Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Market Crash Monitor ("we," "our," "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website at https://marketcrashmonitor.com ("Service").

By using our Service, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy.

2. What Are Cookies?

2.1 Definition

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.

2.2 How Cookies Work

• Cookies are stored by your web browser
• They contain information about your visit
• They are sent back to the website on subsequent visits
• Cookies can be temporary (session) or persistent (stored long-term)

2.3 Similar Technologies

We may also use similar technologies including:

• Local Storage: Stores data in your browser
• Web Beacons: Small graphics that track page views
• Pixels: Code snippets that track user behavior
• JavaScript: Scripts that enhance functionality

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)

Purpose: Required for the Service to function properly

Duration: Session or up to 1 year

Can be disabled: No - Service won't work without these

These cookies enable core functionality such as:

• User authentication and login sessions
• Security and fraud prevention
• Remembering your subscription tier
• Load balancing across servers
• Maintaining your session as you navigate
• Storing your cookie preferences

Examples:

• session_id - Maintains your login session
• auth_token - Authenticates your requests
• cookie_consent - Stores your cookie preferences
• csrf_token - Prevents cross-site request forgery

3.2 Functional Cookies (Preference Cookies)

Purpose: Remember your choices and preferences

Duration: Up to 2 years

Can be disabled: Yes, but features may not work as expected

These cookies remember:

• Your dashboard layout preferences
• Alert notification settings
• Theme preference (dark/light mode)
• Language settings
• Time zone
• Chart display preferences

Examples:

• dashboard_layout - Your customized dashboard view
• theme_preference - Dark or light mode selection
• alert_settings - Your configured alert preferences
• display_settings - Chart and table display options

3.3 Analytics Cookies (Performance Cookies)

Purpose: Understand how you use the Service

Duration: Up to 2 years

Can be disabled: Yes

These cookies collect information about:

• Pages visited and features used
• Time spent on pages
• Click patterns and navigation paths
• Error messages encountered
• Browser and device information
• Performance metrics

We use:

• Vercel Analytics - Privacy-friendly analytics (no cookies required)

Note: Vercel Analytics is privacy-friendly and does not use cookies. It collects aggregated, anonymized data about page views and performance metrics. No personal information is collected or stored.

3.4 Marketing Cookies (Targeting/Advertising)

Purpose: Track effectiveness of marketing campaigns

Duration: Up to 1 year

Can be disabled: Yes

These cookies (if used) help us:

• Measure ad campaign effectiveness
• Understand which channels bring visitors
• Retarget visitors with relevant ads
• Track conversion events
• Optimize marketing spend

We may use:

• Google Ads conversion tracking
• Facebook Pixel (if applicable)
• LinkedIn Insight Tag (if applicable)
• Twitter conversion tracking (if applicable)

Examples:

• _fbp - Facebook Pixel
• conversion_id - Tracks subscription conversions

Note: You can opt out of these through cookie settings or browser settings.

4. First-Party vs. Third-Party Cookies

4.1 First-Party Cookies

Set by Market Crash Monitor directly:

• Essential cookies for site functionality
• Preference cookies for your settings
• Analytics cookies for our internal use

4.2 Third-Party Cookies

Set by third-party services we use:

Hosting and Infrastructure:

• Vercel (hosting platform)
• Supabase (authentication and database)

Payment Processing:

• Stripe (payment forms and processing)

Analytics:

• Google Analytics (if used)
• Other analytics providers

Marketing:

• Google Ads (if used)
• Social media platforms (if used)

Note: Third-party cookies are governed by the respective third party's privacy policy.

5. How We Use Cookies

5.1 Authentication and Security

• Keep you logged in
• Verify your identity
• Prevent unauthorized access
• Protect against fraud and abuse
• Secure API requests

5.2 Service Functionality

• Remember your preferences
• Save dashboard configurations
• Store alert settings
• Maintain session state
• Provide personalized experience

5.3 Performance and Analytics

• Measure site performance
• Identify errors and bugs
• Understand user behavior
• Improve user experience
• Test new features

5.4 Marketing and Communication

• Measure campaign effectiveness
• Track conversions
• Optimize advertising
• Understand traffic sources
• Retarget interested users

6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

6.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our Service:

• A cookie consent banner will appear
• You can accept all cookies or customize settings
• You can change your preferences at any time

6.2 Cookie Settings

Access cookie settings:

1. Click "Cookie Settings" in the footer
2. Or contact us at info@marketcrashmonitor.com to update your cookie preferences
3. Toggle categories on/off
4. Save your preferences

Note: Essential cookies cannot be disabled.

