Cookie Policy
Effective Date: January 15, 2025
Last Updated: January 15, 2025
VitaLaw | Defences ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website and service at defences.app (the "Service"). This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and your choices regarding their use.
This policy complies with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) requirements for transparency and consent regarding electronic tracking technologies.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They help the website remember information about your visit, making your next visit easier and the site more useful to you.
Types of Tracking Technologies
- Cookies: Small data files stored on your browser
- Local Storage: Similar to cookies but with larger capacity
- Session Storage: Temporary storage cleared when browser closes
- Pixels/Web Beacons: Tiny images that track user behavior
- Device Fingerprinting: Identifying unique device characteristics
2. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies for the following purposes:
2.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)
These cookies are required for the Service to function properly:
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| __session | Firebase authentication | Session |
| auth-token | User authentication | 30 days |
| app-check | Security verification | 1 hour |
| csrf-token | Security protection | Session |
2.2 Functional Cookies
These cookies enhance functionality and personalization:
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| theme-preference | Dark/light mode preference | 1 year |
| language | Language preference | 1 year |
| recent-searches | Search history | 90 days |
| saved-filters | Search filter preferences | 90 days |
2.3 Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors use our Service:
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguish users | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Distinguish users | 24 hours |
| _gat | Google Analytics | Throttle requests | 1 minute |
| _gcl_au | Google Analytics | Conversion tracking | 3 months |
2.4 Performance Cookies
These cookies collect information about Service performance:
- Page load times and errors
- Server response times
- Feature usage patterns
- Browser and device compatibility
3. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages:
Google (Authentication & Analytics)
Used for Google OAuth login and website analytics
4. Your Consent (PIPEDA Compliance)
Consent Under PIPEDA
In accordance with PIPEDA principles, we obtain your consent before placing non-essential cookies. By continuing to use our Service after being notified about our use of cookies, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy.
4.1 Implied Consent
For essential cookies required for the Service to function, your consent is implied by your use of the Service.
4.2 Express Consent
For analytics and performance cookies, we request express consent through our cookie banner when you first visit the Service.
4.3 Withdrawing Consent
You may withdraw your consent at any time by adjusting your cookie preferences (see Section 5 below).
5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You have several options for managing cookies:
5.1 Cookie Settings
You can manage your cookie preferences through:
- Cookie settings banner when you first visit
- Account settings page (for logged-in users)
- Footer link "Cookie Preferences" on any page
5.2 Browser Controls
Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings:
5.3 Opt-Out Tools
You can opt out of certain third-party cookies:
- Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on
- Network Advertising Initiative Opt-Out
- Digital Advertising Alliance Opt-Out
Important Note
Disabling essential cookies may prevent you from using certain features of the Service, including logging in to your account. We recommend keeping essential cookies enabled for the best experience.
6. Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) setting that signals to websites that you do not want to be tracked. Currently, there is no universal standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. Our Service does not currently respond to DNT signals, but we respect your cookie preferences as set through our cookie management tools.
7. Local Storage and Other Technologies
In addition to cookies, we use local storage to:
- Store your search preferences and filters
- Cache frequently accessed data for faster loading
- Save draft searches and notes temporarily
- Remember your interface preferences
Local storage can be cleared through your browser settings, similar to cookies.
8. Cookies and Children
Our Service is not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from children or use cookies to track children's activities.
9. Updates to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by:
- Posting a notice on our Service
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Requesting fresh consent if required by law
10. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact:
You may also file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada regarding our cookie practices at www.priv.gc.ca.
11. Quick Reference Guide
Cookie Summary
| Category | Essential? | Can Opt-Out? |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Cookies | Yes | No (required for service) |
| Functional Cookies | No | Yes |
| Analytics Cookies | No | Yes |
| Performance Cookies | No | Yes |