Cookie Policy for Open Mind Forum
Effective Date: [Oct 17, 2024]
Last Updated: [Jan 29, 2025]
1. Introduction
At Open Mind Forum, we are committed to safeguarding your privacy and ensuring transparency in how we collect, use, and store your data. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and your rights to control their use in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ePrivacy Directive (PECR), and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
By using our website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy unless you have disabled them.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by a website to store information about your preferences, browsing behavior, and session details. They help enhance user experience and website functionality. Cookies can be categorized as first-party cookies (set by Open Mind Forum) or third-party cookies (set by external services like analytics providers and advertisers).
3. Types of Cookies We Use
We use various types of cookies to ensure our website operates efficiently and offers a seamless experience:
1. Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)
These cookies are crucial for website functionality and cannot be disabled in our system. They include:
- Session management cookies
- Security authentication cookies
- Load balancing cookies
2. Performance & Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us analyze website traffic and improve performance. Examples include:
- Google Analytics
- Matomo (formerly Piwik)
- Hotjar
3. Functionality Cookies
These cookies allow the website to remember user preferences, such as:
- Language settings
- Custom layout choices
- Login credentials (if opted-in)
Advertising & Targeting Cookies
Used by third-party advertising partners to display personalized ads based on browsing activity. Examples include:
- Google Ads
- LinkedIn Insight Tag
- At this time we do not use these or any other services that we track for but for the sake of compliance we include this segment in case we ever do.
4. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies for the following purposes:
- Enhancing user experience: Remembering preferences and settings
- Analytics & insights: Monitoring visitor behavior to optimize content
- Security & fraud prevention: Detecting suspicious activity and improving site safety
- Marketing & advertising: Delivering relevant ads and measuring ad effectiveness
5. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on our website are placed by trusted third-party providers. These providers have their own privacy policies, which we encourage you to review. Third-party services that may place cookies include:
- Google Analytics (Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy)
- Facebook (Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/policy.php)
- YouTube (Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy)
In this segment we do use Google Analytics but not Facebook or You Tube at this time.
6. Your Cookie Choices and Controls
You have full control over how cookies are used on your device. You can manage your preferences by:
- Adjusting browser settings: Most browsers allow users to block or delete cookies. Check your browser’s help section for instructions.
- Using our cookie consent tool: Upon visiting our website, you can modify your preferences via our cookie banner.
- Opting out of targeted advertising: Visit www.youronlinechoices.com or www.aboutads.info to opt out of interest-based ads.
7. Data Retention and Security
We retain cookie data only for the necessary period required for functionality, analytics, or compliance purposes. Sensitive data is stored securely, and we implement encryption, access controls, and anonymization where applicable.
8. Legal Basis for Using Cookies
Under GDPR, we process personal data through cookies based on:
- Consent: When required, we ask for your consent before placing non-essential cookies.
- Legitimate interest: When cookies are essential for website operation and security.
Under CCPA, California residents have the right to:
- Know what data is collected
- Request deletion of personal data
- Opt out of the sale of personal data
- For your peace of mind, the only time we release personal data is if we are served with a legal subpena requiring such a release. Even then, we will do our best to protect your privacy.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us at: Email: [admin@openmindforum.com]
By continuing to use Open Mind Forum, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Cookie Policy.