🍪 Cookie Policy

🍪 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit our website. They contain information about your browsing activity and preferences.

How Cookies Work

• Storage: Cookies are saved in your browser's memory
• Retrieval: When you return to our site, we can read the stored information
• Functionality: They help us remember your preferences and improve your experience
• Expiration: Some cookies expire when you close your browser, others persist longer

What Cookies Don't Do

• They cannot access your personal files or programs
• They cannot install malware or viruses
• They cannot identify you personally (unless you provide personal information)
• They cannot access information from other websites

🎯 How We Use Cookies

GATTCHAA MARKET uses cookies to provide, improve, and secure our services. Here's how we use them:

Essential Functions

• Authentication: Keep you logged in during your session
• Security: Protect against fraud and unauthorized access
• Preferences: Remember your language and display settings
• Shopping Cart: Maintain your auction watchlist and preferences
• Forms: Remember information you've entered in forms

Performance & Analytics

• Usage Analytics: Understand how users interact with our platform
• Performance Monitoring: Identify and fix technical issues
• Feature Testing: Test new features with different user groups
• Error Tracking: Monitor and resolve platform errors

User Experience

• Personalization: Customize content based on your interests
• Recommendations: Suggest relevant auctions and items
• Interface: Remember your preferred layout and settings
• Notifications: Manage your notification preferences

📊 Types of Cookies We Use

We use different types of cookies for various purposes on our platform:

🌐 Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our platform are set by third-party services that we use to enhance functionality:

Analytics Services

• Google Analytics: Website usage statistics and user behavior analysis
• Hotjar: User experience analytics and heatmap tracking
• Facebook Pixel: Social media analytics and advertising optimization

Payment Services

• Payment Gateways: Secure processing of token purchases
• Fraud Detection: Security services to prevent fraudulent transactions
• Currency Services: Real-time exchange rate information

Communication Tools

• Live Chat: Customer support chat functionality
• Email Services: Newsletter and notification delivery
• Social Media: Social sharing and integration features

⚙️ Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You can control which cookies you allow on our platform. Essential cookies cannot be disabled as they're required for basic functionality.

🌐 Browser Cookie Settings

You can also manage cookies directly through your web browser settings. Each browser has different steps to control cookies:

General Browser Actions

• Block All Cookies: Prevent all cookies (may break website functionality)
• Block Third-Party Cookies: Allow first-party cookies only
• Delete Existing Cookies: Clear stored cookies from your device
• Private/Incognito Mode: Browse without storing cookies

✅ Cookie Consent

We believe in giving you control over your privacy. Here's how we handle cookie consent:

First Visit

• You'll see a cookie notice when you first visit our site
• Only essential cookies are active until you make a choice
• You can accept all, reject optional, or customize your preferences
• Your choice is remembered for future visits

Changing Your Mind

• You can change your cookie preferences anytime
• Access cookie settings through this page or site footer
• Changes take effect immediately
• No need to clear your browser data

Legal Basis

• Essential Cookies: Legitimate interest for platform functionality
• Optional Cookies: Your explicit consent
• Marketing Cookies: Opt-in consent required
• Analytics Cookies: Consent or legitimate interest

📅 Cookie Data Retention

Different cookies have different lifespans based on their purpose:

Session Cookies

• Duration: Deleted when you close your browser
• Purpose: Temporary functionality during your visit
• Examples: Login status, form data, shopping cart

Persistent Cookies

• Duration: Remain until expiry date or manual deletion
• Purpose: Remember preferences between visits
• Examples: Language settings, consent choices, analytics

Specific Retention Periods

🔄 Policy Updates

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our practices.

When We Update

• Changes in cookie technology or usage
• New legal requirements or regulations
• Changes to third-party services
• User feedback or privacy improvements

How We Notify You

• Updated "Last Modified" date on this page
• Email notification for significant changes
• Website banner for material updates
• In-app notifications when appropriate

Your Options

• Review changes and update your preferences
• Contact us with questions or concerns
• Withdraw consent if you disagree
• Continue using the platform (implies acceptance)