Cookies Policy

At FreeConnect, we believe in being open and transparent about how we use cookies and similar technologies on our website and platform. This Cookies Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and how you can control your preferences.

By using our website, you agree to the use of cookies as described in this policy, unless you have adjusted your browser settings to reject them.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, enhance user experience, and provide information to the website owners.

Cookies can be "first-party" (set by our website) or "third-party" (set by external services we use, such as analytics providers). They may be "session cookies" (deleted when you close your browser) or "persistent cookies" (remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted).

In addition to cookies, we may use similar technologies such as pixels, tags, and local storage to achieve similar purposes.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

We use the following categories of cookies on FreeConnect:

3. How We Use Cookies

Cookies help us deliver a better, more personalized experience on FreeConnect. Specifically, we use cookies to:

• Authenticate Users: Keep you securely signed into your account during your session.
• Remember Preferences: Save your language, region, and display settings so you don't have to set them each time.
• Analyze Performance: Understand which features are most used and where we need to improve.
• Support Marketing: Show relevant promotions about our services when you visit other websites (with your consent).
• Ensure Security: Detect unusual activity and protect your account from unauthorized access.

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our website are placed by trusted third-party services that we use for analytics, advertising, and functionality. These third parties have their own privacy and cookie policies, which we encourage you to review:

• Google Analytics: Provides anonymous usage statistics. Google Privacy Policy
• Meta (Facebook) Pixel: Tracks conversions from social media campaigns. Meta Privacy Policy
• LinkedIn Insight Tag: Measures B2B campaign effectiveness. LinkedIn Privacy Policy
• Stripe: Secure payment processing cookies. Stripe Privacy Policy

We do not control these third-party cookies. We recommend checking the respective privacy policies of these services for more information on how they handle your data.

5. How to Manage or Disable Cookies

You have full control over cookie preferences. Here's how you can manage or disable cookies:

5.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, a cookie consent banner appears. You can choose to accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customize your preferences by category. You can update these preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer of our website.

5.2 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can configure your browser to:

• Block all cookies
• Delete existing cookies
• Receive notifications when a cookie is being placed
• Allow cookies only from specific websites

Here are links to cookie management guides for popular browsers:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Apple Safari
• Microsoft Edge

Please note: Disabling essential cookies may affect the functionality of our website. Some features may not work as intended.

5.3 Opting Out of Specific Services

You can opt out of certain third-party tracking directly through the service provider:

• Google Analytics: Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Network Advertising Initiative: Visit the NAI Opt-Out page
• Digital Advertising Alliance: Visit YourAdChoices

6. Consent and Control

Under GDPR, ePrivacy Directive, and other applicable privacy laws, we are required to obtain your consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device. Here's how we ensure compliance:

• Prior Consent: Non-essential cookies (analytics, marketing) are only activated after you explicitly consent through our cookie banner.
• Granular Control: You can choose which categories of cookies to accept or reject individually.
• Withdrawal: You can withdraw your consent at any time by accessing Cookie Settings and adjusting your preferences.
• Record Keeping: We maintain records of your consent choices for compliance purposes.
• Renewal: We may periodically ask you to renew your cookie preferences, especially if there are changes to our cookie usage.

By continuing to use our website without changing your settings after seeing the cookie banner, you are agreeing to our use of cookies as described in this policy (except for non-essential cookies, which require affirmative consent).

7. Changes to This Cookies Policy

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

• Post the updated policy on this page with a revised "Last updated" date
• Display a notice on our website or cookie banner for significant changes
• Request renewed consent if the changes affect the types of cookies we use

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about our cookie practices.

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Cookies Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us:

• Email: contact@freeconnect.io
• Address: FreeConnect, Lahore, Pakistan
• Website: www.freeconnect.io/contact-us

For more information about how we handle your personal data, please read our Privacy Policy.