1. Introduction to Our Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy explains how LinguaTrace Inc. ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website, use our multilingual transcription platform, or interact with our services. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

By continuing to use our website and services, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time using the controls provided on our website or through your browser settings.

2. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit our website. They contain information that is transferred to your device's hard drive and help us provide you with a better, more personalized experience.

Similar technologies we use include:

• Web Beacons: Small graphic images embedded in web pages or emails to track user behavior
• Pixel Tags: Invisible images used to collect information about your visit to our website
• Local Storage: Technology that allows websites to store data locally within your browser
• Session Storage: Temporary storage that exists only for the duration of your browsing session
• Flash Cookies: Data stored by Adobe Flash Player on your device
• Device Fingerprinting: Collection of device and browser characteristics for identification
• Server Logs: Files that record requests made to our servers
• Analytics Scripts: Code that collects usage data and user behavior information

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies (Always Active)

These cookies are necessary for our website and services to function properly. They cannot be disabled as they are essential for basic functionality:

• Authentication Cookies: Keep you logged in to your account and maintain your session
• Security Cookies: Protect against cross-site request forgery and other security threats
• Load Balancing: Ensure optimal server performance and service availability
• Form Data: Remember information you've entered in forms during your session
• Shopping Cart: Maintain items in your cart during the purchasing process
• Language Preferences: Remember your selected language and regional settings
• Accessibility Settings: Store your accessibility preferences and customizations

3.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously:

• Google Analytics: Tracks website usage, user behavior, and traffic sources
• Page Performance: Monitors page load times and identifies performance issues
• Error Tracking: Helps us identify and fix technical problems
• Feature Usage: Tracks which features are most popular and useful
• A/B Testing: Enables testing of different website versions to improve user experience
• Heat Mapping: Shows how users interact with different parts of our website
• Conversion Tracking: Measures the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns

3.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization:

• User Preferences: Remember your settings, preferences, and customizations
• Theme Selection: Store your chosen color scheme or display preferences
• Recently Viewed: Keep track of recently accessed transcripts or files
• Saved Searches: Remember your search queries and filters
• Notification Settings: Store your communication and alert preferences
• Dashboard Layout: Remember your preferred dashboard configuration
• Export Preferences: Store your preferred file formats and export settings

3.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver relevant advertisements and measure campaign effectiveness:

• Targeted Advertising: Show you relevant ads based on your interests and behavior
• Retargeting: Display our ads on other websites you visit
• Campaign Tracking: Measure the success of our advertising campaigns
• Social Media Integration: Enable sharing and social media functionality
• Cross-Device Tracking: Recognize you across different devices
• Frequency Capping: Limit how often you see the same advertisement
• Attribution: Track which marketing channels lead to conversions

4. Third-Party Cookies and Services

We work with trusted third-party service providers who may set their own cookies when you use our services:

• Google Analytics: Web analytics service that tracks and reports website traffic
• Google Ads: Advertising platform for displaying targeted advertisements
• Facebook Pixel: Tracks conversions from Facebook ads and builds audiences
• LinkedIn Insight Tag: Provides analytics and enables retargeting on LinkedIn
• Stripe: Payment processing service that handles billing and transactions
• Intercom: Customer support and messaging platform
• Hotjar: User behavior analytics and feedback collection
• Mixpanel: Advanced analytics for tracking user interactions
• Zendesk: Customer support and help desk functionality
• Mailchimp: Email marketing and newsletter services
• YouTube: Video hosting and playback for embedded content

These third parties have their own privacy policies and cookie practices. We recommend reviewing their policies to understand how they use your information.

5. Cookie Duration and Persistence

Cookies have different lifespans depending on their purpose:

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that are 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
• Preference Cookies: Usually stored for 1 year to remember your settings
• Analytics Cookies: Generally expire after 2 years
• Marketing Cookies: Vary from 30 days to 2 years depending on the service
• Security Cookies: Short-lived, typically lasting only for your current session
• Performance Cookies: Usually stored for 30 days to track short-term performance
• A/B Testing Cookies: Expire when the test concludes, typically 30-90 days

6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You have several options for controlling cookies:

• Cookie Banner: Use our cookie preference center that appears when you first visit our site
• Browser Settings: Configure your browser to accept, reject, or notify you about cookies
• Account Settings: Manage certain cookie preferences through your LinguaTrace account
• Third-Party Opt-Outs: Use opt-out tools provided by advertising networks
• Do Not Track: Enable Do Not Track signals in your browser (where supported)
• Private Browsing: Use incognito or private browsing modes
• Cookie Deletion: Regularly clear cookies from your browser
• Ad Blockers: Use browser extensions that block tracking cookies
• Mobile Settings: Adjust tracking preferences in your mobile device settings

Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website and your user experience. Essential cookies cannot be disabled as they are necessary for basic website operation.

7. Browser-Specific Cookie Management

Instructions for managing cookies in popular browsers:

• Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data
• Internet Explorer: Tools > Internet Options > Privacy > Advanced
• Opera: Settings > Advanced > Privacy & Security > Cookies
• Mobile Safari: Settings > Safari > Block All Cookies
• Chrome Mobile: Settings > Site Settings > Cookies

8. International Data Transfers and Cookie Data

Cookie data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own:

• Data Processing Locations: Our servers and third-party services may be located globally
• Adequacy Decisions: We ensure transfers comply with applicable data protection laws
• Safeguards: Appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers
• Third-Party Compliance: Our partners comply with relevant privacy frameworks
• Data Protection Standards: All transfers meet or exceed required protection standards
• User Rights: Your privacy rights apply regardless of where data is processed
• Legal Basis: Transfers are based on appropriate legal mechanisms

9. Children's Privacy and Cookies

Our services are not intended for children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect cookie data from children:

• Age Verification: We require users to confirm they are at least 16 years old
• Parental Consent: If we learn we have collected data from a child, we will delete it promptly
• Educational Use: Schools using our services must ensure appropriate consent and supervision
• Data Minimization: We collect only necessary information for service provision
• Special Protections: Enhanced privacy protections apply to any users under 18

10. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements:

• Notification Methods: Updates will be posted on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
• Material Changes: Significant changes will be communicated via email or prominent website notices
• Effective Date: Changes become effective on the date specified in the updated policy
• Continued Use: Your continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy
• Review Frequency: We recommend reviewing this policy periodically for updates
• Version History: Previous versions of this policy are available upon request
• Legal Requirements: Updates may be necessary to comply with new laws or regulations

11. Contact Us About Cookies

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:

We will respond to your cookie-related inquiries within 30 days or as required by applicable law. For urgent privacy matters, please call our support line during business hours.