Cookie Policy

Last Updated: June 15, 2023

Welcome to AtmoPredict's Cookie Policy. This document explains how we use cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website and mobile applications (collectively, the "Services"). By using our Services, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy unless you have disabled them.

1. What Are Cookies?

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, provide personalized experiences, and gather information about how visitors use the site.

Cookies may be either "persistent" cookies (remain on your device until deleted or expire) or "session" cookies (deleted when you close your browser). We use both types to provide the best possible experience.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary for the operation of our Services. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. Without these cookies, our Services cannot function properly.

2.2 Performance Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our Services by collecting and reporting information anonymously. They allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve performance.

2.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences (e.g., language, location settings) and providing personalized features based on your past usage.

2.4 Targeting/Advertising Cookies

These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant ads on other sites. They work by uniquely identifying your browser and device.

3. Detailed Cookie List

Below is a comprehensive list of the cookies we use with detailed explanations:

3.1 Essential Cookies

atmopredict_session: Maintains your session state across page requests (duration: session)
XSRF-TOKEN: Protects against cross-site request forgery attacks (duration: session)
cookie_consent: Remembers your cookie preferences (duration: 1 year)
load_balancer: Ensures requests are routed to the same server (duration: session)

3.2 Performance Cookies

_ga: Google Analytics cookie used to distinguish users (duration: 2 years)
_gid: Google Analytics cookie used to distinguish users (duration: 24 hours)
_gat: Google Analytics cookie used to throttle request rate (duration: 1 minute)
_ga_[container-id]: Used to persist session state in Google Analytics (duration: 2 years)

3.3 Functional Cookies

location_pref: Stores your preferred location for weather forecasts (duration: 1 year)
unit_pref: Remembers your preferred units (Celsius/Fahrenheit, etc.) (duration: 1 year)
theme_pref: Stores your chosen color theme (light/dark) (duration: 1 year)
notification_pref: Remembers your alert notification preferences (duration: 1 year)

3.4 Advertising Cookies

_fbp: Facebook Pixel cookie used for advertising (duration: 3 months)
fr: Facebook Pixel cookie containing browser and user ID (duration: 3 months)

_gcl_au:

IDE: Google DoubleClick cookie for advertising (duration: 1 year)

4. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for various purposes including:

Authentication: To recognize you when you log in and navigate our Services
Security: To protect your account and our systems from malicious activity
Preferences: To remember your settings and preferences
Analytics: To understand how our Services are used and improve them
Advertising: To deliver relevant ads and measure their effectiveness
Performance: To optimize and maintain our Services

5. Third-Party Cookies

We partner with third-party services that may set cookies when you use our Services:

5.1 Analytics Providers

Google Analytics: For website traffic analysis
Hotjar: For user behavior analytics
Mixpanel: For product analytics

5.2 Advertising Networks

Google Adsense: For serving relevant advertisements
Facebook Pixel: For Facebook advertising
Twitter Pixel: For Twitter advertising

5.3 Social Media

Facebook: For social sharing features
Twitter: For tweet embedding
YouTube: For video embedding

6. Managing Cookies

You have several options to control or limit how cookies are used:

6.1 Browser Settings

Most browsers allow you to:

See what cookies are stored and delete them
Block third-party cookies
Block all cookies
Clear all cookies when you close the browser

6.2 Our Cookie Consent Tool

When you first visit our site, you can choose which categories of cookies to accept through our cookie consent banner. You can change these preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer.

6.3 Opt-Out Tools

For advertising cookies:

7. Cookie Duration

Cookies have varying lifespans:

Session cookies: Expire when you close your browser
Persistent cookies: Remain until expiration date or until deleted
First-party cookies: Typically have longer durations (months to years)
Third-party cookies: Often have shorter durations (days to months)

8. Location-Based Cookie Usage

Our use of certain cookies may vary based on your location due to different privacy regulations:

EU/EEA/UK: We obtain explicit consent for all non-essential cookies
California: We honor Global Privacy Control signals
Other regions: We may use implied consent for non-essential cookies

9. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. Significant changes will be notified through our Services or by email (if you have an account).

10. Contact Information

If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us:

Email: privacy@atmopredict.com
Mail: AtmoPredict Data Protection Officer, 123 Forecast Way, San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: (800) 555-WEAT (9328)
Web Form: Contact Us

11. Detailed Contact Points

11.1 Cookie Consent Management

For questions about managing your cookie preferences, contact our consent management team at cookie-consent@atmopredict.com. Our team can help you understand your options, change your preferences, or provide guidance on browser settings. We respond to all inquiries within 48 hours during business days.

