Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains our use of cookies and similar technologies on KodeTools services.

The short version: We only use essential cookies necessary for the Services to function. We do not use tracking, advertising, or analytics cookies. No cookie consent banner is required or displayed.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device by websites you visit. They help websites remember information about your visit.

Similar technologies include:

• Local Storage: Data stored in your browser
• Session Storage: Temporary data for your browsing session
• IndexedDB: Structured data storage in your browser

3. Our Cookie Approach

3.1 Essential Cookies Only

We use only essential cookies that are strictly necessary for the Services to function. These cookies:

• Enable core functionality (authentication, session management)
• Ensure security (CSRF protection, fraud detection)
• Remember your settings (preferences, UI state)

Under GDPR and other privacy laws, essential cookies do not require consent because they are necessary to provide the Services you requested.

3.2 No Cookie Consent Banner

Since we only use essential cookies, we do not display cookie consent banners or popups. You can use our Services without being interrupted by consent requests.

This is legally compliant with:

• GDPR (EU): Essential cookies are exempt from consent requirements
• CCPA (California): No consent required for functional cookies
• ePrivacy Directive: Exemption for strictly necessary cookies

4. Types of Cookies We Use

4.1 Authentication Cookies

Purpose: Keep you logged in to your account

Examples:

• Session identifier
• Authentication token
• Remember me preference

Duration: Session-based (deleted when you close browser) or up to 30 days if you select “remember me”

Can be disabled? No - required to use the Services. Disabling will log you out.

4.2 Security Cookies

Purpose: Protect you and the Services from attacks

Examples:

• CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery) tokens
• Fraud detection markers
• Rate limiting identifiers

Duration: Session-based or up to 24 hours

Can be disabled? No - required for security. Disabling may prevent you from using certain features.

4.3 Preference Cookies

Purpose: Remember your settings and choices

Examples:

• UI theme (light/dark mode)
• Language preference
• Feature toggles
• Form field data (restore if you navigate away)

Duration: Up to 1 year

Can be disabled? Yes, but your preferences won’t be saved between sessions

5. What We Do NOT Use

We explicitly do NOT use:

• ❌ Third-party advertising cookies
• ❌ Cross-site tracking cookies
• ❌ Social media tracking pixels (Facebook Pixel, Twitter tags, etc.)
• ❌ Google Analytics or similar tracking
• ❌ Retargeting or remarketing cookies
• ❌ Invasive fingerprinting techniques
• ❌ Cookies that track you across other websites

6. Analytics (Privacy-First)

If we decide to add analytics in the future, we will use privacy-respecting alternatives like:

• Plausible Analytics: No cookies, no personal data, GDPR-compliant without consent
• Self-hosted analytics: Full data control, no third parties
• Server-side analytics: No client-side tracking

These tools:

• Do not use cookies or track individuals
• Collect only aggregated, anonymous statistics
• Comply with GDPR without requiring consent
• Do not share data with third parties

Current status: We do not currently use any analytics tools.

7. Third-Party Cookies

7.1 OAuth Providers

When you sign in with GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, or other providers, they may set their own cookies on their domains (not ours). We have no control over these cookies.

See their privacy policies:

• GitHub: https://docs.github.com/en/site-policy/privacy-policies/github-privacy-statement
• GitLab: https://about.gitlab.com/privacy/
• Bitbucket: https://www.atlassian.com/legal/privacy-policy

7.2 Payment Processors

Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal) may set cookies on their payment pages. These occur on their domains when you’re redirected for payment.

We do not embed payment forms that set third-party cookies on our site.

7.3 No Third-Party Cookies on Our Site

We do not allow third-party cookies to be set on our domains. All cookies on kodetools.com are first-party essential cookies.

8. Managing Cookies

8.1 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling all cookies will prevent essential functionality:

Chrome:

1. Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
2. Choose “Block third-party cookies” (recommended)
3. Or add kodetools.com to exceptions

Firefox:

1. Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
2. Choose “Block cookies and site data” settings
3. Add exceptions for kodetools.com if needed

Safari:

1. Preferences > Privacy
2. “Prevent cross-site tracking” is recommended
3. Blocking all cookies will prevent login

Edge:

1. Settings > Privacy, search, and services
2. Choose tracking prevention level
3. Manage exceptions for kodetools.com

8.2 What Happens if You Block Cookies

If you disable essential cookies:

• ✅ You can browse public pages
• ❌ You cannot sign in or create an account
• ❌ You cannot use cloud services
• ❌ Your preferences won’t be saved
• ❌ Some features may not work correctly

We recommend: Allow cookies for kodetools.com to use the Services, but block third-party cookies for privacy.

8.3 Clearing Cookies

You can delete cookies at any time through your browser:

1. Chrome: Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data > Cookies
2. Firefox: Settings > Privacy > Cookies > Clear Data
3. Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove
4. Edge: Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data > Cookies

Note: Clearing cookies will log you out and reset your preferences.

9. Cookie Lifespan

All cookies expire and are automatically deleted after their duration, even if you don’t manually clear them.

10. Do Not Track (DNT)

Some browsers send “Do Not Track” (DNT) signals to websites. Since we don’t track you anyway:

• We don’t use tracking cookies regardless of DNT settings
• DNT signal has no effect on our essential cookies (they’re required for functionality)
• We respect your privacy by default

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy if we:

• Add new cookie types (we’ll notify you and request consent if required)
• Change our approach to analytics
• Need to comply with new legal requirements

If we add non-essential cookies, we will:

1. Update this policy with details
2. Request your consent where legally required
3. Provide clear opt-out mechanisms
4. Only then display a cookie banner (if required)

12. Legal Compliance

This cookie approach complies with:

12.1 GDPR (EU)

• Article 5(3) ePrivacy Directive: Essential cookies exempt from consent
• Recital 66 GDPR: Clear information provided about cookies
• No consent required: Only essential cookies used

12.2 CCPA (California)

• No consent required: Functional cookies allowed
• Transparency: Clear disclosure of cookie use
• No selling: Cookies not used for selling data

12.3 PECR (UK)

• Regulation 6: Essential cookies exempt from consent
• No cookie banner needed: Strictly necessary cookies only

13. Why No Cookie Banner?

We don’t show cookie banners because:

1. Legal Exemption: Essential cookies don’t require consent under GDPR, CCPA, and other laws
2. Better User Experience: No interruption to your browsing
3. Privacy-First: We don’t track you, so no need to ask permission
4. Compliance: We fully comply with privacy laws without banners

This is not a loophole - it’s how privacy laws are designed to work when you only use necessary cookies.

14. Questions About Cookies

If you have questions about our cookie use:

Email: [email protected] Legal: [email protected]

15. Summary

• ✅ Only essential cookies for authentication, security, and preferences
• ✅ No tracking or advertising cookies
• ✅ No cookie consent banner (legally compliant)
• ✅ Privacy-first approach to analytics (if we add it)
• ✅ No third-party cookies on our site
• ✅ Full GDPR and CCPA compliance

You can use KodeTools with confidence that we’re not tracking you or selling your data.

Last Updated: January 11, 2025 Effective Date: January 11, 2025