Cookie Policy
Last Updated: November 19, 2025
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide, secure, and improve our services by remembering your preferences, settings, and activity.
Similar technologies include web beacons, local storage, and session tokens.
2. Types of Cookies We Use
2.1 Essential Cookies
Purpose: Required for core functionality and security.
- Session Management: Keeps you logged in during admin/verifier sessions
- Authentication Tokens: Verifies your identity (NextAuth.js)
- Security: CSRF protection, rate limiting
- Form Data: Preserves registration form progress
These cookies cannot be disabled as they're necessary for the website to function.
2.2 Preference Cookies
Purpose: Remember your choices and settings.
- Language Preferences: Selected language (English/Swahili)
- Map Settings: Last viewed location, zoom level
- Theme: Display preferences (if applicable)
2.3 Analytics Cookies
Purpose: Understand how visitors use our site to improve services.
- Page Views: Which pages are most visited
- User Flow: How users navigate the site
- Performance: Page load times, errors
- Device Info: Browser, OS, screen size (anonymous)
We may use Google Analytics or similar services with IP anonymization enabled.
2.4 Third-Party Cookies
Purpose: Services provided by external platforms.
- Google OAuth: Authentication via Google sign-in
- OpenStreetMap: Interactive maps
- BTCPay Server: Payment processing
- YouTube/Vimeo: Embedded video players
These services have their own privacy policies and cookie practices.
3. Why We Use Cookies
- Security: Protect against unauthorized access and spam
- User Experience: Remember your preferences and settings
- Analytics: Understand how the site is used to improve features
- Authentication: Keep admin and verifier users logged in
- Performance: Optimize page loading and reduce server load
- Compliance: Meet legal and regulatory requirements
4. Cookie Duration
Session Cookies
Temporary cookies deleted when you close your browser. Used for session management and security.
Persistent Cookies
Remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted. Used for preferences and analytics. Typical duration: 30 days to 1 year.
5. How to Control Cookies
5.1 Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to manage cookies through settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies
5.2 Cookie Management Options
- Block All Cookies: Most restrictive, may break website functionality
- Block Third-Party Cookies: Allows our cookies, blocks external services
- Delete Cookies: Clear cookies from your browser history
- Private/Incognito Mode: Temporary session, cookies deleted after closing
5.3 Impact of Blocking Cookies
Blocking essential cookies may result in:
- Inability to log in as admin or verifier
- Loss of saved preferences
- Reduced functionality (e.g., maps, forms)
- Security vulnerabilities
6. Third-Party Services
We use the following third-party services that may set cookies:
Google (OAuth, Analytics)
Privacy Policy: policies.google.com/privacy
OpenStreetMap
Privacy Policy: osmfoundation.org/wiki/Privacy_Policy
BTCPay Server
Self-hosted payment processor, no data shared with third parties
7. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our practices. Check this page regularly for updates. Last updated date is shown at the top.
8. Contact Us
Questions about our cookie practices? Contact us: