Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website or use an application. They help websites remember information about your visit, making your experience more efficient and personalized.

1.1 How Cookies Work

When you access Spotz, our servers send cookies to your device. These cookies contain a unique identifier and information about your preferences and activity. The next time you visit, your device sends these cookies back to us, allowing us to recognize you and provide a personalized experience.

1.2 Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we use similar tracking technologies:

• Web Beacons (Pixels): Tiny transparent images embedded in web pages or emails that track user behavior
• Local Storage: HTML5 and similar technologies that store data locally in your browser
• Session Storage: Temporary storage that's cleared when you close your browser
• ETags: HTTP protocol features that track changes to resources
• Mobile SDKs: Software development kits integrated into mobile apps for tracking and analytics
• Device Fingerprinting: Techniques that identify devices based on their configuration

For simplicity, we refer to all these technologies as "cookies" in this policy.

2. Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

2.1 Essential Functions

• Authentication: Keep you logged in to your account
• Security: Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access
• Preferences: Remember your settings and choices
• Load Balancing: Distribute traffic across our servers for optimal performance
• Session Management: Maintain your active session as you navigate Spotz

2.2 Performance & Analytics

• Usage Analytics: Understand how users interact with Spotz
• Error Tracking: Identify and fix bugs and technical issues
• Performance Monitoring: Measure page load times and optimize speed
• Feature Testing: A/B test new features to improve user experience
• Trend Analysis: Study patterns to enhance our recommendations

2.3 Personalization

• Location Recommendations: Provide relevant nearby suggestions
• Content Customization: Show content based on your interests
• Search Improvement: Remember your recent searches and preferences
• Language & Region: Display content in your preferred language and format

2.4 Marketing & Advertising

• Ad Delivery: Show relevant advertisements (if applicable)
• Campaign Tracking: Measure effectiveness of marketing campaigns
• Retargeting: Display ads to users who have visited Spotz
• Social Media Integration: Enable sharing features and social login

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 By Duration

Session Cookies

These temporary cookies are deleted when you close your browser. They're essential for basic functionality like maintaining your login session as you navigate between pages.

Persistent Cookies

These cookies remain on your device for a set period (from days to years) or until you delete them. They remember your preferences and settings for future visits.

3.2 By Purpose

Essential Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are required for Spotz to function. They enable core features like security, authentication, and basic navigation. You cannot opt out of these cookies without affecting the Service's functionality.

Examples:

• Authentication tokens
• Security cookies (CSRF protection)
• Load balancing cookies
• Session identifiers

Functional Functionality Cookies

These cookies enhance your experience by remembering your preferences and settings.

Examples:

• Language preference
• Volume controls
• Display settings (dark mode, map view)
• Recently viewed locations
• Saved searches

Analytics Performance & Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how users interact with Spotz, allowing us to improve the Service.

Examples:

• Google Analytics tracking
• Mixpanel event tracking
• Heatmap and scroll tracking
• Page performance metrics
• Feature usage analytics

Advertising Targeting & Advertising Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver relevant advertisements and measure their effectiveness.

Examples:

• Ad targeting based on interests
• Conversion tracking
• Retargeting pixels
• Social media advertising cookies
• Ad impression tracking

3.3 By Ownership

First-Party Cookies

These cookies are set directly by Spotz (spotz.app domain) and are used to provide and improve our Service.

Third-Party Cookies

These cookies are set by external services we use (like Google Analytics, advertising networks, social media platforms). They're subject to the third party's privacy policies.

4. Detailed Cookie List

Below is a list of the main cookies we use on Spotz:

4.1 Essential Cookies

4.2 Functional Cookies

4.3 Analytics Cookies

4.4 Advertising Cookies (If Applicable)

5. Third-Party Cookies & Services

We partner with third-party services that may set their own cookies on your device. These services have their own privacy policies and cookie practices:

5.1 Analytics & Performance

Google Analytics

• Purpose: Website and app analytics, user behavior tracking
• Data Collected: Page views, sessions, bounce rates, device info, location
• Privacy Policy: policies.google.com/privacy
• Opt-Out: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on

Mixpanel

• Purpose: Product analytics, event tracking, user engagement
• Data Collected: User actions, feature usage, conversion funnels
• Privacy Policy: mixpanel.com/legal/privacy-policy
• Opt-Out: Available in Mixpanel's privacy center

5.2 Mapping Services

Google Maps

• Purpose: Interactive maps, directions, location search
• Data Collected: Map interactions, search queries, location data
• Privacy Policy: policies.google.com/privacy

Mapbox

• Purpose: Custom map rendering and location services
• Data Collected: Map tile requests, location queries
• Privacy Policy: mapbox.com/legal/privacy

5.3 Social Media

Facebook / Meta

• Purpose: Social login, sharing features, Facebook Pixel for ads
• Data Collected: Profile info (with consent), page interactions, ad conversions
• Privacy Policy: facebook.com/privacy

