Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Sparkle Shining Public Speaking Training ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website sparklshinning.com.

By using our website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy and your cookie preferences.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, such as your preferences and actions.

2.1 Types of Cookies

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted
• First-Party Cookies: Cookies set by our website
• Third-Party Cookies: Cookies set by external services we use

3. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for several purposes to enhance your experience on our website:

3.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled without affecting site functionality:

• Security: Protecting against cross-site request forgery and other security threats
• Authentication: Remembering your login status
• Session Management: Maintaining your session as you navigate the site
• Cookie Consent: Remembering your cookie preferences

3.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve its performance:

• Google Analytics: Tracking page views, session duration, and user behavior
• Performance Monitoring: Identifying slow-loading pages and technical issues
• Usage Statistics: Understanding which content is most valuable to visitors
• Error Tracking: Identifying and fixing website problems

3.3 Functionality Cookies

These cookies enhance your experience by remembering your preferences:

• Language Preferences: Remembering your language choice
• Form Data: Saving partially completed forms
• Display Preferences: Remembering text size or color scheme choices
• Location Data: Providing location-relevant content

3.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver relevant advertisements and measure campaign effectiveness:

• Targeted Advertising: Showing ads relevant to your interests
• Retargeting: Displaying our ads on other websites you visit
• Campaign Tracking: Measuring the effectiveness of our marketing efforts
• Social Media Integration: Enabling sharing and social media features

4. Specific Cookies We Use

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

5.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner allowing you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Accept only necessary cookies
• Customize your preferences

5.2 Changing Your Preferences

You can update your cookie preferences at any time by:

• Clicking the "Cookie Preferences" link in our website footer
• Using the cookie management panel that appears on your first visit
• Contacting us directly with your preferences

5.3 Browser Settings

You can also manage cookies through your browser settings:

Chrome:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
2. Choose your preferred cookie settings
3. Add specific sites to allow or block lists

Firefox:

1. Go to Options > Privacy & Security
2. In the Cookies and Site Data section, choose your preferences
3. Click "Manage Data" to view and remove specific cookies

Safari:

1. Go to Preferences > Privacy
2. Choose your cookie blocking preferences
3. Click "Manage Website Data" to view and remove cookies

Edge:

1. Go to Settings > Cookies and site permissions
2. Click on "Cookies and site data"
3. Choose your preferred settings

6. Third-Party Cookies

Our website includes services provided by third parties, which may set their own cookies:

6.1 Google Analytics

• Purpose: Website analytics and performance tracking
• Data Collected: Page views, session duration, user demographics
• Privacy Policy: Google Privacy Policy
• Opt-out: Google Analytics Opt-out

6.2 Social Media Platforms

• Facebook: Social sharing and advertising pixels
• LinkedIn: Professional networking and B2B advertising
• Twitter: Social sharing and engagement tracking

6.3 Email Marketing

• Mailchimp: Newsletter management and email analytics
• Purpose: Track email opens and campaign effectiveness

7. Impact of Disabling Cookies

While you can disable cookies, doing so may affect your website experience:

7.1 Essential Cookies

Disabling essential cookies may result in:

• Inability to log in or maintain sessions
• Loss of security protections
• Need to re-enter preferences on each visit
• Some website features not functioning properly

7.2 Analytics Cookies

Disabling analytics cookies:

• Won't affect your browsing experience
• Will limit our ability to improve the website
• May result in less relevant content recommendations

7.3 Marketing Cookies

Disabling marketing cookies:

• Won't affect website functionality
• May result in less relevant advertisements
• Will limit personalized content delivery
• May affect social media integration features

8. Mobile Devices and Apps

When you access our website through mobile devices, similar tracking technologies may be used:

8.1 Mobile Browser Cookies

Mobile browsers handle cookies similarly to desktop browsers. You can manage them through your mobile browser settings.

8.2 Device Identifiers

Mobile devices may use additional identifiers such as:

• Advertising IDs (iOS IDFA, Android GAID)
• Device fingerprinting
• Location data (with permission)

8.3 Managing Mobile Tracking

You can limit mobile tracking by:

• Adjusting privacy settings in your device settings
• Limiting ad tracking in iOS or opting out of ads personalization in Android
• Managing location services permissions

9. Data Retention

We retain cookie data for different periods based on the type of cookie:

• Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Essential Cookies: Retained for up to 1 year
• Analytics Cookies: Retained for up to 2 years
• Marketing Cookies: Retained for 30 days to 1 year depending on purpose

You can delete cookies at any time through your browser settings or by contacting us.

10. International Transfers

Some of our third-party service providers may be located outside Canada. When cookies involve international data transfers, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your privacy in accordance with Canadian privacy laws.

11. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children through cookies. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. When we make changes:

• We will post the updated policy on our website
• We will update the "Last updated" date
• We may notify you through our website or email
• Continued use of our website constitutes acceptance of the updated policy

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies or would like to exercise your rights regarding cookie data, please contact us: