Last Updated: June 12, 2023
Welcome to Weathica's Cookie Policy. This document explains how we use cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website and mobile applications (collectively, the "Services"). By using our Services, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy.
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide personalized experiences, and gather information about how visitors use the site. This policy describes the types of cookies we use, their purposes, and how you can manage your cookie preferences.
These cookies are strictly necessary for the operation of our Services. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. Without these cookies, our website cannot function properly. For example, essential cookies remember your cookie preferences and maintain your session as you navigate through our site. These cookies do not collect personal information and cannot be disabled through our cookie preference center.
Performance cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our Services by collecting information about pages visited, time spent on pages, and any error messages encountered. This data is aggregated and anonymous, helping us improve how our website works. For instance, we use these cookies to identify the most popular weather map layers and determine which features need optimization. You can disable these cookies but it may affect our ability to improve our Services based on user behavior.
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferred locations, temperature units (Fahrenheit/Celsius), and map settings. They may also be used to provide services you've requested like weather alerts. Without these cookies, certain features may become unavailable or reset to default settings with each visit. For example, functionality cookies remember whether you prefer a dark or light theme for our interface.
Advertising cookies are used to deliver relevant weather-related advertisements to you and measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. These cookies track your browsing habits across websites to build a profile of your interests. For instance, if you frequently check ski resort weather, you might see ads for winter sports equipment. We also use these cookies to limit how many times you see an ad and to measure ad campaign effectiveness. These cookies are optional and require your explicit consent.
We partner with third-party services that may set their own cookies when you use our Services. These include analytics providers like Google Analytics, advertising networks, and social media platforms. For example, when you share weather data on social media, those platforms may set cookies. These third parties have their own privacy policies and we recommend you review them. We do not have control over these cookies, but we provide information about them to help you make informed choices.
Cookies used on our Services have varying lifespans. Session cookies expire when you close your browser and are used for temporary functions like maintaining your login state. Persistent cookies remain on your device for set periods (from hours to years) unless deleted. For example, your language preference cookie might persist for one year, while an advertising cookie might last 30 days. We carefully consider appropriate durations for each cookie type, balancing functionality needs with privacy considerations.
First-party cookies are set by Weathica directly when you visit our site, while third-party cookies are set by domains other than weathica.com. First-party cookies typically support core functionality and remember your preferences, while third-party cookies often support advertising and analytics. For instance, our weather map tiles may set first-party cookies to cache map data, while an embedded YouTube weather tutorial might set third-party cookies from YouTube. We minimize third-party cookies where possible and disclose all significant third-party relationships in this policy.
In addition to cookies, we may use pixel tags (also called web beacons) which are small graphic images embedded in emails or web pages. These help us analyze user behavior, measure campaign effectiveness, and determine whether emails have been opened. For example, we might use a pixel in our newsletter to track open rates for weather alerts. These technologies often work with cookies, so disabling cookies may impair their functionality. Unlike cookies which are stored on your device, pixel tags are typically server-side technologies.
Modern web technologies like localStorage and IndexedDB allow websites to store larger amounts of data on your device than traditional cookies. We use these technologies to cache weather data for offline access, store complex user preferences, and improve application performance. For instance, we might store your last 10 searched locations in localStorage for quick access. Unlike cookies, this data isn't automatically transmitted to our servers with each request. You can clear this data through your browser settings alongside cookies.
We implement several security measures for cookies handling. Essential cookies are transmitted securely over HTTPS and often have the Secure and HttpOnly flags set to prevent interception or access via JavaScript. Sensitive cookies like authentication tokens have short lifespans and strict scope limitations. We regularly audit our cookie usage to identify and mitigate potential security risks. However, no internet transmission is completely secure, so we recommend keeping your browser updated and being cautious on public networks.
Cookie usage may vary based on your geographic location to comply with regional regulations like GDPR in the EU or CCPA in California. For example, visitors from the EU will see more granular cookie consent options by default, while some analytics cookies might be automatically disabled for certain regions. We use geolocation to determine appropriate cookie settings, but you can always adjust these manually through our cookie preference center regardless of location.
Our mobile applications use similar tracking technologies including app-specific cookies, device identifiers, and platform-specific advertising IDs (like Apple's IDFA or Google's Advertising ID). These help personalize your in-app experience and measure app performance. For instance, we might use your device's advertising ID to show relevant weather-related offers. You can typically manage these identifiers through your device settings, separate from browser cookie controls.
Our cookie consent tool allows granular control over different cookie categories. When you first visit our site, you'll see a banner explaining our cookie use with options to accept all, reject non-essential, or customize preferences. Your choices are remembered for future visits but can be changed anytime through our preference center. We respect Do Not Track browser signals and provide equal service regardless of your cookie choices, though some features may be limited without certain cookies.
While you can disable most cookies through browser settings, this may significantly affect your experience. Essential weather data might load slower without caching cookies, location-based features may not work properly, and you may need to re-enter preferences each visit. Advertising cookies can usually be disabled without affecting core functionality, though you may see more generic ads. We recommend selectively disabling cookies rather than blocking all to balance privacy with functionality.
We do not knowingly use tracking technologies on sections of our Services directed to children under 13 (or 16 in some regions). When we detect a user might be underage, we limit data collection and disable personalized advertising. Parents can contact us to review or delete any information collected from their child's device. We support industry initiatives like the Children's Advertising Review Unit (CARU) guidelines for responsible marketing to children.
You have several options for managing cookies on our Services:
Please note that if you disable cookies entirely, some features of our Services may not function properly, including:
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technologies, or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we'll notify you through our Services or by email, and update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy.
We encourage you to review this policy regularly to stay informed about how we use cookies. Your continued use of our Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of tracking technologies, please contact our Data Protection Officer:
Email: privacy@weathica.com
Mail: Weathica Privacy Office, 123 Weather Lane, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: (800) 555-WEAT (9328)
This Cookie Policy was last updated on June 12, 2023 and is effective as of that date.
We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. Cookies help us provide personalized weather forecasts, analyze site usage, and show relevant advertisements. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to all cookies. You can manage your preferences at any time.