

However, no security system is completely impenetrable. Transmit sensitive information at your own risk.

10. International Data Transfers

Cookie data and analytics may be transferred to, processed in, and stored in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection standards. By accepting cookies, you consent to international data transfers as necessary to operate our Services.

11. Children's Privacy

MacFlow Setup is not directed toward children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly set cookies or collect data from children under 13. If we become aware that a child under 13 has interacted with cookies on our site, we will take steps to disable tracking for that user.

Parents or guardians concerned about children's privacy should contact us at setup@macflow.local.

12. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. Material changes will be communicated via email or prominent notice on our website. Your continued use of our Services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Cookie Policy.

13. Questions About Cookies?

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

• Email: setup@macflow.local
• Phone: +1 (202) 555-0147
• Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500, USA

We will respond within 14 business days.