Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to ChinookAPI ("Company", "we", "our", "us"). This Cookie Policy explains how we use cookies, tracking technologies, and similar tools when you visit our website and use our API services.

Cookies help us enhance security, improve user experience, track API performance, and comply with legal regulations (including GDPR and ePrivacy Directive).

By continuing to use our website and services, you agree to the use of cookies as described in this policy. You can manage or disable cookies at any time through your browser settings.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, authenticate users, and collect analytics.

Cookies are either:

• ✓First-party cookies – Set by ChinookAPI.
• ✓Third-party cookies – Set by third-party services (e.g., Google Analytics, Stripe, PayPal).

3. Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies for four main reasons:

• 🔹Essential Functionality – Ensuring our website and API services function correctly.
• 🔹Security & Authentication – Protecting user sessions and preventing fraud.
• 🔹Analytics & Performance – Measuring website traffic and API usage.
• 🔹Marketing & Personalization – Optimizing advertising and user experience.

4. Types of Cookies We Use

We classify cookies into four categories:

4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies (Essential)

• ✓Required for website and API functionality.
• ✓Help with user authentication, session management, and fraud prevention.
• ✓Cannot be disabled.

Examples:

Cookie Name	Purpose	Expiration
chinook_session	Keeps users logged in securely	24 hours
api_auth_token	Validates API requests	Session-based
cookie_consent	Stores user cookie preferences	12 months

4.2 Performance & Analytics Cookies

• ✓Collect anonymous data on website traffic and API performance.
• ✓Help us identify issues, improve API response times, and optimize user experience.

Examples:

Cookie Name	Purpose	Expiration
_ga	Google Analytics tracking	2 years
_gid	User session tracking	24 hours
api_usage_logs	Tracks API call frequency	30 days

4.3 Functional Cookies (User Preferences)

• ✓Store user settings such as dark mode, language, and dashboard layout.
• ✓Improve user experience but are not required for core functionality.

Examples:

Cookie Name	Purpose	Expiration
theme_mode	Stores user-selected UI theme	6 months
lang_pref	Saves language preference	12 months

4.4 Advertising & Marketing Cookies

• ✓Used for remarketing, personalized ads, and conversion tracking.
• ✓Only enabled with user consent.

Examples:

Cookie Name	Purpose	Expiration
_fbp	Facebook Pixel for ad tracking	90 days
_gads	Google Ads conversion tracking	1 year

5. Managing & Disabling Cookies

You have full control over which cookies are stored on your device.

5.1 Via Our Cookie Settings Panel

You can customize your preferences via the Cookie Settings Panel when visiting our website.

5.2 Via Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to delete or block cookies:

• Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Block all cookies
• Microsoft Edge: Settings > Site Permissions > Cookies

Disabling essential cookies may affect website functionality and API access.

6. Third-Party Cookies & Data Sharing

We integrate with trusted third-party providers for payment processing, analytics, and authentication. These services may set their own cookies, which are governed by their privacy policies.

Third-Party Service	Purpose	Cookie Policy
Google Analytics	Website performance tracking	Google Cookie Policy
Stripe/PayPal	Payment processing	Stripe Policy, PayPal Policy
Cloudflare	Security & DDoS protection	Cloudflare Policy

7. Compliance & Legal Basis (GDPR, ePrivacy Directive)

Under GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and the ePrivacy Directive, we must:

• ✓Obtain explicit consent before setting non-essential cookies.
• ✓Allow users to opt out of marketing & analytics cookies.
• ✓Provide a clear Cookie Policy and management options.

8. Data Retention & Expiration

Cookies expire automatically based on their function:

• 🔹Session Cookies – Deleted when you close your browser.
• 🔹Persistent Cookies – Stored for a defined period (see expiration tables above).

Users can manually delete cookies at any time via browser settings.

9. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in regulations or business operations. Users will be notified of significant changes via email or dashboard notifications.

10. Contact Information

For questions about this Cookie Policy or cookie-related requests, please contact us at hello@chinookapi.com.