Cookie Policy
Last Updated: October 24, 2025
This Cookie Policy explains how AskCrates ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website and services. By using our website, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners.
Types of Cookies We Use
- Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
- Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted
- First-Party Cookies: Set by us directly
- Third-Party Cookies: Set by external services we use (e.g. fonts, optional analytics)
2. How We Use Cookies
2.1 Essential Cookies
Purpose: Necessary for the website to function properly.
Can you refuse them? No – these are required for basic functionality.
| Cookie / Storage | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| session_id | Maintains your login session (app) | Session |
| csrf_token | Protects against cross-site request forgery (app) | Session |
| askcrates_cookie_consent / landing_locale | Remembers your cookie consent and language preference (landing) | 1 year |
2.2 Preference Cookies
Purpose: Remember your preferences and settings.
Can you refuse them? Yes – but some features may not work as expected.
| Cookie / Storage | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| landing_locale | Remembers your language preference (EN/DE) on the landing page | 1 year |
| theme_preference | Remembers dark/light mode preference (app) | 1 year |
2.3 Analytics Cookies
Purpose: Help us understand how visitors use our website.
Can you refuse them? Yes – we only use analytics with your consent; refusing will not affect your experience.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics – distinguishes users (if enabled with consent) | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics – distinguishes users (if enabled) | 24 hours |
| _gat | Google Analytics – throttles request rate (if enabled) | 1 minute |
2.4 Marketing Cookies
Purpose: Track activity for advertising purposes.
Can you refuse them? Yes.
We currently do not use marketing cookies, but may in the future only with your consent.
3. Third-Party Cookies
We use services from third parties that may set their own cookies:
3.1 Google Fonts
Purpose: Load custom fonts (e.g. Poppins) on the landing page.
Privacy Policy: Google Privacy Policy
3.2 Google Analytics (Optional)
Purpose: Website analytics and usage statistics, only when you have given consent.
Privacy Policy: Google Privacy Policy
Opt-out: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
4. Local Storage and Similar Technologies
In addition to cookies, we use other browser storage technologies:
4.1 Local Storage
We use browser local storage to:
- Remember your language preference on the landing page
- Store your cookie consent choice
- Cache resources to improve loading speed where appropriate
4.2 Session Storage
We use session storage for temporary data that expires when you close your browser (e.g. session state in the app).
5. Your Cookie Choices
5.1 Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit our website, you may see a cookie consent banner. You can:
- Accept All: Allow all cookies
- Reject Optional / Manage Settings: Choose which types of cookies to allow
5.2 Browser Settings
You can control cookies through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Preferences → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions
5.3 Do Not Track (DNT)
We respect the "Do Not Track" browser setting. When DNT is enabled, we do not use analytics or marketing cookies; we still use essential cookies for functionality.
6. Managing Your Preferences
6.1 Update Your Choices
You can change your cookie preferences at any time by:
- Using the "Cookie policy" or "Manage" link in our footer and adjusting settings
- Clearing cookies through your browser settings
- Contacting us at privacy@askcrates.com
6.2 Impact of Refusing Cookies
If you disable cookies:
- Essential cookies disabled: Website may not function properly
- Preference cookies disabled: Settings will not be remembered
- Analytics cookies disabled: No impact on functionality
7. GDPR and ePrivacy Compliance
For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), we comply with:
- GDPR: Requires consent for non-essential cookies
- ePrivacy Directive: Requires clear information about cookies
Your rights include: right to be informed about cookie use; right to consent or refuse non-essential cookies; right to withdraw consent at any time; right to access data collected through cookies.
8. CCPA and US Privacy Laws
For California residents, under the CCPA:
- We do not sell your personal information
- You have the right to opt out of data collection where applicable
- You can request deletion of your data
9. Children's Privacy
We are committed to protecting children's privacy: we do not knowingly collect data from children under 13 without parental consent; parents can review, delete, or refuse further collection of their child's data; we use minimal tracking for student accounts.
10. Updates to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top, notify you via email for significant changes where appropriate, and your continued use constitutes acceptance of changes.
11. More Information
11.1 External Resources
11.2 Related Policies
- Privacy Policy – How we collect and use your data
- Terms of Service – Terms of using our services
12. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies:
AskCrates
Email: privacy@askcrates.com
Support: support@askcrates.com
13. AI Transparency Disclosures (EU & U.S.)
13.1 EU AI Act
Cookie and tracking choices feed into our AI transparency logs, which we maintain to satisfy the EU AI Act requirements for limited-risk systems. Consent records demonstrate when users received AI notices, how they configured personalization, and whether they requested human oversight. You can export these records or opt out of non-essential tracking to limit what appears in future transparency reports.
13.2 U.S. AI Policy Expectations
To align with U.S. federal policy (Executive Order 14110, NIST AI RMF, AI Bill of Rights), we track only the telemetry necessary to measure model quality and safety. Non-essential analytics are disabled when users enable "Do Not Track," privacy-respecting browser modes, or state-specific opt-outs. We share aggregate cookie insights with parents, educators, and regulators upon request. For questions about how consent data supports AI monitoring obligations, contact privacy@askcrates.com.