Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website or use a web application. They allow the Platform to remember your preferences, maintain session state, and understand how you interact with our services.

We also use similar technologies including localStorage, sessionStorage, device fingerprinting, and pixel tracking.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

Cookie Type	Purpose	Duration	Required?
Authentication Cookies	Keep you logged in across sessions. Store your JWT authentication token.	7 days	Yes — platform won't function without
Session Cookies	Track your current session state (e.g., booking in progress, form data).	Session (deleted on close)	Yes — required for booking flow
Preference Cookies	Remember your preferences (e.g., location, service category filters).	30 days	No — but improves experience
Analytics Cookies	Anonymous usage analytics to understand platform performance and improve features.	90 days	No
Geolocation Cookies	Store your last known service area for faster provider matching on return visits.	14 days	No — but improves job matching
Security Cookies	CSRF protection tokens, fraud prevention signals, admin panel device fingerprinting.	Session / 24 hours	Yes — required for security
Visitor ID (polsia_vid)	Anonymous platform analytics beacon. Stored in localStorage. No PII attached.	Persistent	No

3. Geolocation Cookies — Specific Notice

When you use location-based features (finding nearby providers, live job tracking), we store your last consented location in a cookie or localStorage entry to improve your next visit experience. This stored location:

• Is only your general service area (city/zip), not your precise GPS coordinates
• Is cleared when you log out
• Is never shared with third parties for advertising
• Can be cleared by you at any time via browser cookie settings

4. Analytics Tracking

We use an internal analytics beacon (Polsia Analytics) to track aggregate platform usage. This system:

• Assigns each browser a random anonymous visitor ID (no name, email, or PII)
• Records page views, feature usage, and session duration in aggregate
• Does not track you across third-party websites
• Data is retained for 90 days then deleted

5. Third-Party Cookies

Some Platform features involve third-party services that may set their own cookies:

• Stripe (payment processing): Sets cookies to prevent fraud and maintain payment session security. See Stripe's Privacy Policy.
• Google Fonts: We load fonts from Google Fonts CDN, which may set cookies. See Google's Privacy Policy.
• Background check providers: Identity verification may involve redirects to third-party screening services with their own cookie policies.

We do not use third-party advertising cookies or behavioral tracking for ad targeting.

6. How to Manage Cookies

You can 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 → Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions

Note: Disabling required cookies (authentication, session, security) will prevent the Platform from functioning correctly. Disabling optional cookies will not affect your ability to use core Platform features.

7. Do Not Track

Our Platform currently does not respond to "Do Not Track" browser signals. We do not use cross-site behavioral advertising cookies, so the practical impact is minimal. We will update this policy if our practices change.

8. Cookie Policy Updates

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes via in-platform notice. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact Us

Cookie questions or opt-out requests: privacy@neighborhoodpro.org