1. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites work properly, improve user experience, and provide analytics to site owners.
2. Types of Cookies We Use
2.1 Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function. Without them, you cannot log in or use basic features.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Session ID | Maintain login state | Until session ends |
| CSRF Token | Security protection | Until session ends |
| Cookie Consent | Remember your cookie preferences | 1 year |
Legal Basis: Contract performance, legitimate interests
2.2 Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect anonymous information about how visitors use our website, helping us improve the service.
| Service | Cookie Name | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics | _ga, _gid | Traffic analysis | 2 years / 24 hours |
| Microsoft Clarity | _clck, _clsk | Heatmaps, recordings | 1 year |
Important: Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity are only loaded after you give consent.
Legal Basis: Your consent
2.3 Cookie-Free Analytics
We use Plausible Analytics for privacy-friendly analytics. Plausible does not use cookies or collect personal data.
| Service | Features | Cookies |
|---|---|---|
| Plausible | Lightweight, privacy-first analytics | No cookies |
Legal Basis: Legitimate interest (no consent required)
2.4 Functional Cookies
These cookies remember your preferences, such as language and theme settings.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Language Preference | Remember language choice | 1 year |
| Theme Preference | Remember theme (light/dark) | 1 year |
Legal Basis: Your consent
3. Third-Party Cookies
3.1 Google OAuth
Used for account login via Google.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Google Account Cookies | Login state | Controlled by Google |
3.2 Payment Processors
Used for secure payment processing.
| Service | Cookie Purpose |
|---|---|
| PayPal | Payment process, authentication |
| Creem | Payment process, subscription management |
These cookies are set by third-party services. Please refer to each provider's privacy policy:
PayPal Privacy
Creem Privacy Policy
4. How to Manage Cookies
4.1 Via Our Cookie Banner
When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie consent banner with these options:
- Accept All: Allow all cookies
- Reject Non-Essential: Only allow essential cookies
- Manage Preferences: Choose which types of cookies to allow
You can change your preferences anytime by clicking "Cookie Settings" at the bottom of the page.
4.2 Via Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to:
- View cookies stored on your device
- Block all or certain cookies
- Delete all or certain cookies
Browser Settings Guides:
Chrome
Safari
Firefox
Edge
4.3 Impact of Blocking Cookies
If you block cookies:
- Basic website functionality will still work
- Analytics data will not be collected
- Some personalization features may not be available
- Login state may not persist across sessions
5. Cookie Preference Management
5.1 Loading Order
1. Essential Cookies → Load immediately (no consent required)
2. Plausible → Load immediately (no cookies)
3. Google Analytics / Clarity → Load after user consent
5.2 Consent Storage
Your cookie preferences are stored in a cookie named cookie_consent with a 1-year retention period.
5.3 Withdrawing Consent
You can withdraw consent at any time:
- Click "Cookie Settings" at the bottom of the page
- Or delete all cookies from our website
6. Updates
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically. When we do:
- The "Effective Date" will be updated
- Significant changes will be announced via banner
7. Contact Us
For questions about cookies:
- Email: support@imagechat.co
- Website: https://imagechat.co/contact