Sitch – Cookie Policy
Effective Date: [Insert Date]
Last Updated: [Insert Date]
This Cookie Policy explains how Sitch ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar technologies (collectively "cookies") on our website and platform for purposes including session control, analytics, functional preferences, and advertising.
This policy is part of our commitment to transparency, reflecting how GDPR (EU/EEA), POPIA (South Africa), and US privacy laws (such as CCPA) regulate cookie usage.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device by your web browser. They allow us to recognize your device, remember preferences, and track interactions. We also use related technologies such as:
- Web beacons/pixel tags
- Local and session storage
- JavaScript-based tracking
2. Types of Cookies and How We Use Them
We categorize cookies similarly to how major sites like The Guardian do:
| Type | Purpose | Who Sets It | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary | Essential for core site functions (e.g. login, session management) | First-party | session_id (expires at session end) |
| Performance & Analytics | Helps us track how our site is used (e.g. via Google Analytics) | First/third-party | _ga (2 years), _gid (24 hours) |
| Functional | Remembers your preferences (language, UI settings) | First-party | preferences (1 year) |
| Targeting & Advertising | Supports ad delivery or marketing analytics | Third-party | ad_id, retargeting cookies (6 months) |
• Strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled via our platform, as noted by regulatory standards.
• All other cookies are activated only after explicit user consent via our cookie banner or preference center.
3. Third-Party Cookies
Third parties may set cookies on our site for analytics or advertising (e.g., Google, Ad platforms). We have limited control over these cookies, and they're governed by the third parties' privacy policies, as with many major websites.
4. Legal Basis & Consent
- Under GDPR and POPIA, we rely on explicit consent before setting non-essential cookies.
- Under CCPA, users have the right to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information collected via cookies.
5. Managing Your Preferences
You may manage your cookie settings by:
- Using our on-site cookie banner / preference center.
- Adjusting your browser settings to disable/clear cookies (note: this may limit site functionality).
- Opting out of targeted advertising via industry tools like YourAdChoices or Network Advertising Initiative.
6. Retention Periods
- Session cookies expire once you close your browser (e.g., session_id).
- Persistent cookies remain for a set duration (e.g., _ga—up to 2 years; ad_id—6 months).
7. Cookie Examples We Use
- session_id – Enables login/session continuity (first party; session only).
- _ga, _gid – Google Analytics metrics (two years, 24 hours respectively).
- preferences – Stores your selected language or UI settings (first party; one year).
- ad_id – Supports advertising campaign performance (third party; six months).
8. Web Beacons and Tracking Pixels
We use tracking pixels for purposes like email open tracking and conversion measurements, similar to standard industry approaches. These collect limited data (e.g. timestamp, pixel ID) and do not directly identify individuals.
9. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices or regulatory requirements. The revised date will appear at the top, and continued use after changes implies acceptance.
10. Contact Us
For questions about cookies or your settings, please contact:
Sitch Privacy Team
[Business Address – Ireland]
[Email Address]