Cookie Policy
Last updated: 2025-11-11
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.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
auth_session | Authentication session management; keeps you logged in | 30 days |
cookie_consent | Stores your cookie consent preferences | 1 year |
csrf_token | Security token to prevent cross-site request forgery attacks | Session |
Legal Basis: These cookies are necessary for the performance of our contract with you (GDPR Article 6(1)(b)).
3.2 Functional Cookies
These cookies enhance functionality and personalization but are not strictly necessary. They remember your preferences and settings.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
theme_preference | Remembers your light/dark mode preference | 1 year |
language_preference | Stores your preferred language for the interface | 1 year |
search_filters | Remembers your last used search filters for convenience | 30 days |
Legal Basis: Your consent (GDPR Article 6(1)(a)). You can withdraw consent at any time.
3.3 Analytics Cookies (Currently Not Implemented)
We currently do not use analytics cookies. If we implement analytics in the future (e.g., Google Analytics), we will:
- Update this Cookie Policy
- Request your explicit consent via the cookie banner
- Allow you to opt-out at any time
- Anonymize IP addresses to protect privacy
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
- IP Anonymization: Profile view tracking uses SHA-256 hashed IP addresses
- No Cross-Site Tracking: We do not track you across other websites
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 All: Consent to all cookies (essential and functional)
- Reject Non-Essential: Use only strictly necessary cookies
- Customize: Choose which categories of cookies to accept (if available)
You can change your preferences at any time by clicking "Cookie Settings" in the footer.
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 respect browser Do Not Track signals. If your browser sends a DNT signal, we will not set non-essential cookies without your explicit consent.
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
Cookie Policy Summary
- Essential Cookies: Authentication, security, session management (always active)
- Functional Cookies: Preferences, settings (requires consent)
- Analytics: Not currently used; will require consent if implemented
- Advertising: Not used at all; we don't track for ads
- Third Parties: Only Stripe (payments) and Google (OAuth/Calendar) with their own policies
- Control: Manage via cookie banner or browser settings
- Compliance: GDPR and ePrivacy Directive compliant