Cookie Policy
This policy explains how HowToStartaStartup uses cookies and similar technologies.
Quick Summary
- ✓ We use essential cookies to make the site work
- ✓ Analytics cookies help us improve (optional)
- ✓ Affiliate cookies track referrals for partner attribution (optional)
- ✓ No advertising or retargeting cookies
- ✓ You can manage cookies in your browser
- ✓ EU users: consent required for non-essential cookies
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help the site remember your preferences and understand how you use it.
Similar technologies include local storage, session storage, and pixels/beacons.
2. Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function. They cannot be disabled.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| __clerk_* | Authentication session | Session |
| __session | User session management | 7 days |
| csrf_token | Security (CSRF protection) | Session |
Preference Cookies
These cookies remember your preferences for a better experience.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| language | Language preference | 1 year |
| cookie_consent | Your cookie preferences | 1 year |
Analytics Cookies
These help us understand how visitors use our site. You can opt out.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _vercel_insights | Page performance analytics | Session |
Affiliate Tracking Cookies
These cookies help support creators and partners who recommend us. They allow us to track referrals so we can credit affiliates for successful signups or purchases.
Disabling these cookies may prevent us from tracking referrals to our partners. You can opt out at any time without affecting your experience.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| htss_ref | Affiliate referral code | 30 days |
| htss_affiliate_id | Affiliate partner identifier | 30 days |
| htss_click_id | Unique click tracking for attribution | 30 days |
3. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies are set by third-party services we use:
- Clerk:Authentication service - sets session cookies for login
- PayPal:Payment processing - sets cookies during checkout (on paypal.com)
- Vercel:Hosting and analytics - performance monitoring
Third-party cookies are governed by the respective privacy policies of those services.
4. Managing Cookies
Browser Settings
You can control cookies through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies
- Edge: Settings → Privacy → Cookies
⚠️ Note: Blocking essential cookies may prevent some features from working correctly, including login and checkout.
5. Regional Requirements
🇪🇺 European Union (GDPR)
- • Cookie consent banner shown on first visit
- • Non-essential cookies require explicit consent
- • You can withdraw consent anytime
- • We comply with ePrivacy Directive
🇺🇸 United States
- • California (CCPA): "Do Not Sell" rights respected
- • We don't sell data from cookies
- • Opt-out available for analytics
🇦🇪 Middle East
- • UAE PDPL compliance
- • Cookie notice provided
- • Consent for non-essential cookies
🇮🇳 India
- • IT Act 2000 / DPDP Act compliance
- • Clear disclosure of cookies used
- • Consent mechanism provided
6. What We Don't Do
- ❌ We don't use advertising or retargeting cookies
- ❌ We don't share cookie data with advertisers
- ❌ We don't track you across other websites
- ❌ We don't create advertising profiles
7. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The "Last Updated" date at the bottom will be revised accordingly.
8. Contact Us
For questions about our use of cookies:
- 📧 Email: privacy@howtostartastartup.live
- 📝 Contact Form: /contact
🌐 Available Languages
This policy is available in: English • Deutsch • Español • Português • العربية
In case of discrepancy, the English version prevails.