Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Local Snow ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website at localsnow.org (the "Platform").

By using our Platform, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy. You can control cookie settings through your browser or our cookie consent banner.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, recognize you on return visits, and provide a better user experience.

Cookies can be:

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a specified period or until manually deleted
• First-Party Cookies: Set directly by our Platform
• Third-Party Cookies: Set by external services we use (e.g., payment processors, analytics)

3. How We Use Cookies

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies (Essential)

These cookies are essential for the Platform to function properly. They cannot be disabled without severely impacting your ability to use our services.

Legal Basis: These cookies are necessary for the performance of our contract with you (GDPR Article 6(1)(b)).

3.2 Functional Cookies

At this time, we do not set a separate functional-cookie category beyond the essential cookies listed above.

3.3 First-Party Measurement (No Analytics Cookies)

We do not use third-party analytics cookies. Instead, we use consent-aware first-party server-side event logs to measure and improve core marketplace flows (for example: instructor signup completion and lesson request submission).

• These events are recorded only when you choose "Accept measurement" in the cookie banner
• Choosing "Essential only" means these optional measurement events are not recorded
• We do not use this data for behavioral advertising

3.4 Advertising Cookies (Not Used)

We do not use advertising cookies or track you for behavioral advertising purposes. We do not sell your data to third parties.

4. Third-Party Cookies

Certain third-party services we use may set their own cookies when you interact with their features:

4.1 Payment Processing (Stripe)

When you process payments, Stripe may set cookies for fraud prevention and secure payment processing. Stripe's cookie usage is governed by their own privacy policy at stripe.com/privacy.

4.2 Google OAuth (Authentication)

If you sign in with Google, Google may set cookies for authentication purposes. Google's cookie practices are described at policies.google.com/technologies/cookies.

4.3 Google Calendar API

If you connect your Google Calendar for availability management, Google may set cookies related to calendar access. This requires your explicit consent during the OAuth flow.

5. How We Protect Your Privacy

• Minimal Data Collection: We only use essential cookies and avoid unnecessary tracking
• HTTP-Only Cookies: Authentication cookies are HTTP-only to prevent JavaScript access (XSS protection)
• Secure Transmission: All cookies transmitted over HTTPS with Secure flag
• SameSite Protection: Cookies use SameSite attribute to prevent CSRF attacks
• No Cross-Site Tracking: We do not track you across other websites or sell your data

6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

6.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our Platform, you'll see a cookie consent banner allowing you to:

• Accept measurement: Allow optional first-party measurement events
• Essential only: Use only essential cookies and disable optional measurement

You can change your choice any time by clearing your cookies/local storage and selecting again in the banner.

6.2 Browser Settings

You can also manage cookies through your browser settings:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
• Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data

Note: Blocking essential cookies will prevent you from logging in and using core Platform features.

6.3 Do Not Track (DNT)

We currently rely on your cookie-banner selection for optional measurement controls. Browser Do Not Track signals are not used as a standalone consent mechanism.

7. Cookie Retention and Deletion

Cookies are retained for the durations specified in the tables above. You can delete cookies:

• Manually: Clear cookies through your browser settings at any time
• Automatically: Session cookies are deleted when you close your browser
• On Logout: Authentication cookies are cleared when you log out
• On Account Deletion: We invalidate all your cookies when you delete your account

8. Cookies and GDPR Compliance

In compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the ePrivacy Directive (Cookie Law):

• We obtain consent before setting non-essential cookies
• We provide clear information about cookie purposes
• You can withdraw consent at any time
• Essential cookies are exempt from consent requirements
• We maintain records of your consent choices

9. Cookies on Mobile Devices

If you access our Platform through a mobile browser, cookies function similarly to desktop browsers. You can manage cookies through your mobile browser settings.

Note: We do not currently have native mobile apps. If we develop apps in the future, they may use similar technologies (e.g., local storage) that will be disclosed in updated policies.

10. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
• Displaying a notice on the Platform
• Sending an email to registered users for significant changes

Your continued use of the Platform after changes indicates acceptance of the updated Cookie Policy.

11. Contact Us

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

Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: Cookie Policy Inquiry
Website: https://localsnow.org