Cookie Policy

Last Updated: [DATE]

IMPORTANT: This is a template document and should be reviewed by qualified legal counsel before publication. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how [COMPANY_NAME] (“we,” “us,” or “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on the iTravelFree platform. This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy for a complete understanding of how we collect, use, and protect your information.

1.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, authenticate your identity, and provide a better user experience.

1.2 Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies to:

• Maintain your login session and keep you authenticated
• Remember your language preference for a personalized experience
• Ensure platform security and prevent unauthorized access
• Improve our services based on how you use our platform

2. What Cookies We Use

The table below lists all cookies used by iTravelFree:

2.1 Session Cookies (Authentication)

Cookie Name: Session token (managed by Better Auth)

Purpose: These cookies are essential for the platform to function. They:

• Authenticate your identity when you log in
• Maintain your session as you navigate the platform
• Provide security against unauthorized access
• Enable logout functionality

Duration:

• Session-based: If you don’t select “Remember Me,” the cookie expires when you close your browser
• Persistent: If you select “Remember Me,” the cookie persists for a longer period (typically 30 days)

Type: Strictly Necessary

Can Be Disabled?: No. These cookies are required for the platform to function. Disabling them will prevent you from logging in and using iTravelFree.

2.2 Locale Cookie (Language Preference)

Cookie Name: locale

Purpose: This cookie stores your language preference to provide a consistent experience across your visits. It ensures that:

• The platform displays in your preferred language
• You don’t have to select your language every time you visit
• Your language choice is remembered across sessions

Duration: Persistent (remains until you manually clear it or change your language preference)

Type: Functional

Can Be Disabled?: Yes. If you disable or delete this cookie, the platform will default to English or your browser’s language setting. You can manually select your language again at any time.

3. Cookie Categories

We categorize our cookies based on their purpose and necessity:

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the platform to function and cannot be disabled:

• Session authentication cookies (Better Auth)

Without these cookies, you cannot log in, access your account, or use core platform features.

3.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance your experience but are not strictly necessary:

• Locale preference cookie (locale)

You can disable these cookies, but doing so may impact your user experience (e.g., you’ll need to select your language each time you visit).

3.3 Analytics and Marketing Cookies

We do NOT currently use analytics or marketing cookies. We do not track your behavior across other websites, and we do not use cookies for advertising purposes.

If we decide to implement analytics or marketing cookies in the future, we will:

• Update this Cookie Policy
• Notify you of the changes
• Obtain your consent where required by law

4. How Cookies Are Used

4.1 Authentication and Security

Session cookies are critical for:

• Login: Verifying your identity when you sign in
• Session Management: Keeping you logged in as you navigate the platform
• Security: Protecting against cross-site request forgery (CSRF) and other attacks
• Logout: Properly terminating your session when you log out

4.2 Personalization

The locale cookie provides:

• Language Consistency: Displaying the platform in your preferred language
• User Experience: Eliminating the need to select your language repeatedly
• Accessibility: Ensuring content is presented in a language you understand

5. Third-Party Cookies

When you use certain features on iTravelFree, third-party services may set their own cookies:

5.1 Payment Processing (Stripe)

When you make a payment, Stripe may set cookies to:

• Process your payment securely
• Prevent fraud
• Comply with payment card industry (PCI) standards

Stripe’s Cookie Policy: https://stripe.com/cookies-policy

5.2 Payout Processing (PayPal)

When Ambassadors receive payouts, PayPal may set cookies to:

• Authenticate payout transactions
• Prevent fraud
• Comply with financial regulations

PayPal’s Cookie Policy: https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/ua/cookie-full

5.3 Important Note

We do not control these third-party cookies. Please refer to the respective privacy and cookie policies of Stripe and PayPal for more information about how they use cookies.

6. Managing Cookies

You have control over how cookies are used on your device.

6.1 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to manage cookies through their settings. You can:

• View cookies: See which cookies are stored on your device
• Delete cookies: Remove existing cookies
• Block cookies: Prevent websites from setting new cookies
• Set preferences: Allow cookies from certain sites while blocking others

6.2 How to Disable Cookies in Common Browsers

Google Chrome

1. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner
2. Select Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
3. Choose your preferred cookie settings

Mozilla Firefox

1. Click the three-line menu in the top-right corner
2. Select Settings > Privacy & Security
3. Under Cookies and Site Data, choose your preferred settings

Safari (macOS)

1. Click Safari in the menu bar > Preferences
2. Go to the Privacy tab
3. Adjust your cookie settings under Cookies and website data

Microsoft Edge

1. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner
2. Select Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data
3. Choose your preferred cookie settings

6.3 Impact of Disabling Cookies

Disabling Strictly Necessary Cookies (session authentication):

• You will NOT be able to log in to iTravelFree
• You will NOT be able to access your account or use platform features
• The platform will be essentially unusable

Disabling Functional Cookies (locale preference):

• The platform will default to English or your browser’s language setting
• You will need to manually select your language each time you visit
• Your user experience may be less convenient, but core functionality will remain

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements.

7.1 Notification of Changes

• Material Changes: We will notify you via email and/or a prominent notice on our platform at least 30 days before the changes take effect.
• Minor Changes: We will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy.

7.2 Continued Use

Your continued use of iTravelFree after the effective date of any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Cookie Policy.

8. Contact Us

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

• Privacy Inquiries: [PRIVACY_EMAIL]
• Postal Address: [COMPANY_ADDRESS]

We will respond to your inquiry within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 30 days.

This Cookie Policy is effective as of [DATE] and applies to all users of the iTravelFree platform.

For more information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information, please see our Privacy Policy.