Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, such as your preferred settings and login status, which can make your next visit easier and the site more useful to you.

2. How We Use Cookies

RytePad uses cookies to:

• Keep you logged in — so you don't have to sign in every time you visit (for up to 40 days on a device).
• Remember your preferences — such as your dashboard settings and interface preferences.
• Ensure security — to protect your account and data from unauthorized access.
• Improve our service — to understand how you use RytePad and make it better.
• Track referrals — to credit users who refer new members to RytePad.
• Analyze usage through third-party services — to gain insights and improve RytePad.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies (Always Active)

These cookies are necessary for RytePad to work properly and cannot be disabled:

• Session Cookies: Keep you logged in during your session.
• Security Cookies: Protect against cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks.
• Authentication Cookies: Verify your identity and maintain secure access.

Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance your experience but are not essential for basic functionality:

• Preference Cookies: Remember your dashboard settings and interface choices.
• Auto-save Support: Support features like auto-saving diary notes and notes.

Referral Tracking Cookies

When you visit RytePad through a referral link, we use cookies to:

• Credit the person who referred you.
• Track the source of your visit (if a tracking ID was used).
• Ensure accurate referral statistics.

4. Third-Party Services

RytePad is designed to minimize third-party dependencies to protect your privacy. However, we may use the following third-party services to enhance our website:

• Google Analytics or similar tracking services.
• Google Tag Manager.
• Social media pixels or tracking.
• Advertising networks.

These services have their own privacy policies and may set their own cookies. See our Privacy Policy for more on third-party services.

5. Your Cookie Choices

Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

• Block all cookies: Note that this will prevent you from logging into RytePad.
• Block third-party cookies: This won't affect RytePad's functionality.
• Delete cookies: You can clear stored cookies, but you'll need to log in again.

6. Data Security

All cookies used by RytePad are secured with:

• HTTPS encryption for all data transmission.
• Secure cookie flags to prevent unauthorized access.
• HTTP-only flags where appropriate to prevent JavaScript access.
• Same-site restrictions to prevent cross-site request forgery.

7. Cookie Retention

Different cookies have different lifespans:

• Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser.
• Login cookies: Expire after 40 days.
• Preference cookies: Stored for up to 1 year.
• Referral cookies: Expire after 30 days.

8. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. When we make changes, we will:

• Update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy.
• Notify users of significant changes through our website or email.
• Provide clear information about what has changed.