Cookie Policy
Effective Date: March 15, 2024
Last Updated: January 1, 2025
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how GiftShofer Solutions Inc. ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on the GiftShofer.org website (the "Platform"). This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy for complete information about our data practices.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, making your next visit easier and the site more useful to you.
2.1 Types of Cookies We Use
- Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that expire 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 directly by GiftShofer.org
- Third-Party Cookies: Cookies set by external services we use
3. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies for several purposes:
3.1 Essential Cookies (Always Active)
Purpose: Basic Website Functionality
These cookies are essential for the basic operation of our website and cannot be disabled:
- Authentication: Remember your login status and keep you signed in
- Security: Protect against fraudulent activity and security threats
- Load Balancing: Distribute traffic across our servers efficiently
- Session Management: Maintain your session throughout your visit
- Form Data: Remember information you've entered in forms
Legal Basis: Legitimate interest - necessary for website functionality
Retention Period: Session cookies expire when you close your browser; persistent cookies typically last 30 days
3.2 Performance & Analytics Cookies
Purpose: Website Performance Optimization
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website:
- Google Analytics: Collect anonymous usage statistics
- Page Load Times: Monitor website performance and speed
- Error Tracking: Identify and fix technical issues
- Feature Usage: Understand which features are most valuable
- Search Analytics: Improve our search functionality
Data Collected: Pages visited, time spent, browser type, device information, IP address (anonymized)
Third-Party Services: Google Analytics, Hotjar (anonymized)
Retention Period: Up to 26 months
3.3 Functional Cookies
Purpose: Enhanced User Experience
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization:
- Language Preferences: Remember your preferred language
- Theme Settings: Save your preferred display settings
- Accessibility Options: Remember accessibility preferences
- Content Personalization: Customize content based on your interests
- Progress Tracking: Remember your educational progress
Legal Basis: Consent or legitimate interest
Retention Period: Up to 12 months
3.4 Communication Cookies
Purpose: Email and Newsletter Management
These cookies help us manage communications effectively:
- Newsletter Preferences: Remember your subscription choices
- Email Tracking: Understand email engagement (with consent)
- Notification Settings: Remember your notification preferences
- Communication History: Track previous interactions for better support
Legal Basis: Consent
Retention Period: Until you withdraw consent or up to 24 months
4. Third-Party Cookies
We may allow certain trusted third-party services to place cookies on your device:
4.1 Analytics Services
- Google Analytics: Website traffic and usage analysis
- Hotjar: User experience and heatmap analysis (anonymized)
- Microsoft Clarity: Session recording and analytics (anonymized)
4.2 Security Services
- Cloudflare: DDoS protection and security enhancement
- reCAPTCHA: Bot protection and spam prevention
4.3 Content Delivery
- CDN Services: Faster content delivery and improved performance
- Font Services: Web font loading and optimization
5. Cookie Management & Your Choices
5.1 Browser Settings
You can control cookies through your browser settings:
- Accept All Cookies: Allow all cookies for full functionality
- Block All Cookies: Disable all cookies (may limit functionality)
- Custom Settings: Choose which types of cookies to allow
- Delete Cookies: Remove existing cookies from your device
5.2 Browser-Specific Instructions
Chrome
Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
Firefox
Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
Safari
Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
Edge
Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
5.3 Our Cookie Preference Center
We provide a cookie preference center where you can:
- View detailed information about each cookie category
- Enable or disable non-essential cookies
- Update your preferences at any time
- Withdraw consent for specific cookie types
Access: Look for the "Cookie Preferences" link in our website footer or contact us to update your preferences.
6. Impact of Disabling Cookies
Disabling certain cookies may impact your experience:
6.1 Essential Cookies Disabled
- Website may not function properly
- Unable to maintain login sessions
- Security features may be compromised
- Forms may not work correctly
6.2 Analytics Cookies Disabled
- We cannot improve website performance based on usage data
- Technical issues may take longer to identify and fix
- Content optimization becomes less effective
6.3 Functional Cookies Disabled
- Settings and preferences won't be remembered
- Personalized content may not be available
- Accessibility options may reset each visit
- Educational progress may not be saved
7. Mobile App Cookies
Our mobile applications may use similar technologies:
- Local Storage: Store app preferences and settings
- Session Tokens: Maintain authentication between app sessions
- Analytics SDKs: Collect anonymized usage data for app improvement
- Crash Reporting: Identify and fix app stability issues
You can manage these through your device's app settings and privacy controls.
8. International Considerations
8.1 European Union Users
For users in the EU, we comply with the ePrivacy Directive and GDPR:
- Consent is obtained before placing non-essential cookies
- Clear information provided about each cookie's purpose
- Easy withdrawal of consent available
- Records maintained of consent given
8.2 California Users
California residents have additional rights under CCPA/CPRA:
- Right to know what personal information is collected via cookies
- Right to opt-out of sale or sharing of personal information
- Right to delete personal information collected through cookies
9. Children's Privacy
We do not knowingly collect information from children under 16 through cookies or any other means. If you believe a child has provided information through our cookies, please contact us immediately.
10. Data Security
Cookie data is protected through:
- Encryption: All cookie data transmitted using secure protocols
- Access Controls: Limited access to cookie data by authorized personnel only
- Regular Audits: Periodic security assessments of cookie handling
- Data Minimization: Collect only necessary cookie data
11. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:
- Changes in our cookie usage practices
- New technologies or tracking methods
- Legal or regulatory requirements
- Improvements to user control options
We will notify you of material changes through email or prominent website notices.
12. Contact Us About Cookies
If you have questions about our use of cookies or want to exercise your rights:
GiftShofer Solutions Inc.
Privacy Team
2850 Technology Boulevard, Suite 400
San Francisco, CA 94105
United States
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (877) 582-9364
Cookie Preferences: [email protected]
13. Detailed Cookie List
Below is a comprehensive list of cookies we use:
13.1 Essential Cookies
| Cookie Name |
Purpose |
Duration |
| gs_session |
Maintains user session |
Session |
| gs_auth |
Authentication token |
30 days |
| gs_security |
Security protection |
24 hours |
13.2 Analytics Cookies
| Cookie Name |
Purpose |
Duration |
| _ga |
Google Analytics - user identification |
2 years |
| _gid |
Google Analytics - session identification |
24 hours |
| _hjid |
Hotjar - user identification |
1 year |
14. Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding cookies:
- Right to Information: Know what cookies we use and why
- Right to Consent: Choose which cookies to accept
- Right to Withdraw: Remove consent at any time
- Right to Access: See what cookie data we have collected
- Right to Deletion: Request deletion of cookie data
- Right to Portability: Receive cookie data in portable format
This Cookie Policy is designed to be transparent about our practices and give you control over your cookie preferences. We are committed to respecting your privacy choices and providing clear information about our use of cookies.
