Cookie Policy

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They allow the site to remember your actions and preferences over time. We also use local storage and similar browser technologies, which serve the same purpose and are covered by this Policy. Together, we refer to these as "cookies."

• Essential cookies: required to operate the Service - for example, keeping you signed in, verifying your session, and maintaining security. These cannot be disabled if you wish to use the Service.
• Functional cookies: remember choices such as your display name, anonymous mode, and light/dark theme so the Service works the way you want.
• Analytics cookies: help us understand how members use the Service so we can improve it. Where used, these are aggregated and, where possible, anonymized.
• Consent cookie: a local-storage flag that records whether you have dismissed this cookie notice.

We do not use cookies for cross-site advertising, profiling for targeted advertising, or selling your personal information.

The Service typically uses the following categories:

• Authentication tokens (essential) - identify your logged-in session.
• Theme and preference flags (functional) - remember your settings.
• Consent flag (essential) - records that you have seen this notice.
• Analytics identifiers (analytics), where enabled - measure usage in aggregate.

If we enable additional analytics or third-party tools, we will update this Policy to describe them. Third-party providers (for example, social sign-in providers) may also set their own cookies when you use their features; those are governed by the providers' own policies.

Most browsers let you control cookies through their settings. You can usually block all cookies, accept only first-party cookies, or delete existing cookies. Because essential cookies are required for the Service to function, disabling them may prevent you from signing in, posting, or using certain features.

Helpful resources for managing cookies in common browsers:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy
• Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security
• Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions

Some browsers send a "Do Not Track" signal. Because there is no consistent standard for how websites should respond, we do not currently alter our practices based on such signals. You can control cookies through your browser settings as described above, and you can opt out of non-essential cookies where offered.

We may update this Cookie Policy as our use of cookies changes. We will revise the "Last updated" date and, for material changes, provide notice through the Service. Continued use of the Service after a change constitutes acceptance.

Questions about cookies can be sent to privacy@specialcircle.org or through our Contact page.