Cookie Policy

Connections uses cookies and similar technologies to improve performance, analyze traffic, and enhance your user experience. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, which ones we use, and how you can manage them.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that websites place on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) when you visit. Cookies are widely used to make websites work efficiently, remember your preferences, and provide information to the site owners. Similar technologies include local storage, pixel tags, and SDKs in apps - for simplicity, we refer to all of these as 'cookies.'

Why We Use Cookies

Essential Functions: Some cookies are necessary for the site to function. For example, they help us keep you logged in as you navigate through different parts of the app, or enable core features. Without these, the service you expect cannot be provided.
Performance and Functionality: We use cookies to remember your preferences and choices (such as your language or other settings) to give you a smoother experience. They also help with performance - for instance, storing certain data locally on your device can reduce load times and make the app run faster. Nobody likes a slow app, so these cookies help Connections operate efficiently.
Analytics: We employ cookies to understand how users interact with Connections. This includes the use of third-party analytics services like Google Analytics. These cookies collect information in an anonymized or aggregated form - such as which pages are visited, how long users spend on the site, and any errors encountered. We use this information to improve the app's design, features, and performance. (For example, Google Analytics cookies might track what percentage of users access a new feature, helping us decide if improvements are needed. For more details on what data Google Analytics collects and how it is used, you can refer to Google's Privacy Policy and their site on cookies.)
Advertising (if applicable): At present, Connections does not display third-party ads within the app. If in the future we integrate advertising, cookies might be used to deliver relevant ads and measure their effectiveness. We will update this section accordingly and ensure any advertising cookies are disclosed and managed properly.

Types of Cookies We Use

We may use both session cookies (which expire once you close the app or browser) and persistent cookies (which remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them). Persistent cookies help us remember you when you return to Connections, so you don't have to log in every time, for example.

Authentication Cookies: These keep you logged in as you use the Service and help us securely verify your account. For instance, when you log in, an auth cookie remembers your unique session ID so you don't have to log in repeatedly as you browse.
Preference Cookies: These remember your settings and preferences. A preference cookie might store your chosen app language or other customizations, so we can present content in your preferred way.
Analytics and Performance Cookies: As noted, we use Google Analytics and similar tools to collect usage information. These cookies might track details like how you navigate the app, which features you click, and any performance issues. All data collected by these analytics cookies is aggregated and not used to identify you personally. It helps us understand user trends and improve the platform.
Security Cookies: We may use cookies or similar technologies to enable security features and detect malicious activity. For example, a security cookie might help prevent cross-site request forgery or remember when you have received a security verification prompt.
Site Management Cookies: These are used to maintain your session or store other site-specific information needed to operate the Service. For example, local storage may be used to cache parts of the app content on your device to make it load faster, or to remember if we've already shown you a particular in-app tutorial or notice so as not to show it again.

Your Choices

Upon your first visit or login, you may see a notice about our use of cookies. By continuing to use our site or app, you agree to our use of cookies as described in this policy. However, you have the right to control or limit cookies:

Browser Settings: Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. You can also delete cookies that have already been set. Check your browser's help documentation for instructions on how to manage cookies. Please note that disabling all cookies may affect the functionality of Connections - some parts of the Service might not work properly if cookies are turned off. For example, you may not be able to stay logged in or certain preferences might not be saved.
Device Settings (Apps): If you're using our mobile app, your device operating system might allow you to opt out of certain types of tracking or cookies (e.g., resetting your mobile ad ID, or opting out of interest-based ads via device privacy settings).
Google Analytics Opt-Out: Google provides an opt-out mechanism for analytics on the web. If you want to prevent your data from being used by Google Analytics, you can install the official Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on. (In mobile apps, you can typically opt out of sharing analytics data in the app's settings if we provide that option, or by adjusting your device settings as mentioned.)

Keep in mind, if you choose to block or delete cookies, our website may ask you again to consent to cookies when you return (since it won't remember that you declined). Also, any preferences controlled by cookies (like your language selection) may be lost.

Third-Party Cookies

Besides our own cookies, some third-party cookies might be placed on your device when you use Connections. For example, if we embed content from a third-party (such as a video or social media sharing button), that third-party may set a cookie. Similarly, as mentioned, analytics providers set their own cookies. We ensure that any third-party cookie usage on our site is in line with relevant regulations and that you are informed. We do not share personally identifying information with third parties for their own advertising purposes without your consent.

Policy Updates

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology, law, or our business operations. If we make significant changes, we will notify users as appropriate (for example, via a prominent notice on our site or in-app). We encourage you to periodically review this policy for the latest information about our cookie practices.

By using Connections, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Cookie Policy. If you have any questions about our use of cookies or other technologies, please contact us at connections@dating-universe.com.