Twitter / X

• Purpose: Tweet sharing, embedded content
• Privacy Policy: twitter.com/privacy

Instagram

• Purpose: Embedded posts, sharing features
• Privacy Policy: help.instagram.com/privacy

5.4 Advertising Networks (If Applicable)

Google Ads / DoubleClick

• Purpose: Display advertising, retargeting
• Opt-Out: Google Ad Settings

Facebook Ads

• Purpose: Targeted advertising on Facebook and Instagram
• Opt-Out: Facebook Ad Preferences

5.5 Customer Support

Intercom / Zendesk

• Purpose: Live chat, customer support, in-app messaging
• Data Collected: Chat messages, support tickets, user identification

5.6 Payment Processing

Stripe

• Purpose: Payment processing for subscriptions
• Privacy Policy: stripe.com/privacy

6. Mobile App Tracking

Our mobile apps use SDKs (Software Development Kits) and mobile identifiers for tracking and analytics:

6.1 Mobile Identifiers

iOS Devices

• IDFA (Identifier for Advertisers): Used for advertising and attribution
• IDFV (Identifier for Vendors): Used for app analytics
• Subject to iOS privacy controls (App Tracking Transparency)

Android Devices

• Android Advertising ID: Used for advertising personalization
• Android ID: Device identifier for app functionality
• Subject to Google Play privacy settings

6.2 Mobile SDKs

Our mobile apps integrate the following SDKs:

Firebase (Google)

• Purpose: Analytics, crash reporting, performance monitoring, push notifications
• Data Collected: App usage, device info, crash logs, performance data
• Privacy Policy: firebase.google.com/support/privacy

Facebook SDK

• Purpose: Social login, app events, advertising measurement
• Data Collected: App installs, events, user ID
• Privacy Policy: facebook.com/privacy

Mixpanel SDK

• Purpose: Mobile analytics and user behavior tracking
• Data Collected: In-app events, user properties, session data

Sentry / Crashlytics

• Purpose: Error tracking and crash reporting
• Data Collected: Crash reports, error logs, device state

6.3 Location Tracking

Mobile apps may track your location in the background (if you grant permission) for features like:

• Nearby location alerts and notifications
• Location-based recommendations when you open the app
• Automatic check-ins (if enabled)
• Travel pattern analysis for better suggestions

You control location permissions through your device settings. See Section 9 for details.

7. Your Cookie Choices & Controls

You have several options to control how cookies are used:

7.1 Cookie Consent Tool

When you first visit Spotz on the web, you'll see a cookie banner where you can:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• Customize your cookie preferences by category
• Learn more about each cookie type

You can change your preferences at any time by clicking "Cookie Settings" in the footer or accessing your account settings.

7.2 Cookie Categories You Can Control

• Essential Cookies: Cannot be disabled (required for core functionality)
• Functional Cookies: Can be disabled (may affect convenience features)
• Analytics Cookies: Can be disabled (won't affect functionality)
• Advertising Cookies: Can be disabled (you'll still see ads, but less relevant)

7.3 Impact of Disabling Cookies

Disabling certain cookies may affect your experience:

• Essential Cookies Disabled: You won't be able to use Spotz (login, navigation won't work)
• Functional Cookies Disabled: Your preferences won't be saved; less convenient experience
• Analytics Cookies Disabled: No impact on functionality; we'll have less data to improve the Service
• Advertising Cookies Disabled: You'll still see ads, but they won't be personalized

8. Managing Cookies Through Browser Settings

All major browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings:

8.1 Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu (⋮)
2. Go to Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
3. Choose your cookie preferences:
   • Allow all cookies
   • Block third-party cookies in Incognito
   • Block third-party cookies
   • Block all cookies (not recommended)
4. To delete existing cookies: "See all site data and permissions" → "Remove all"

8.2 Safari (macOS)

1. Open Safari and go to Preferences
2. Click the Privacy tab
3. Choose cookie settings:
   • Block all cookies
   • Block cross-site tracking
   • Allow cookies from websites I visit
4. To delete cookies: "Manage Website Data" → "Remove All"

8.3 Safari (iOS)

1. Open Settings → Safari
2. Toggle "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking"
3. Toggle "Block All Cookies" (not recommended)
4. To clear cookies: "Clear History and Website Data"

8.4 Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox and click the menu (≡)
2. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security
3. Under "Cookies and Site Data," choose:
   • Standard (blocks tracking cookies in private windows)
   • Strict (blocks all tracking cookies)
   • Custom (choose what to block)
4. To delete cookies: "Clear Data" → Select "Cookies and Site Data"

8.5 Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge and click the three-dot menu (•••)
2. Go to Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies
3. Choose your preferences or block specific sites
4. To delete cookies: "See all cookies and site data" → "Remove all"

8.6 Browser Resources

For detailed instructions, visit:

