1. Introduction
This Cookies & Tracking Policy explains how InkWell ("we", "our", or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website, mobile application, or use our services (collectively, the "Platform"). We are committed to transparency and giving you control over your personal data.
📖 By continuing to use our Platform, you acknowledge that you have read and understood how we use cookies and tracking technologies as described in this policy.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites function properly, remember your preferences, and provide us with insights about how our site is used. Tracking technologies also include web beacons, pixels, SDKs, and local storage, which may be used alongside cookies to collect similar information.
3. How We Use Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use these technologies to:
- Ensure functionality: Keep you logged in, remember your reading preferences, and maintain secure sessions.
- Improve user experience: Load content faster, remember language/region settings, and enable interactive features.
- Analyze usage: Understand how readers navigate our site, which articles are most popular, and where we can improve performance.
- Deliver relevant content: Suggest articles based on your interests and reading history (only when you opt-in).
- Maintain security: Detect fraudulent activity, prevent spam, and protect our writers and readers.
4. Types of Cookies We Use
| Category | Purpose | Duration | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Cookies | Core site functionality, authentication, security, and load balancing. | Session to 1 year | Required |
| Performance & Analytics | Aggregate, anonymized data to track traffic sources, page views, and error rates. | Up to 2 years | Optional |
| Functional & Preference | Remembers font size, dark mode, reading progress, and language settings. | Up to 2 years | Optional |
| Personalization | Curates recommended articles and categories based on your reading habits. | Up to 1 year | Opt-in |
5. Third-Party Tracking
We partner with trusted third-party services to help us operate and improve InkWell. These providers may set their own cookies when you interact with their services:
- Analytics Providers: Used to measure traffic and engagement. Data is anonymized and aggregated.
- Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): Ensure fast loading of images, scripts, and articles globally.
- Comment & Community Tools: Enable reader discussions and author interactions.
- Payment Processors: Secure transactions for premium subscriptions or donations (if applicable).
These third parties operate under their own privacy and cookie policies. We do not share personal identifiers unless required by law or explicitly consented to by you.
6. Managing Your Preferences
You have full control over how cookies are used on our Platform:
- Cookie Banner: When you first visit InkWell, you'll be prompted to accept or customize your preferences.
- Account Settings: Logged-in users can update their tracking preferences anytime under Settings → Privacy & Cookies.
- Browser Controls: Most browsers allow you to block, delete, or restrict cookies via your settings menu.
- Opt-Out Links: You may opt out of interest-based advertising by visiting YourAdChoices or NAI Opt-Out.
Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect functionality, such as staying logged in or saving your reading progress.
7. Do Not Track Signals
InkWell respects browser "Do Not Track" (DNT) signals. When enabled, we will not use non-essential tracking technologies or share data with third-party advertising networks. Essential cookies required for security and core functionality will still be used.
8. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookies & Tracking Policy to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our practices. Material changes will be communicated via email or a prominent notice on our Platform. Your continued use after updates constitutes acceptance.
9. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding our cookie practices or data handling, please reach out:
- Email: privacy@inkwell.blog
- Mailing Address: InkWell Inc., 123 Content Ave, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94105
- Data Protection Officer: dpo@inkwell.blog
We are committed to responding to all legitimate requests within 30 days.
© 2024 InkWell. All rights reserved. This policy supplements our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.