1. What Are Cookies?

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

This Cookie Policy explains how HearMeOut ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar technologies on our Platform.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the Platform to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as:

• Authentication Cookies: Store your session information to keep you logged in
• Security Cookies: Help protect against unauthorized access and fraud
• Cookie Consent: Remember your cookie preferences

Cookie Name: next-auth.session-token
Purpose: Authentication and session management
Duration: 30 days
Type: HTTP-only, Secure (production)

2.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Remember your language selection
• Remember your cookie consent choices

Cookie Name: cookie-consent-preferences
Purpose: Store cookie consent preferences
Duration: 1 year
Type: LocalStorage

2.3 Analytics Cookies (Optional)

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our Platform. They are only set with your consent:

• Track page views and user interactions
• Analyze platform usage patterns
• Improve platform performance and user experience

Currently, we do not use third-party analytics cookies. If we add analytics services in the future, we will update this policy and request your consent.

2.4 Marketing Cookies (Optional)

These cookies are used to deliver relevant advertisements and track campaign effectiveness. They are only set with your consent:

• Track advertising effectiveness
• Deliver personalized advertisements
• Limit the number of times you see an ad

Currently, we do not use marketing cookies. If we add marketing services in the future, we will update this policy and request your consent.

3. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are set by third-party services we use:

• Google OAuth: Used for authentication. Google may set cookies as described in Google's Privacy Policy
• Vercel: Our hosting provider may set cookies for platform functionality

4. Cookie Consent

When you first visit our Platform, we will ask for your consent to use non-essential cookies. You can:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• Customize your cookie preferences
• Change your preferences at any time in Settings

Essential cookies are always active and cannot be disabled, as they are necessary for the Platform to function.

5. Managing Cookies

5.1 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

• View and delete cookies
• Block cookies from specific sites
• Block all cookies
• Delete all cookies when you close your browser

Note: Blocking essential cookies may affect Platform functionality and prevent you from logging in or using certain features.

5.2 Platform Settings

You can manage your cookie preferences through our cookie consent banner or in your account settings.

6. Local Storage and Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use similar technologies such as:

• Local Storage: Stores cookie consent preferences and other settings
• Session Storage: Temporarily stores data for your current session

You can clear local storage and session storage through your browser settings.

7. Cookie Duration

Cookies can be either:

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them

Our authentication cookies persist for 30 days. Cookie consent preferences are stored for 1 year.

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. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the updated policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

9. More Information

For more information about how we handle your personal data, please see our Privacy Policy.

For questions about our use of cookies, please contact us at contact@hearmeout.world.