Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Defedambis Culinary Academy ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website defedambis.media (the "Site"). This policy explains what these technologies are, why we use them, and your rights to control their use.

By continuing to use our Site, you consent to our use of cookies and similar technologies as described in this policy. If you do not agree with our use of cookies, you should adjust your browser settings or discontinue use of our Site.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognize your device and remember information about your visit, such as your preferred language and other settings.

2.1 Types of Cookies

Cookies can be classified in several ways:

3. How We Use Cookies

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

3.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly. They enable basic functions like page navigation, access to secure areas, and form submissions.

3.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This helps us improve our Site's performance and user experience.

3.3 Functionality Cookies

These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences and settings.

3.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver relevant advertisements and track the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns. They may also be used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement.

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our Site are set by third-party services that we use to enhance functionality and analyze performance. These third parties have their own privacy policies and cookie practices.

4.1 Third-Party Services We Use

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You have several options for managing cookies on our Site:

5.1 Cookie Banner

When you first visit our Site, you'll see a cookie banner with the following options:

• Accept All: Consents to all cookies including marketing and analytics
• Necessary Only: Only allows essential cookies required for site functionality
• Customize: Opens detailed settings to choose which categories of cookies to allow

5.2 Cookie Settings Panel

You can access detailed cookie settings at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our footer or using the cookie preferences panel. This allows you to:

• Turn different categories of cookies on or off
• View detailed information about each cookie category
• Update your preferences at any time
• See which cookies are currently active

5.3 Browser Settings

You can also control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

• View cookies that have been set and delete them individually
• Block third-party cookies
• Block all cookies from specific sites
• Block all cookies (though this may affect site functionality)
• Delete all cookies when you close your browser

6. Impact of Disabling Cookies

While you can disable cookies, doing so may affect your experience on our Site:

6.1 If You Disable Essential Cookies

• The website may not function properly
• You may be unable to access certain areas of the site
• Forms may not work correctly
• Security features may be compromised

6.2 If You Disable Performance Cookies

• We won't be able to analyze site usage
• We may not identify and fix technical issues as quickly
• Site improvements may be limited

6.3 If You Disable Functionality Cookies

• Your preferences won't be remembered between visits
• You may need to re-enter information repeatedly
• Personalized content may not be available

6.4 If You Disable Marketing Cookies

• You may see less relevant advertisements
• You may see the same advertisements repeatedly
• We won't be able to measure advertising effectiveness

7. Other Tracking Technologies

Besides cookies, we may use other tracking technologies:

7.1 Web Beacons

Small transparent images that help us understand how you interact with our emails and website content.

7.2 Local Storage

Browser storage that allows us to store data locally on your device for enhanced functionality.

7.3 Pixel Tags

Small code snippets that track certain actions and help us measure the effectiveness of our content and advertising.

7.4 Session Recording

We may occasionally use session recording tools to understand how users interact with our website to improve user experience. These recordings are anonymized and used solely for improvement purposes.

8. Mobile Devices and Apps

If you access our website through a mobile device or if we develop mobile applications in the future, similar tracking technologies may be used:

• Device Identifiers: Unique identifiers associated with your mobile device
• Location Data: GPS or network-based location information (with your permission)
• App Usage Data: Information about how you use mobile applications
• Push Notifications: Alerts sent to your device (which you can disable in your device settings)

9. Data Security and Storage

We take the security of cookie data seriously:

9.1 Security Measures

• Cookies are encrypted when possible
• Access to cookie data is restricted to authorized personnel
• We regularly review and update our security practices
• Third-party services we use must meet our security standards

9.2 Data Retention

Cookie data is retained only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy. Different types of cookies have different retention periods as specified in the tables above.

10. Legal Basis for Processing

Our legal basis for using cookies depends on the type of cookie:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the performance of our contract with you and our legitimate interests in providing a functional website
• Performance Cookies: Based on your consent or our legitimate interests in improving our services
• Functionality Cookies: Based on your consent or our legitimate interests in providing enhanced features
• Marketing Cookies: Based on your explicit consent

11. International Transfers

Some of our third-party service providers may be located outside of Canada. When cookies are processed by these providers, appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with Canadian privacy laws and international standards.

12. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our practices. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Material changes will be highlighted on our website
• We may notify you via email or website banner
• Your continued use of our Site constitutes acceptance of the updated policy

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:

14. Additional Resources

For more information about cookies and online privacy:

• About Cookies: www.aboutcookies.org
• Privacy Commissioner of Canada: www.priv.gc.ca
• Your Online Choices: youronlinechoices.ca
• Digital Advertising Alliance: youradchoices.ca