• Chrome: support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
• Safari: support.apple.com/guide/safari/manage-cookies
• Firefox: support.mozilla.org/kb/cookies
• Edge: support.microsoft.com/microsoft-edge

9. Managing Mobile App Tracking

9.1 iOS (iPhone/iPad)

Limit Ad Tracking

1. Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking
2. Toggle off "Allow Apps to Request to Track"
3. This prevents apps from accessing your IDFA for advertising

App Tracking Transparency

1. When you first open Spotz, you'll see a tracking permission request
2. Choose "Ask App Not to Track" or "Allow"
3. You can change this later in Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking → Spotz

Reset Advertising Identifier

1. Settings → Privacy & Security → Apple Advertising
2. Toggle off "Personalized Ads"
3. This limits Apple's use of your data for targeted ads

Location Services

1. Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Spotz
2. Choose: Never, Ask Next Time, While Using the App, or Always
3. Toggle "Precise Location" on or off

9.2 Android

Opt Out of Personalized Ads

1. Open Settings → Google → Ads
2. Toggle on "Opt out of Ads Personalization"
3. This prevents apps from using your Advertising ID for targeted ads

Reset Advertising ID

1. Settings → Google → Ads
2. Tap "Reset advertising ID"
3. This gives you a new ID, breaking the link to previous tracking

Delete Advertising ID

1. Settings → Google → Ads
2. Tap "Delete advertising ID" (Android 12+)
3. Apps won't be able to access an advertising ID at all

Location Permissions

1. Settings → Apps → Spotz → Permissions → Location
2. Choose: Allow all the time, Allow only while using the app, Ask every time, or Don't allow
3. Toggle "Use precise location" on or off

9.3 In-App Settings

Within the Spotz app, you can also control:

• Analytics: Settings → Privacy → Analytics - Toggle on/off
• Personalization: Settings → Privacy → Personalized Recommendations - Toggle on/off
• Location History: Settings → Privacy → Location History - View, export, or delete
• Ad Preferences: Settings → Privacy → Ad Preferences - Control ad settings

10. Industry Opt-Out Tools

Several industry organizations provide opt-out tools for interest-based advertising:

10.1 United States

Network Advertising Initiative (NAI)

• Website: optout.networkadvertising.org
• Opt out of interest-based advertising from NAI member companies

Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA)

• Website: optout.aboutads.info
• Mobile: Download the "AppChoices" app (iOS/Android)
• Opt out of interest-based advertising from DAA member companies

10.2 Europe

European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance (EDAA)

• Website: youronlinechoices.com
• Opt out of behavioral advertising from EDAA member companies
• Available in 30+ European countries

10.3 Canada

Digital Advertising Alliance of Canada (DAAC)

• Website: youradchoices.ca
• Opt out of interest-based advertising from participating Canadian companies

10.4 Platform-Specific Opt-Outs

Google Ads

• Website: adssettings.google.com
• Control ad personalization across Google services

Facebook / Meta Ads

• Website: facebook.com/ads/preferences
• Manage ad preferences on Facebook and Instagram

11. Do Not Track (DNT) Signals

11.1 What is Do Not Track?

Do Not Track (DNT) is a browser setting that requests websites not to track your browsing activity. When enabled, your browser sends a DNT signal (DNT:1) with each request.

11.2 Our Approach to DNT

Currently, there is no universal standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. Different companies interpret and honor DNT requests differently (or not at all).

At this time, Spotz does not respond to DNT signals. However, we provide other ways to control tracking:

• Cookie consent tool on our website
• Browser cookie settings (see Section 8)
• Mobile tracking controls (see Section 9)
• Industry opt-out tools (see Section 10)
• Account privacy settings within the app

11.3 Global Privacy Control (GPC)

We're monitoring the development of Global Privacy Control (GPC), a newer privacy signal that may replace DNT. As standards evolve, we'll update our practices accordingly.

11.4 California & Other State Privacy Rights

If you're in California or another state with comprehensive privacy laws, you have specific rights to opt out of data sales and sharing. See our Privacy Policy for details on exercising these rights.

12. Updates to This Cookie Policy

12.1 Changes

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect:

• New cookies or tracking technologies we use
• Changes to third-party services
• Updates to laws and regulations
• Improvements to our privacy practices
• New features or services we offer

12.2 Notification

When we make significant changes, we'll:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Display a notice on our website or app
• Send you an email notification (for material changes)
• Re-request your cookie consent if required by law

12.3 Your Continued Use

Your continued use of Spotz after changes to this Cookie Policy constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy. If you don't agree with the changes, you can:

• Adjust your cookie preferences
• Delete cookies from your browser
• Stop using the Service
• Delete your account

12.4 Regular Review

We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about our cookie practices and your choices.

13. Contact Us About Cookies

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

13.1 Related Policies

For more information about how we handle your data, please review:

• Privacy Policy - Our comprehensive privacy practices
• Terms of Service - Terms governing your use of Spotz
• Community Guidelines - Standards for user behavior and content