Cookie Policy
Last updated: August 2025
1. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer, smartphone, or other device when you visit our website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.
2. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies to:
- Keep you signed in to your account
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
- Improve our website performance and user experience
- Provide security features and prevent fraud
3. Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, authentication, and accessibility features.
- Authentication tokens (Clerk session cookies)
- CSRF protection tokens
- Load balancing cookies
Analytics Cookies
We use analytics cookies to understand how visitors interact with our website. This helps us improve our service and user experience.
- Google Analytics - Website traffic analysis and user behavior tracking
- Hotjar - Product analytics and session insights
- Usage tracking and performance monitoring
- Error logging and debugging
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences and settings.
- Language preferences
- Theme settings (if applicable)
- Dashboard customization
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies may be set by third-party services that appear on our pages:
- Clerk: Authentication and user management
- Stripe: Secure payment processing and billing management
- Google Analytics: Website analytics, user behavior tracking, and performance monitoring
- Hotjar: Product analytics and session insights
These third parties have their own privacy policies and cookie practices. We recommend reviewing their policies for more information:
- Google Analytics Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
- Stripe Privacy Policy: https://stripe.com/privacy
- Clerk Privacy Policy: https://clerk.com/privacy
- Hotjar Privacy Policy: https://www.hotjar.com/legal/policies/privacy/
5. Cookie Duration
- Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted
- Authentication Cookies: Typically expire after 30 days of inactivity
- Analytics Cookies: Usually expire after 2 years
6. Managing Cookies
You can control and manage cookies in various ways:
Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to view, delete, and block cookies. Instructions for popular browsers:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies
- Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and Site Permissions
Google Analytics Opt-Out
You can opt-out of Google Analytics tracking by:
- Installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
- Disabling analytics cookies in your browser settings
- Using privacy-focused browsers or extensions
- Using the Hotjar opt-out page: https://www.hotjar.com/legal/compliance/opt-out/
Impact of Disabling Cookies
Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect your ability to use some features of our website, including:
- Staying logged in to your account
- Remembering your preferences
- Accessing certain dashboard features
- Payment processing functionality
7. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our business practices. We will notify users of any material changes by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy.
8. Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us at:
Forge Universal LLC
Email: [email protected]