Cookies & Tracking Policy
Effective Date: January 15, 2025 | Last Updated: January 15, 2025
At Aevum Encyclopedia ("we," "our," or "us"), we are committed to transparency regarding how we collect, use, and manage information through cookies and similar tracking technologies. This policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and how you can control your preferences.
1. Introduction
This Cookies & Tracking Policy applies to all services, websites, mobile applications, and digital platforms operated by Aevum Encyclopedia. By accessing or using our services, you acknowledge that cookies and tracking technologies may be deployed as described herein. This policy supplements our Privacy Policy and should be read in conjunction with it.
2. What Are Cookies & Tracking Technologies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, authenticate users, and analyze site traffic. We also use similar technologies such as:
- Web Beacons / Pixel Tags: Tiny images used to track page views and email opens.
- Local Storage & Session Storage: Browser-based storage mechanisms that function similarly to cookies but with greater capacity.
- Device Fingerprinting: Collecting device configuration data to recognize returning visitors without cookies.
Collectively, we refer to these as "Tracking Technologies."
3. Types of Cookies We Use
We categorize cookies based on their function and necessity. Below is a summary of the categories and examples:
| Category | Purpose | Duration | Can Be Disabled? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary | Enable core functionality: authentication, security, session management, and load balancing. | Session or up to 2 years | No |
| Functional | Remember user preferences: language selection, region, display settings, and saved search filters. | Up to 1 year | Yes (may affect features) |
| Analytics & Performance | Understand how users interact with our encyclopedia: page views, bounce rates, feature usage, and error tracking. | 2 months to 2 years | Yes |
| Advertising & Marketing | Deliver relevant content, measure campaign effectiveness, and prevent ad overload. Used only for sponsored educational content. | 30 days to 13 months | Yes |
For a complete technical list of cookies with exact names and domains, please visit our Live Cookie Log.
4. Third-Party Tracking & Cookies
Certain features on Aevum Encyclopedia rely on trusted third-party providers. These entities may set their own cookies or tracking technologies independently. We do not control these technologies but require all partners to comply with applicable data protection laws. Current partners include:
- Analytics Providers: Google Analytics (configured to anonymize IP addresses), Plausible Analytics
- Security & Fraud Prevention: Cloudflare, reCAPTCHA
- Content Delivery: Cloudflare CDN, Fastly
- Advertising & Measurement: Google Ads (when promoting sponsored knowledge initiatives), Meta Pixel
5. How We Use Tracking Data
Data collected via Tracking Technologies is used for the following purposes:
- Service Optimization: Improving search accuracy, reducing load times, and fixing bugs in our knowledge graphs.
- Personalization: Tailoring reading experiences, recommending related articles, and remembering your editorial draft status.
- Security: Detecting unusual traffic patterns, preventing DDoS attacks, and securing contributor accounts.
- Research & Development: Analyzing aggregate usage trends to guide content expansion and AI model training (all data is anonymized and stripped of personally identifiable information).
We do not sell your personal data to third parties. Tracking data is processed in accordance with our Data Retention Policy and applicable regulations (GDPR, CCPA, LGPD, etc.).
6. Managing Your Preferences
You have full control over cookie and tracking preferences. You can adjust these at any time:
A. In-Platform Settings
Log into your Aevum Encyclopedia account and navigate to Settings → Privacy & Cookies. Use the toggle switches to accept or reject non-essential cookies.
B. Browser Controls
Most modern browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. Instructions for popular browsers:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions
C. Industry Opt-Out Tools
- Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA)
- Network Advertising Initiative (NAI)
- European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance (EDAA)
Note: Disabling strictly necessary cookies may impair core functionality such as logging in, saving contributions, or accessing personalized dashboards.
7. Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers transmit "Do Not Track" (DNT) signals. Currently, there is no universal legal or technical standard for interpreting these signals. Aevum Encyclopedia respects DNT preferences where feasible and compliant with jurisdictional requirements. If your browser sends a DNT signal, we will disable non-essential analytics and advertising cookies. Please use the preference manager in Section 6 for precise control.
8. Policy Updates
As tracking technologies and data protection regulations evolve, we may update this policy. Material changes will be communicated via in-app notifications, email (if you have opted in), or a prominent banner on our homepage. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page will reflect the most recent revision. Continued use of our services after modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
9. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Cookies & Tracking Policy, our data practices, or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact our Data Protection Officer:
Aevum Encyclopedia Trust & Safety Team
Email: privacy@aevumencyclopedia.org
Mail: Aevum Encyclopedia Foundation, Knowledge Commons, 4th Floor, Geneva, Switzerland
Response Time: Within 30 business days
We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparent, ethical tracking practices across all knowledge initiatives.