Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide information to website owners, and enhance user experience. Cookies can be "persistent" (remain on your device until deleted or expired) or "session" cookies (deleted when you close your browser).

We also use similar technologies such as web beacons, pixel tags, and local storage, which function similarly to cookies and are covered by this Cookie Policy.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)

These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled. They include:

• Authentication Cookies: Maintain your login session and security
• Security Cookies: Protect against fraud and unauthorized access
• Load Balancing Cookies: Distribute website traffic across servers
• Preference Cookies: Remember your language and region settings

Legal Basis: These cookies are necessary for the performance of our contract with you and compliance with our legal obligations.

2.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously:

• Page views and navigation patterns
• Time spent on pages
• Error messages and performance issues
• Feature usage statistics

Legal Basis: Our legitimate interest in improving our Service and user experience.

2.3 Functionality Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization:

• Remember your preferences (theme, language, display settings)
• Remember your login information (if you choose "Remember Me")
• Remember your previous interactions with the Service

Legal Basis: Your consent or our legitimate interest in providing personalized services.

2.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver relevant advertisements and track campaign effectiveness:

• Track your browsing behavior across websites
• Build a profile of your interests
• Deliver targeted advertisements
• Measure advertising campaign performance

Legal Basis: Your explicit consent, which you can withdraw at any time.

3. Third-Party Cookies

We use third-party services that may set their own cookies on your device. These include:

• Analytics Providers: Google Analytics and similar services to analyze website usage
• Payment Processors: Cookies from payment gateways to process transactions securely
• Advertising Networks: Third-party ad networks for targeted advertising
• Social Media Platforms: Cookies from social media plugins and sharing buttons

We do not control these third-party cookies. You should review the privacy and cookie policies of these third parties to understand how they use cookies and what information they collect. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party services.

4. Managing Cookies

4.1 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

• Block all cookies
• Block third-party cookies only
• Delete existing cookies
• Set preferences for specific websites
• Receive notifications when cookies are set

Please note that blocking or deleting cookies may affect your ability to use certain features of our Service. Essential cookies cannot be disabled as they are necessary for the Service to function.

4.2 Cookie Consent

When you first visit our website, we will request your consent for non-essential cookies. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time through your account settings or by contacting us. You can withdraw your consent at any time, but this may affect your user experience.

4.3 Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature. Currently, there is no industry standard for DNT signals. We do not respond to DNT signals, but you can manage your cookie preferences through the methods described above.

5. Cookie Retention

Cookies are retained for different periods depending on their purpose:

• Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period (typically 30 days to 2 years) or until manually deleted
• Essential Cookies: Retained for the duration of your session or as necessary for security

6. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated Cookie Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of our Service after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Cookie Policy.

7. Your Rights Under Applicable Law

7.1 Rights Under Indian Law

In accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and other applicable Indian laws, you have the right to:

• Be informed about the use of cookies on our website
• Provide or withdraw consent for non-essential cookies
• Access information about cookies used on our website
• Request deletion of cookies (subject to technical limitations)
• File a complaint regarding our use of cookies

7.2 Rights Under GDPR and ePrivacy Directive (EU/EEA/UK Users)

If you are located in the EEA, UK, or Switzerland, the GDPR and ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC) provide additional protections:

• Prior Consent: We must obtain your explicit consent before placing non-essential cookies (consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous)
• Right to Withdraw Consent: You can withdraw your consent to cookies at any time
• Information Rights: Right to be informed about cookies, their purpose, and retention period
• Opt-Out Rights: Right to opt-out of non-essential cookies without affecting website functionality
• Complaint Rights: Right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority

We comply with the ePrivacy Directive requirements for cookie consent and provide granular controls for different types of cookies.

8. GDPR and ePrivacy Compliance

For users in the EEA/UK/Switzerland, we comply with:

• GDPR Article 7: Conditions for consent - we obtain clear, affirmative consent for non-essential cookies
• ePrivacy Directive: Requires consent before storing or accessing information on user devices (cookies)
• GDPR Article 13: Information to be provided when collecting data - we provide clear information about cookie purposes
• GDPR Article 17: Right to erasure - you can request deletion of cookies and associated data

Our cookie consent mechanism complies with the "Cookie Law" requirements under the ePrivacy Directive, ensuring that non-essential cookies are only placed after obtaining your explicit consent.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us at: