Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

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

2. How We Use Cookies

CodeCraft Academy uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Keep you logged in during your session
• Understand how you use our website
• Improve our services and user experience
• Provide personalized content and recommendations
• Ensure the security of our platform
• Deliver relevant advertisements (with your consent)

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled. They enable core functionality such as:

• Session Management: Keep you logged in during your visit
• Security: Protect against cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
• Load Balancing: Distribute traffic across our servers
• Accessibility: Remember your accessibility preferences

3.2 Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously:

• Google Analytics: Tracks page views, user behavior, and site performance
• Hotjar: Records user sessions to improve user experience
• Internal Analytics: Our own tracking for course progress and engagement

3.3 Marketing Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver advertisements relevant to you and your interests:

• Facebook Pixel: Tracks conversions and builds audiences
• Google Ads: Delivers targeted advertisements
• LinkedIn Insight: Professional network advertising
• Retargeting: Shows relevant ads on other websites

3.4 Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance functionality and personalization:

• Language Preferences: Remember your language choice
• Theme Settings: Save your dark/light mode preference
• Course Progress: Track your learning progress
• Video Settings: Remember playback preferences

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are set by third-party services that appear on our pages:

4.1 Google Services

• Google Analytics: Website traffic analysis
• Google Ads: Advertising and remarketing
• YouTube: Embedded video content
• reCAPTCHA: Bot protection

4.2 Social Media

• Facebook: Social sharing and advertising
• Twitter: Social sharing widgets
• LinkedIn: Professional networking features
• Instagram: Photo sharing widgets

4.3 Payment Providers

• Stripe: Secure payment processing
• PayPal: Alternative payment method

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

5.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner where you can:

• Accept all cookies
• Accept only necessary cookies
• Customize your preferences

5.2 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies
• Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies
• Edge: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies

5.3 Opt-Out Links

You can opt out of specific tracking services:

• Google Analytics Opt-out
• Facebook Opt-out
• Digital Advertising Alliance Opt-out
• Your Online Choices (EU)

6. Mobile App Tracking

Our mobile apps may use similar tracking technologies:

• Device Identifiers: Unique identifiers for analytics
• Push Notifications: Course reminders and updates
• App Analytics: Usage patterns and crash reporting
• Location Data: Only with explicit permission

7. Impact of Disabling Cookies

Disabling cookies may affect your experience:

7.1 Necessary Cookies

Disabling necessary cookies will prevent core functionality:

• You may not be able to log in
• Security features may not work
• Some pages may not load correctly
• Form submissions may fail

7.2 Analytics Cookies

Disabling analytics cookies means:

• We can't track your usage patterns
• We may not identify technical issues
• Personalization may be limited

7.3 Marketing Cookies

Disabling marketing cookies results in:

• Less relevant advertisements
• No retargeting campaigns
• Limited social media integration

8. Cookie Security

We implement security measures for cookies:

• Secure Flag: Cookies transmitted over HTTPS only
• HttpOnly Flag: Prevents client-side script access
• SameSite Attribute: Protects against CSRF attacks
• Encryption: Sensitive data is encrypted
• Regular Rotation: Session tokens are rotated frequently

9. International Data Transfers

Some cookie data may be transferred internationally:

• Google Services: Data processed in various Google data centers
• Facebook: Data may be processed in the US
• Analytics Providers: Various international locations

We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for all international transfers.

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this cookie policy to reflect:

• Changes in our cookie usage
• New technologies and tracking methods
• Legal and regulatory requirements
• User feedback and preferences

We will notify you of significant changes through our website or email.

11. Contact Us

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

12. Useful Resources

Learn more about cookies and privacy:

• ICO Cookie Guidance
• All About Cookies
• Cookiepedia
• Your Online Choices