Cookie Policy
Last Updated: January 8, 2026
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, keep you logged in, and provide analytics about how the site is used.
Similar technologies include local storage, session storage, and web beacons. This policy covers all these tracking technologies (collectively referred to as "cookies").
2. How We Use Cookies
Citaspace uses cookies to:
- Keep you logged into your account
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Understand how you use our platform
- Improve our services and user experience
- Provide security and prevent fraud
- Deliver relevant content and features
3. Types of Cookies We Use
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function. They enable core functionality like authentication, security, and accessibility.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
auth_token | Authenticates your session | 15 minutes |
refresh_token | Maintains logged-in state | 7 days |
csrf_token | Prevents cross-site attacks | Session |
session_id | Identifies your session | Session |
Note: These cookies cannot be disabled as they're required for the site to work.
3.2 Functional Cookies
These cookies remember your preferences and choices to provide a better experience.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
timezone | Remembers your timezone | 1 year |
language | Saves language preference | 1 year |
theme | Dark/light mode preference | 1 year |
3.3 Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how users interact with our platform so we can improve it. All analytics data is aggregated and anonymized.
| Service | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Analytics | Page views, feature usage, performance | 90 days |
| Error Tracking | Identifies bugs and issues | 30 days |
We do NOT use Google Analytics or share analytics data with third parties.
3.4 Performance Cookies
These cookies help us optimize performance and load times.
- CDN Cookies: Speed up content delivery from edge servers
- Load Balancing: Distribute traffic across servers
- Caching: Store frequently accessed data locally
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some features integrate with third-party services that may set their own cookies:
4.1 Payment Processors
- Stripe: Fraud detection and payment processing (Privacy Policy)
- PayPal: Payment authentication (Privacy Policy)
4.2 Calendar Integration
- Google Calendar: Syncs appointments with your calendar (Privacy Policy)
4.3 Infrastructure
- Cloudflare: Security and DDoS protection (Privacy Policy)
- Vercel: Hosting and deployment (Privacy Policy)
We have no control over third-party cookies. Please refer to their privacy policies for more information.
5. Local Storage and Session Storage
In addition to cookies, we use browser storage APIs:
- Local Storage: Stores preferences, cached data, and offline functionality (persistent until cleared)
- Session Storage: Temporary storage cleared when you close your browser
- IndexedDB: Stores larger amounts of structured data for offline features
6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
6.1 Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to control cookies through settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies
Learn more about cookie controls:
6.2 Opt-Out Options
You can opt out of certain cookies:
- Analytics: Disable analytics cookies in your account settings
- Marketing: We don't use marketing/advertising cookies
- Do Not Track: We currently don't respond to DNT signals (industry standard is not yet established)
6.3 Impact of Blocking Cookies
Warning: Blocking certain cookies may affect functionality:
- You may not be able to log in or stay logged in
- Preferences and settings won't be saved
- Some features may not work correctly
- The site may load slower
7. Mobile Apps
If we release mobile applications in the future, they may use similar tracking technologies including:
- Device identifiers (IDFA, Android Advertising ID)
- Mobile analytics SDKs
- Push notification tokens
- Location data (with your permission)
You can control these through your device settings.
8. Cookie Retention
Cookie retention periods:
- Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent Cookies: Remain until expiration date or manual deletion
- Maximum Duration: 1 year (then automatically renewed if you continue using the site)
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We'll notify you of material changes via:
- Email notification to registered users
- Banner on the website
- Update to the "Last Updated" date above
Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
10. Related Policies
For more information about how we handle your data:
- Privacy Policy - How we collect, use, and protect your personal data
- Terms of Service - Terms governing your use of Citaspace
- Security - Our security practices and measures
11. Contact Us
Questions about cookies or this policy?
Email: [email protected]
Support: [email protected]
By using Citaspace, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy.