Cookie Policy

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, phone, tablet) by websites you visit. They help websites remember your preferences, keep you logged in, and improve your browsing experience.

Cookies can be "session cookies" (deleted when you close your browser) or "persistent cookies" (stored for a longer period).

2.1 Session Management (Essential - Cannot Be Disabled)

• What It Does: Authenticates users, maintains login state, prevents CSRF attacks
• Storage Location: Session ID in small cookie; actual data stored on our server (filesystem)
• Data Stored (Server-Side): User ID, CSRF token, flash messages, theme preference
• Privacy: Session ID is a random string that does NOT contain personal information
• Legal Basis: Legitimate interest (necessary for service functionality)
• Can It Be Disabled? No - required for login and core app functionality

2.2 Cookie Consent Preferences (Essential)

• Storage: Browser localStorage (NOT a cookie)
• Purpose: Remember your cookie consent choices (analytics, marketing)
• Duration: 12 months
• Data Stored: Consent preferences, privacy policy version, cookie policy version, timestamp

2.3 Third-Party Resources (No Tracking)

We load the following CDN (Content Delivery Network) resources for functionality:

Note: These CDN providers may set cookies for caching, load balancing, and DDoS protection. They do NOT track you for advertising purposes. Refer to their privacy policies for details.

2.4 Microsoft Teams Live Chat Widget

We use Microsoft Teams Live Chat to provide customer support and answer questions. When you interact with the chat widget, Microsoft may collect:

• Chat Data: Messages you send, chat transcripts, timestamps
• Session Information: Chat session IDs, interaction history
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, operating system
• Cookies: Microsoft may set cookies to maintain chat sessions and improve functionality

Legal Basis: Legitimate interest (customer support) and consent when you initiate a chat session.
Data Controller: Microsoft Corporation
Privacy Policy: Microsoft Privacy Statement
Data Location: United States (Microsoft cloud infrastructure)
Retention: Chat transcripts retained according to Microsoft's data retention policies

Your Control: The chat widget only collects data when you actively initiate a conversation. You are not required to use the live chat feature to access our services.

We do NOT currently use analytics cookies (Google Analytics, etc.) or marketing cookies (advertising, retargeting). If we add these features in the future, they will be opt-in only and you will be able to control them via the cookie consent banner.

Potential Future Services (Opt-In Required):

• Google Analytics 4 (GA4): Website usage statistics (page views, time on site, user flow)
• Marketing Pixels: Email campaign tracking (newsletter open rates, click rates)
• A/B Testing Tools: Test different features to improve user experience

Your Control: If we add analytics or marketing tools, the cookie consent banner will allow you to:

• Accept All: Enable analytics and marketing cookies
• Essential Only: Use only required session cookies
• Customize: Choose specific categories (analytics yes, marketing no)

4.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our site, you'll see a cookie consent banner at the bottom of the page. You can:

• Accept All: Enable all cookie categories (currently only essential)
• Essential Only: Use only required session cookies
• Save Preferences: Customize which cookies you allow

Your consent is stored for 12 months. After that, you'll be asked to renew your preferences.

4.2 Change Your Preferences

You can change your cookie preferences anytime:

• Click "Cookie Settings" in the footer
• Clear your browser's localStorage and cookies
• Use browser privacy settings to block cookies

4.3 Browser Settings

Most browsers allow you to control cookies via settings:

• Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Apple Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Cookies and site permissions

Warning: Disabling essential cookies will prevent you from logging in and using the trading journal application.

4.4 Do Not Track (DNT)

Since we do not use tracking cookies or third-party analytics, your browser's "Do Not Track" setting does not affect our Service. We do not track users across websites.

• Session Cookie (session ID): Deleted when you close your browser
• Consent Preference (localStorage): 12 months, then you're asked to renew consent
• Future Analytics Cookies (if enabled): 24 months (Google Analytics standard)

We do NOT set third-party cookies for advertising or tracking. We use third-party services for:

• Functional Purposes: CDN services (Bootstrap, Font Awesome, Chart.js) for UI functionality
• Customer Support: Microsoft Teams Live Chat widget for real-time support

CDN providers may set cookies for performance and security, but they do NOT track you for advertising.

Microsoft Teams Live Chat: When you use the chat widget, Microsoft may set cookies to:

• Maintain your chat session
• Remember your chat history during the session
• Improve chat functionality and user experience

Important: The chat widget is optional. You are not required to use it to access our services. Microsoft's cookies are only set when you actively interact with the chat widget.

For more information, refer to privacy policies linked in Section 2.3 and Section 2.4.

We may update this Cookie Policy if we add new cookies or change how we use them. Material changes will be notified via:

• Email notification to registered users
• Prominent notice on our website
• Update to "Effective Date" at top of this page
• Cookie consent banner reappearing to collect new consent

If you have questions about our cookie usage, contact us:

Email: [email protected]
Privacy Policy: View Privacy Policy
Cookie Settings: Manage Preferences