Cookies Policy

Last updated: December 2024

1. Introduction

This Cookies Policy explains how Web Rate ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies, browser storage, and similar technologies when you use our Chrome browser extension and related services (collectively, the "Service").

This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.

Cookies can be:

  • Session cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser
  • Persistent cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them
  • First-party cookies: Set by the website you are visiting
  • Third-party cookies: Set by domains other than the website you are visiting

3. Our Use of Cookies and Similar Technologies

3.1 Browser Storage (LocalStorage and SessionStorage)

Web Rate primarily uses browser storage mechanisms rather than traditional HTTP cookies:

  • LocalStorage: Used to store authentication tokens (JWT tokens) and user preferences persistently in your browser
  • SessionStorage: Used to store temporary session data that is cleared when you close the browser

These storage mechanisms function similarly to cookies but are specific to browser storage APIs. The data stored includes:

  • JWT authentication tokens for maintaining your login session
  • User preferences and settings
  • Temporary data for the extension's operation

3.2 HTTP Cookies

Currently, Web Rate does not set traditional HTTP cookies on our landing page or through our backend API. However, this may change in the future, and we will update this policy accordingly.

3.3 Third-Party Cookies

When you use certain features of the Service, third-party services may set cookies:

  • Google OAuth: When you authenticate using Google, Google may set cookies in accordance with Google's Privacy Policy
  • ImageKit: When images are loaded from ImageKit CDN, ImageKit may set cookies for content delivery and analytics. See ImageKit's Privacy Policy

We do not control these third-party cookies. Please refer to the respective privacy policies of these services for more information.

4. Types of Data Stored

4.1 Authentication Tokens

We store JWT (JSON Web Token) authentication tokens in your browser's localStorage. These tokens:

  • Enable you to remain logged in to the Service
  • Are used to authenticate API requests
  • Contain encrypted user identification information
  • Have expiration times for security purposes

If you clear your browser's localStorage, you will be logged out and will need to re-authenticate.

4.2 User Preferences

We may store your preferences in browser storage, including:

  • Notification settings
  • Visit tracking preferences
  • Display preferences
  • Other user-configurable settings

4.3 Temporary Data

We may use sessionStorage to store temporary data that is only needed during your current browser session, such as:

  • Form data
  • Temporary UI state
  • Cache data for performance

5. Purpose of Using Cookies and Storage

We use cookies and browser storage for the following purposes:

5.1 Essential Functionality

  • Maintaining your login session
  • Authenticating API requests
  • Storing user preferences
  • Enabling core features of the Service

5.2 Performance and Analytics

  • Improving Service performance
  • Caching data to reduce server requests
  • Understanding how users interact with the Service (in aggregated, anonymized form)

5.3 User Experience

  • Remembering your preferences
  • Personalizing your experience
  • Maintaining your session across browser tabs

6. How to Manage Cookies and Browser Storage

6.1 Managing Browser Storage

You can manage browser storage (localStorage and sessionStorage) through your browser settings:

Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome Settings
  2. Go to "Privacy and security" → "Site settings"
  3. Click "Cookies and site data"
  4. You can view and delete stored data for specific sites
  5. To clear all data: Go to "Privacy and security" → "Clear browsing data" → Select "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files"

Other Browsers:

Similar options are available in other browsers. Please refer to your browser's help documentation for specific instructions.

6.2 Managing Third-Party Cookies

You can control third-party cookies through your browser settings:

  • Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data → Block third-party cookies
  • Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data → Manage Data
  • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
  • Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data

6.3 Extension-Specific Storage

For the Chrome extension specifically, you can manage storage by:

  • Uninstalling the extension (this will clear all extension data)
  • Using Chrome's extension management page to view and clear storage
  • Accessing Chrome DevTools → Application → Storage to view and clear data

7. Impact of Disabling Cookies and Storage

If you disable or clear cookies and browser storage:

7.1 Essential Functionality

  • You will be logged out of the Service
  • You will need to re-authenticate to use the Service
  • Your preferences and settings will be reset
  • Some features may not work correctly

7.2 User Experience

  • You may need to re-enter information
  • Personalization features will not work
  • Performance may be reduced due to lack of caching

7.3 Third-Party Services

Disabling third-party cookies may affect:

  • Google OAuth authentication (may not work if third-party cookies are blocked)
  • Image loading from ImageKit CDN (may be slower or fail)

8. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want to be tracked. Currently, there is no industry standard for how to respond to DNT signals.

Web Rate does not currently respond to DNT signals. However, you can control tracking through:

  • Disabling visit tracking in your account settings (if you have an account)
  • Managing browser storage and cookies as described above
  • Using browser privacy settings

9. Analytics and Tracking

We may use analytics tools that employ cookies or similar technologies to understand how users interact with the Service. This information is used in aggregated, anonymized form to:

  • Improve the Service
  • Understand usage patterns
  • Fix bugs and issues
  • Develop new features

We do not use this information to identify individual users or to create detailed profiles of users.

10. Security of Stored Data

We take security seriously when storing data in your browser:

  • Authentication tokens are encrypted and have expiration times
  • We use secure storage mechanisms provided by the browser
  • We follow best practices for token management
  • We regularly review and update our security practices

However, browser storage is accessible to JavaScript running on the same origin. While we implement security measures, you should also:

  • Keep your browser updated
  • Use strong browser security settings
  • Be cautious about installing browser extensions that may access your data
  • Log out when using shared or public computers

11. Changes to This Cookies Policy

We may update this Cookies Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. When we make changes, we will:

  • Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page
  • Notify you of material changes via email or through the Service when possible
  • Post a prominent notice on our website for significant changes

Your continued use of the Service after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Cookies Policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Cookies Policy or our use of cookies and browser storage, please contact us:

We will make reasonable efforts to respond to your inquiries in a timely manner.