Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy explains how eatreadwatch.com (“we,” “us,” or “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website. This policy is designed to comply with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA). By understanding and adhering to these regulations, we aim to protect your privacy while maintaining transparency about our data practices.

1. Introduction to Cookies and Tracking Technologies

1.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They enable websites to recognize your device, remember your preferences, and collect information about your interactions. Similar technologies, such as web beacons, pixels, and scripts, may also be used to achieve these purposes.

1.2 Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies to:

• Ensure the basic functionality of our website (e.g., page navigation, secure login).
• Analyze traffic patterns to improve the user experience.
• Deliver personalized content and advertisements.
• Measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.

2. Categories of Cookies We Use

2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to operate and cannot be disabled. They do not require consent under GDPR, CCPA, or VCDPA. Examples include:

• Session cookies: Maintain your login state during navigation.
• Security cookies: Detect malicious activity or authentication failures.

2.2 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies enhance website performance by remembering user preferences (e.g., language settings, and font size). These cookies are optional but improve usability. You may opt-out via your browser settings.

2.3 Analytics Cookies

We use analytics tools like Google Analytics to collect aggregated data about website traffic, including:

• Pages visited and time spent.
• Geographic location (at the city/country level).
• Device type (desktop, mobile, or tablet).
  Analytics cookies are non-essential under GDPR and require prior consent.

2.4 Advertising Cookies

Third-party advertisers (e.g., Google Ads, Facebook Pixel) may place cookies to:

• Display personalized ads based on your browsing history.
• Measure ad performance.
  Under GDPR, these cookies require explicit consent. Under CCPA and VCDPA, you may opt out of the “sale” of personal data (see Section 4).

2.5 Social Media Cookies

Buttons for platforms like Twitter or Facebook may embed cookies to track your activity across sites. These are governed by the respective platforms’ policies.

3. Legal Bases for Cookie Usage

3.1 GDPR Compliance (EU/EEA Users)

• Consent: Non-essential cookies (analytics, advertising) are blocked until you provide explicit consent via our cookie banner.
• Legitimate Interest: Necessary cookies are deployed without consent to ensure website functionality.

3.2 CCPA Compliance (California Residents)

• Right to Opt-Out: You may request that we do not “sell” your personal data (e.g., advertising cookies). Use the “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” link in our footer.
• Minors’ Consent: If you are under 16, we will obtain affirmative authorization before selling your data.

3.3 VCDPA Compliance (Virginia Residents)

• Opt-Out Mechanism: Virginia residents may submit requests to opt out of data processing via our contact form.
• Sensitive Data: We will obtain explicit consent before processing precise geolocation data or information from children under 13.

4. Your Cookie Control Options

4.1 Managing Consent via Cookie Banner

Upon entering our site, EU/EEA users will see a cookie banner with:

• Accept All: Enables all cookies.
• Reject All: Blocks non-essential cookies.
• Customize Settings: Choose specific cookie categories.

4.2 Global Privacy Control (GPC)

We honor GPC signals from browsers like Mozilla Firefox or Brave. Enabling GPC will automatically opt you out of data sales under CCPA and VCDPA.

4.3 Browser Settings

You may disable cookies via your browser:

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies.
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data.
• Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Enhanced Tracking Protection.
  Note: Disabling cookies may degrade website functionality.

4.4 Third-Party Opt-Outs

• Advertising: Visit the Digital Advertising Alliance or NAI Consumer Opt-Out.
• Google Analytics: Use the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-On45.

5. Data Sharing and Third Parties

5.1 Service Providers

We share data with:

• Hosting providers: Ensure website uptime and security.
• Analytics platforms: Aggregate traffic data.
• Ad networks: Deliver targeted ads.
  All third parties are contractually obligated to protect your data.

5.2 International Data Transfers

Data may be transferred outside the EU/EEA to countries without adequate decisions. We use GDPR-approved safeguards, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), for these transfers.

6. Policy Updates and Contact Information

6.1 Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy to reflect legal or operational changes. The “Last Updated” date at the bottom will be revised accordingly. Significant changes will be announced via email or a website banner.

6.2 Contact Us

For questions or requests related to cookies, contact us via:

• Email: privacy@eatreadwatch.com
• Contact Form: https://www.eatreadwatch.com/contact/
• Postal Mail: [Insert physical address here].

Last Updated: March 7, 2025

This policy supplements our Privacy Policy, which details broader data practices. By continuing to use eatreadwatch.com, you acknowledge this Cookie Policy.