🍪 Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better experience by remembering your preferences and improving our service.

2. How InkDecoder Uses Cookies

We use cookies to enhance your experience with our document transcription service. Our cookies fall into the following categories:

2.1 Essential Cookies Required

These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled:

• Authentication: Keep you logged in securely
• Security: Protect against fraud and unauthorized access
• Session Management: Maintain your session across page visits
• Cookie Consent: Remember your cookie preferences
• Load Balancing: Ensure optimal server performance

2.2 Analytics Cookies Optional

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website (with your consent):

• Usage Statistics: Anonymous data about page visits and features used
• Performance Monitoring: Information about loading times and errors
• User Journey Analysis: How users navigate through our service
• Feature Optimization: Which features are most valuable to users

2.3 Marketing Cookies Not Used

InkDecoder does not currently use marketing or advertising cookies. We do not track users for advertising purposes or share data with advertising networks.

3. Detailed Cookie Information

Below is a detailed breakdown of the specific cookies we use:

Cookie Name	Type	Purpose	Duration
inkdecoder-cookie-consent	Essential	Stores your cookie consent preferences	1 year
session_id	Essential	Maintains your login session	Session
csrf_token	Essential	Protects against cross-site request forgery	Session
user_preferences	Essential	Remembers your account settings	30 days
_ga, _ga_*	Analytics	Google Analytics for usage statistics	2 years
_gid	Analytics	Google Analytics session identifier	24 hours

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our website are set by third-party services we use to provide our functionality:

4.1 Google Analytics (Optional)

If you consent to analytics cookies, we use Google Analytics to understand how our website is used:

• Data is anonymized and aggregated
• No personally identifiable information is collected
• Used solely for improving our service
• Subject to Google's privacy policy

4.2 Stripe Payment Processing

For payment processing, Stripe may set cookies for:

• Fraud prevention and security
• Payment form functionality
• Transaction processing
• Compliance with financial regulations

4.3 OpenAI API Integration

Our AI transcription service uses OpenAI's API, but this does not set cookies in your browser. Document processing occurs server-to-server.

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

5.1 InkDecoder Cookie Controls

You can manage your cookie preferences for our website using our cookie banner or settings:

• Accept all cookies for the full experience
• Accept only essential cookies for basic functionality
• Customize which categories of cookies you want
• Change your preferences at any time

5.2 Browser Cookie Controls

You can also control 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

5.3 Do Not Track

We respect "Do Not Track" browser settings. When this setting is enabled, we will:

• Not load analytics cookies automatically
• Limit data collection to essential functionality only
• Not share usage data with third parties

6. Data Protection and Privacy

6.1 GDPR Compliance

For users in the European Union, we ensure:

• Explicit consent before setting non-essential cookies
• Clear information about cookie purposes and duration
• Easy withdrawal of consent at any time
• Granular control over different cookie categories
• Regular review and deletion of unnecessary cookies

6.2 CCPA Compliance

For California residents, we provide:

• Transparent disclosure of data collection practices
• Options to opt-out of data sharing
• No discrimination for exercising privacy rights
• Clear information about data retention

6.3 Cookie Data Security

We implement security measures to protect cookie data:

• Secure (HTTPS only) cookies for sensitive information
• SameSite attributes to prevent cross-site attacks
• Regular security audits and updates
• Encryption of sensitive cookie data
• Limited cookie lifetime and automatic expiration

7. Cookie Retention and Deletion

7.1 Automatic Expiration

Our cookies have defined expiration periods:

• Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Short-term Cookies: Expire within 24 hours to 30 days
• Long-term Cookies: Expire after 1-2 years (consent and preferences)

7.2 Manual Deletion

You can delete cookies manually:

• Use our "Reset All Cookies" button above
• Clear cookies through your browser settings
• Use browser developer tools for specific cookies
• Contact us for assistance with cookie management

7.3 Account Deletion

When you delete your InkDecoder account:

• All associated cookies are immediately invalidated
• Session and authentication cookies become non-functional
• Preference cookies are no longer linked to your account
• Analytics data is anonymized and aggregated

8. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When we make significant changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top
• We will notify you through our cookie banner
• We may request renewed consent for new cookie types
• We will provide clear information about what has changed

9. Contact Information