Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, to provide a better user experience, and to supply information to website operators.

In addition to cookies, we may also use similar technologies such as:

• Web Beacons (Pixels): Small transparent images embedded in web pages or emails that track whether a page has been viewed or an email has been opened.
• Local Storage: Data stored in your browser's local storage that persists across browser sessions, used for caching preferences and application state.
• Session Storage: Temporary data stored for the duration of a browser session, typically used for maintaining form state and navigation context.
• Fingerprinting: Collecting device characteristics (browser version, screen resolution, installed fonts) to create a device identifier for security purposes only.

Throughout this policy, we refer to all these technologies collectively as "cookies."

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary for the platform to function. They enable core functionality such as user authentication, session management, security features (CSRF protection), and remembering your cookie consent preferences. Without these cookies, the platform cannot operate correctly. Essential cookies cannot be disabled.

2.2 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies remember your choices and preferences to enhance your experience. This includes your preferred theme (light or dark mode), language settings, timezone, notification preferences, and UI layout choices. Disabling functional cookies may result in a less personalized experience, but will not affect core functionality.

2.3 Analytics Cookies

Analytics cookies help us understand how users interact with the platform by collecting information about page visits, feature usage, navigation patterns, and performance metrics. This data is aggregated and anonymized to identify trends and improve the platform. We use both our own analytics system and Google Analytics for this purpose.

2.4 Marketing Cookies

Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites and display relevant advertisements. They help us measure the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns and limit the number of times you see an ad. These cookies are entirely optional, and you can disable them at any time without affecting your use of the platform.

3. Cookie Details

The following tables provide detailed information about each cookie we use, organized by category:

4. How to Manage Cookies

4.1 Cookie Consent Manager

When you first visit GigaConnect, a cookie consent banner will appear allowing you to accept or customize your cookie preferences. You can modify your preferences at any time by accessing the cookie settings through the link in the footer of any page.

4.2 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to manage cookies through their settings. You can typically configure your browser to:

• Block all cookies or only third-party cookies.
• Delete cookies when you close your browser.
• Receive a notification when a cookie is set.
• Delete specific cookies that have already been stored.

Instructions for managing cookies in common browsers:

• Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies

4.3 Opt-Out of Analytics

You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on.

4.4 Impact of Disabling Cookies

Please note that disabling or blocking certain cookies may affect the functionality of the platform:

• Essential cookies: Cannot be disabled. Blocking them will prevent the platform from functioning.
• Functional cookies: Disabling may require you to re-enter preferences each visit.
• Analytics cookies: Disabling will not affect your experience but will reduce our ability to improve the platform.
• Marketing cookies: Disabling will not affect your experience; you may still see advertisements, but they will be less relevant.

5. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages. We do not control the operation of these cookies. The third parties that set cookies through our platform include:

• Google (Analytics & Ads): Used for website analytics and advertising measurement. Governed by Google's Privacy Policy.
• Meta (Facebook Pixel): Used for conversion tracking from Facebook and Instagram ads. Governed by Meta's Privacy Policy.
• LinkedIn (Insight Tag): Used for conversion tracking and audience insights from LinkedIn ads. Governed by LinkedIn's Privacy Policy.
• Stripe: Sets cookies for payment processing and fraud prevention. Governed by Stripe's Privacy Policy.

We encourage you to visit the privacy policies of these third parties for more information about their cookies and how to opt out of their tracking.

6. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use, changes in technology, or changes in applicable law. When we make material changes, we will:

• Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page.
• Display a new cookie consent banner so you can review and update your preferences.
• Where required by law, obtain your renewed consent for non-essential cookies.

We recommend reviewing this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about our use of cookies.

7. Contact Us

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