Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit websites. They help websites remember information about your visit, like preferences and login status.

The Simple Version: Cookies help us provide a better experience. We use them minimally and responsibly.

2. Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies (Required)

These cookies are necessary for the website to function. You cannot opt out.

• Authentication: Keep you logged into your account
• Security: Protect against unauthorized access and fraud
• Session Management: Remember your actions during a visit

2.2 Functional Cookies (Optional but Recommended)

These enhance your experience but aren't strictly necessary.

• Preferences: Remember your settings (theme, language)
• Progress Tracking: Save course progress and LIGHTHOUSE check-in data
• Form Data: Preserve form inputs if you navigate away

2.3 Analytics Cookies (Optional)

Help us understand how people use the site so we can improve it.

• Plausible Analytics: Privacy-friendly, no personal data collected
• Vercel Analytics: Performance metrics (page load speed, etc.)

Our Commitment: We use Plausible instead of Google Analytics because it respects privacy. No cookies. No tracking across sites. No personal data collection.

2.4 Cookies We DON'T Use

• No advertising cookies: We don't serve ads
• No third-party tracking: No Facebook Pixel, Google Ads, etc.
• No cross-site tracking: We don't follow you around the internet

3. Third-Party Cookies

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

Services That May Set Cookies:

• Stripe: Payment processing (when you purchase courses)
• Discord: Community widget (if you interact with Discord embed)
• YouTube: Embedded videos (privacy-enhanced mode enabled)

Each service has its own cookie policy. We choose partners with strong privacy practices.

4. How Long Cookies Last

• Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Stay for a set period (typically 30-365 days)
• Authentication Cookies: Last 30 days or until you log out
• Analytics Cookies: Last 24 hours (Plausible)

5. How to Control Cookies

5.1 Browser Settings

Most browsers let you:

• Block all cookies
• Block third-party cookies only
• Delete cookies after each session
• Manage cookies on a per-site basis

How to Access Cookie Settings:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies
• Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions

5.2 What Happens If You Block Cookies?

• Block All: Website may not function properly (can't stay logged in, lose preferences)
• Block Analytics: No impact on functionality
• Block Third-Party: Some embeds (YouTube, Discord) may not work

5.3 Do Not Track (DNT)

We respect Do Not Track signals. When DNT is enabled, we disable optional analytics cookies automatically.

6. Local Storage

In addition to cookies, we may use browser local storage to save data like:

• LIGHTHOUSE check-in drafts
• Course video progress
• User preferences

Local storage works similarly to cookies but stores more data and doesn't expire automatically. You can clear it through browser settings.

7. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy as we add features or change services. Changes will be posted with a new "Last Updated" date.

8. Contact Us

Questions about cookies?

Email: privacy@heavenonearthmovement.com