Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Hamidi Guide's Cookie Policy. This policy explains how we use cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website. By using our website, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy.

This Cookie Policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

2. What Are Cookies?

2.1 How Cookies Work

• Storage: Cookies are stored in your web browser
• Transmission: They are sent back to the server with each request
• Identification: Help identify your device and preferences
• Session Management: Maintain your login state and preferences

2.2 Similar Technologies

We also use similar tracking technologies, including:

• Web Beacons: Tiny graphics with unique identifiers
• Local Storage: HTML5 local storage for larger data
• Session Storage: Temporary storage during your visit
• Pixels: Tracking pixels for analytics and advertising

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 First-Party vs Third-Party Cookies

• First-Party Cookies: Set by our website domain
• Third-Party Cookies: Set by domains other than ours

3.2 Session vs Persistent Cookies

• Session Cookies: Temporary, deleted when you close browser
• Persistent Cookies: Remain until expiration or deletion

4. Purpose of Cookies

4.1 Specific Examples

• Login Status: Remember if you're logged in
• Shopping Cart: Remember items in your cart
• Preferences: Remember your site preferences
• Analytics: Understand how you use our site
• Advertising: Show relevant advertisements
• Affiliate Tracking: Track referral commissions

5. Third-Party Cookies

5.1 Third-Party Services We Use

5.2 Embedded Content

Pages with embedded content (e.g., videos, maps, social media posts) may set cookies from the originating website. We have no control over these cookies.

5.3 External Links

When you click external links on our website, those sites may set cookies. We encourage you to review their cookie policies.

6. Affiliate Cookies

6.1 How Affiliate Cookies Work

• Click Tracking: Track when you click affiliate links
• Referral Identification: Identify our website as referral source
• Purchase Tracking: Track purchases made through our links
• Commission Calculation: Calculate commissions owed to us

6.2 Common Affiliate Cookies

6.3 Cookie Overwriting

If you click multiple affiliate links, the most recent cookie usually overwrites previous ones. This means only the last affiliate will receive credit.

7. Cookie Duration

7.1 Standard Durations

• Session Cookies: Expire when browser closes
• Short-term: 24 hours to 7 days
• Medium-term: 30 to 90 days
• Long-term: 1 to 2 years
• Persistent: Until manually deleted

7.2 Automatic Expiry

Most cookies have automatic expiration dates. After expiration, they are automatically deleted from your device.

7.3 Manual Deletion

You can manually delete cookies at any time through your browser settings.

8. Managing Cookies

8.1 Browser-Specific Instructions

8.2 Impact of Disabling Cookies

Disabling cookies may affect:

• Website functionality
• Login capabilities
• Personalized features
• Site performance
• User experience

9. "Do Not Track" Signals

9.1 What is DNT?

"Do Not Track" (DNT) is a privacy preference you can set in your web browser to inform websites that you do not want to be tracked.

9.2 Our Response to DNT

We currently do not respond to DNT signals because there is no industry standard for implementation. However, you can control tracking through:

• Our cookie consent tool
• Browser privacy settings
• Opt-out mechanisms for specific services

9.3 Alternative Controls

Instead of relying on DNT, we recommend using:

• Browser privacy settings
• Cookie management tools
• Ad blocking extensions
• Private browsing mode

10. Legal Basis for Cookie Use

10.1 Consent Requirements

We obtain consent for non-essential cookies as required by:

• GDPR (European Union)
• ePrivacy Directive
• UK Privacy Regulations
• Other applicable laws

10.2 Types of Consent

• Explicit Consent: Required for non-essential cookies
• Implied Consent: Not sufficient for GDPR compliance
• Granular Consent: Category-by-category acceptance
• Withdrawable Consent: Can be withdrawn at any time

10.3 Legal Exceptions

Consent is not required for:

• Essential/necessary cookies
• Cookies for website security
• Cookies for load balancing
• Cookies remembering shopping cart

11. Policy Updates

11.1 Notification of Changes

When we make material changes to this policy:

• We update the "Last Updated" date
• We may notify users via email (if subscribed)
• We may display a notice on our website
• We seek renewed consent if required

11.2 Review Frequency

We review this policy at least annually or when:

• New laws or regulations take effect
• We introduce new cookie technologies
• User feedback indicates need for changes
• Our business practices evolve

12. Contact Information