11.2 Technical Cookie Issues

If you're experiencing technical issues related to cookies (e.g., preferences not saving, login problems), contact our technical support at tech-support@atmopredict.com. Please include details about your device, browser, and the issue you're experiencing. Our average resolution time for technical cookie issues is under 24 hours.

11.3 Advertising Opt-Outs

To opt out of targeted advertising cookies, contact ads-optout@atmopredict.com. Our advertising team can process your opt-out request and provide information about alternative ad experiences. Note that opting out doesn't mean you'll see fewer ads, just less relevant ones.

11.4 Analytics Data Requests

For requests related to analytics data collected through cookies, email analytics-requests@atmopredict.com. We can provide information about what data we collect and how it's processed. Under GDPR and similar laws, you may have rights to access or delete this data.

11.5 Legal Compliance

For legal inquiries regarding our cookie practices, contact legal@atmopredict.com. Our legal team handles all compliance matters including GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy regulations. We maintain documentation of our cookie compliance programs.

11.6 Security Concerns

If you have security concerns about our use of cookies (e.g., suspected malicious cookies), immediately contact security@atmopredict.com. Our security team investigates all reports and will respond within 12 hours for urgent matters.

11.7 Developer Inquiries

Developers with questions about our cookie implementation can email dev-support@atmopredict.com. We provide technical documentation about our cookie usage for integration purposes and can schedule technical consultations.

11.8 Accessibility Support

For help with cookie consent accessibility, contact accessibility@atmopredict.com. We're committed to making our cookie controls accessible to all users and welcome feedback on improving accessibility.

11.9 International Support

Our international support team handles region-specific cookie inquiries at intl-support@atmopredict.com. They can explain how local laws affect our cookie practices and ensure compliance with regional requirements.

11.10 Educational Resources

For educational materials about cookies and privacy, contact education@atmopredict.com. We provide resources for schools, businesses, and individuals wanting to learn more about online tracking technologies.

12. Additional Cookie Information

12.1 Cookie Storage

Cookies are stored in your web browser's storage system. Each browser manages cookies differently. Most browsers allow you to view stored cookies in their settings or preferences menu. Some cookies may be inaccessible if they are HTTP-only for security reasons.

12.2 Cookie Security

We implement several security measures for our cookies including Secure flags (HTTPS only), HttpOnly flags (inaccessible to JavaScript), and SameSite attributes to prevent CSRF attacks. Sensitive information is never stored directly in cookies.

12.3 Cookie Alternatives

Some features may use alternatives to cookies such as localStorage, sessionStorage, or IndexedDB when cookies are disabled. These technologies have similar purposes but different characteristics regarding persistence and scope.

12.4 Mobile App Tracking

Our mobile apps may use similar tracking technologies to cookies, such as advertising IDs (IDFA on iOS, AAID on Android). These follow the same privacy principles as web cookies and can be managed through your device settings.

12.5 Do Not Track Signals

While some browsers offer "Do Not Track" (DNT) features, there is no industry standard for responding to these signals. We currently do not respond to DNT signals but offer comprehensive cookie controls through this policy.

13. Regional Variations

13.1 European Union (GDPR)

For EU users, we comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We obtain explicit consent before setting non-essential cookies and provide detailed information about data processing. Users have rights to access, rectify, or erase their data.

13.2 California (CCPA/CPRA)

For California residents, we honor rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) as amended by the CPRA. This includes the right to opt-out of the "sale" of personal information, which may include certain cookie-based tracking.

13.3 Brazil (LGPD)

For Brazilian users under the Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados (LGPD), we provide clear information about cookie usage and obtain consent when required. Users have rights similar to GDPR including confirmation, access, and deletion of data.

13.4 Other Jurisdictions

We monitor privacy laws worldwide and adapt our cookie practices to comply with local requirements. Our default position is to provide transparency and control to all users regardless of location.

14. Industry Standards

We adhere to industry standards for cookie usage including:

IAB Europe Transparency & Consent Framework: For standardized consent collection
Network Advertising Initiative (NAI): For responsible advertising practices
Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA): For self-regulatory principles
ISO/IEC 27001: For information security management

15. Future Developments

We are actively working on:

More granular cookie consent options
Improved cookie preference centers
Alternative tracking technologies with better privacy
Enhanced transparency reports about cookie usage

This Cookie Policy is reviewed quarterly and updated as needed to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements.