Cookie Policy

Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Happy Critics ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website and use our services. This policy provides detailed information about the types of cookies we use, why we use them, and how you can control them.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and provide information to the website owners. Cookies help us recognize you when you return to our website, remember your preferences, and understand how you use our services.

Types of Cookies We Use

We use different types of cookies for various purposes:

1. Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled in our systems. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as logging in, filling out forms, or setting privacy preferences. Without these cookies, some parts of our website would not function. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

Examples: Session management, authentication, security features, load balancing, and user interface customization.

2. Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we use on our pages. They allow us to remember choices you make (such as your username, language, or region) and provide enhanced, more personalized features. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.

Examples: Language preferences, remembering login details, video player settings, and chat functionality.

3. Analytics and Performance Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. They allow us to count visits, identify traffic sources, and measure and improve the performance of our site. All information collected by these cookies is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies, we will not know when you have visited our site and will not be able to monitor its performance.

Examples: Google Analytics, page view tracking, session duration, bounce rates, and traffic source analysis.

4. Marketing and Advertising Cookies

These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other sites. They work by uniquely identifying your browser and device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.

Examples: Social media advertising pixels, retargeting cookies, conversion tracking, and interest-based advertising.

Cookie Duration

Cookies can be classified by their duration:

Session Cookies

These are temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser. They help us track your movements from page to page so you don't get asked for the same information you've already provided. Session cookies are essential for maintaining your logged-in state and shopping cart contents during your visit.

Persistent Cookies

These cookies remain on your device for a set period specified in the cookie or until you delete them. We use persistent cookies to remember your preferences and settings for future visits, which helps improve your user experience by reducing the need to re-enter information.

First-Party and Third-Party Cookies

First-Party Cookies

These are cookies set directly by Happy Critics. We use first-party cookies to enable essential website functionality, remember your preferences, and analyze how you use our services. These cookies are under our direct control.

Third-Party Cookies

Third-party cookies are set by external service providers that we work with to deliver certain features and functionality. These may include analytics providers, advertising networks, social media platforms, and other service providers. While we carefully select our third-party partners, we do not control how they use cookies or the data they collect.

Third-Party Services We Use

We may use the following third-party services that set cookies:

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website, which pages are most popular, and how long users spend on different pages. This helps us improve our website design and content. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect information anonymously. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

Authentication Services

We use third-party authentication services (such as Auth0, Google OAuth, or similar) to provide secure login functionality. These services use cookies to maintain your authentication state and security tokens.

Social Media Plugins

Our website may include social media features, such as share buttons or embedded content from platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. These features may set cookies to track your interactions and enable functionality. These cookies are controlled by the respective social media platforms.

Customer Support Tools

We may use customer support and chat tools (such as Intercom, Zendesk, or similar) that use cookies to provide real-time support, remember your conversation history, and improve service quality.

How to Manage Cookies

You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject cookies. You can exercise your cookie preferences through our cookie consent banner when you first visit our website, or you can set or amend your web browser controls to accept or refuse cookies at any time.

Browser Settings

Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser settings to decline cookies if you prefer. The method for disabling cookies varies by browser and device. Here are instructions for the most popular browsers:

• Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data
• Opera: Settings > Privacy & security > Cookies

Opting Out of Third-Party Cookies

You can opt out of certain third-party cookies by visiting the following websites:

• Network Advertising Initiative: optout.networkadvertising.org
• Digital Advertising Alliance: optout.aboutads.info
• European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance: youronlinechoices.eu

Impact of Disabling Cookies

If you choose to disable cookies, some features of our website may not function properly, and your user experience may be impaired. In particular, you may not be able to access certain personalized features, maintain login sessions, or use shopping cart functionality. Essential cookies cannot be disabled as they are necessary for the website to function.

Mobile Devices

Our services may be accessed through mobile devices and applications. Mobile devices also use cookies and similar tracking technologies. You can control cookies through your mobile device browser settings. Additionally, mobile operating systems provide options to limit ad tracking:

• iOS: Settings > Privacy > Tracking > Limit Ad Tracking
• Android: Settings > Google > Ads > Opt out of Ads Personalization

Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want your online activities tracked. Currently, there is no universal standard for how DNT signals should be interpreted. We do not currently respond to DNT signals, but we provide you with choices regarding the collection and use of your information as described in this Cookie Policy.

Data Protection and Privacy

We take data protection seriously and comply with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for users in the European Union. Any personal data collected through cookies is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We implement appropriate security measures to protect cookie data from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction.

Your Rights

Under applicable data protection laws, you have certain rights regarding the information collected through cookies, including:

• The right to access information we hold about you
• The right to correct inaccurate information
• The right to delete your information (subject to legal requirements)
• The right to restrict or object to processing
• The right to data portability
• The right to withdraw consent at any time
• The right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at: privacy@happycritics.com

International Data Transfers

Some of our third-party service providers may be located outside your country of residence. When we transfer information collected through cookies to other countries, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with applicable data protection laws, such as Standard Contractual Clauses or other legally recognized transfer mechanisms.

Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technologies, legal requirements, or other operational needs. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website and updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.

Contact Us

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

Email: privacy@happycritics.com

We will respond to your inquiries in a timely manner and work to address any concerns you may have about our cookie practices.

Additional Resources

For more information about cookies and online privacy, you may find the following resources helpful:

• All About Cookies: allaboutcookies.org
• Network Advertising Initiative: networkadvertising.org
• Your Online Choices (EU): youronlinechoices.eu
• Cookie Information (ICO): ico.org.uk

Cookie Consent Management

We respect your privacy choices. When you first visit our website, you will be presented with a cookie consent banner allowing you to choose which categories of cookies you wish to accept. You can change your preferences at any time by accessing the cookie settings through the footer of our website or by contacting us directly. Your consent choices are stored and will be remembered for future visits.