6.3 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and site data
• Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
• Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies

Browser Options:

• Block all cookies (may break functionality)
• Block third-party cookies only
• Delete cookies after each session
• View and delete specific cookies

6.4 Third-Party Opt-Outs

Google Analytics Opt-Out:

• Install Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Visit: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

Advertising Opt-Outs:

• Digital Advertising Alliance: https://optout.aboutads.info
• Network Advertising Initiative: https://optout.networkadvertising.org
• Your Online Choices (EU): https://www.youronlinechoices.com

6.5 Do Not Track

Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal:

• We respect DNT signals where technically feasible
• When DNT is enabled, we minimize tracking
• Note: Not all services honor DNT

7. Cookie Duration

Session Cookies

• Temporary cookies
• Deleted when you close your browser
• Used for essential functions

Persistent Cookies

Remain on your device for a set period

Duration varies by cookie type:

• Essential: Up to 1 year
• Functional: Up to 2 years
• Analytics: Up to 2 years
• Marketing: Up to 1 year

You can delete persistent cookies manually through browser settings.

8. Mobile Devices

8.1 Mobile Browsers

Cookies work similarly on mobile browsers:

• Manage through mobile browser settings
• Process is similar to desktop browsers
• Consult your device's help documentation

8.2 Mobile Apps

If we release a mobile app:

• We may use similar tracking technologies
• App privacy policy will provide details
• Manage through app settings

9. Consent and Legal Basis

9.1 EU/EEA Users (GDPR)

Under GDPR, we process cookies based on:

• Consent: For non-essential cookies (analytics, marketing)
• Legitimate Interest: For certain functional cookies
• Contract: For essential cookies needed to provide the Service

You can withdraw consent at any time through cookie settings.

9.2 California Users (CCPA)

California residents have the right to:

• Know what cookies collect data
• Opt-out of sale of personal information (we don't sell data)
• Access cookie-related data

9.3 Other Jurisdictions

We comply with applicable laws in your jurisdiction regarding cookies and tracking technologies.

10. Impact of Disabling Cookies

10.1 Essential Cookies Disabled

If you disable essential cookies:

• You cannot log in
• Service will not function properly
• Security features will not work
• We cannot provide the Service

10.2 Functional Cookies Disabled

If you disable functional cookies:

• Preferences won't be saved
• Dashboard must be configured each visit
• User experience will be degraded

10.3 Analytics Cookies Disabled

If you disable analytics cookies:

• Your usage data won't be collected
• Helps us less in improving the Service
• No impact on functionality

10.4 Marketing Cookies Disabled

If you disable marketing cookies:

• Ads may be less relevant
• Conversion tracking affected
• No impact on core functionality

11. Security

11.1 Cookie Security

We implement security measures:

• Cookies are transmitted over HTTPS
• Secure flag set on sensitive cookies
• HttpOnly flag prevents JavaScript access
• SameSite attribute prevents CSRF attacks
• Regular security audits

11.2 Sensitive Information

• Passwords are NEVER stored in cookies
• Credit card data is NEVER in cookies (handled by Stripe)
• Cookies contain identifiers, not sensitive data

12. Children's Privacy

• Our Service is not intended for children under 18
• We do not knowingly collect data from children
• We do not set cookies for underage users knowingly

13. Updates to This Cookie Policy

• We may update this policy periodically
• Changes will be posted with a new "Last Updated" date
• Material changes will be communicated via email or prominent notice
• Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance

14. Specific Cookie List

Current Cookies (Example - Update as needed)

Note: This list is not exhaustive. Actual cookies may vary.

15. Contact Us

For questions about cookies or this policy:

• Email: info@marketcrashmonitor.com
• Privacy Email: info@marketcrashmonitor.com
• Cookie Settings: Contact us via email to update cookie preferences

16. Your Rights Summary

You have the right to:

• ✓ Know what cookies we use
• ✓ Accept or reject non-essential cookies
• ✓ Change your cookie preferences anytime
• ✓ Delete cookies from your device
• ✓ Access information about cookie data collected
• ✓ Withdraw consent for cookie use

How to exercise rights:

• Use our Cookie Settings tool
• Adjust browser settings
• Contact us via email