Cookie Policy

Last updated: January 2025

This Cookie Policy explains how BlackTrails uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website blacktrails.it.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences and improve your experience.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)

These cookies are required for the platform to function properly. You cannot opt out of these cookies.

| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider | |-------------|---------|----------|----------| | session_token | Maintains your logged-in session | Session (expires when browser closes) | BlackTrails | | auth_token | Authenticates your account | 30 days | BlackTrails | | csrf_token | Protects against cross-site request forgery attacks | Session | BlackTrails | | cookie_consent | Remembers your cookie preferences | 1 year | BlackTrails |

Legal basis: These cookies are necessary for contract execution (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR) and cannot be disabled.

2.2 Functional Cookies (Optional)

These cookies enhance your experience but are not strictly necessary. You can opt out via the cookie banner.

| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider | |-------------|---------|----------|----------| | theme_preference | Remembers your dark/light mode choice | 1 year | BlackTrails | | language_preference | Stores your language selection | 1 year | BlackTrails | | chat_history_collapsed | Remembers UI preferences in AI chat | 30 days | BlackTrails |

Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).

2.3 Analytics Cookies (Not Currently Used)

We currently do not use analytics cookies.

BlackTrails does not track your browsing behavior, page views, or other usage statistics through cookies or similar technologies. We prioritize your privacy and only use essential cookies required for platform functionality.

Future Implementation: If we decide to implement privacy-focused analytics in the future (such as Plausible Analytics), we will:

Update this Cookie Policy with full details
Display a banner requesting your consent
Provide an easy opt-out mechanism

Any future analytics will be privacy-first and GDPR-compliant by design.

2.4 Marketing Cookies (Not Used)

We do not use marketing, advertising, or third-party tracking cookies.
We do not share your data with advertisers.

3. How to Manage Cookies

3.1 Cookie Banner

When you first visit BlackTrails, a cookie banner will appear allowing you to:

Accept all: Enables all cookies (essential + functional + analytics)
Reject non-essential: Only essential cookies will be used
Customize: Choose which categories to enable

You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer.

3.2 Browser Settings

You can also control cookies through your browser:

Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies
Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and Website Data
Edge: Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions

Warning: Disabling essential cookies may prevent the platform from working correctly (e.g., you won't be able to log in).

3.3 Third-Party Opt-Out

Google Analytics opt-out: tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

4. Do Not Track (DNT)

Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal. Currently, there is no industry standard for responding to DNT signals.
We respect your privacy regardless of DNT settings by:

Not using marketing or advertising cookies
Allowing you to opt out of analytics
Minimizing data collection

5. Cookies and Personal Data

5.1 Data Processed via Cookies

Cookies may process the following data:

Session identifiers (random strings, not personally identifiable)
User preferences (theme, language)
Authentication tokens (encrypted)
Anonymous usage statistics (if analytics enabled)

5.2 Integration with Privacy Policy

Cookie data is subject to our Privacy Policy, including:

Retention periods (e.g., session cookies deleted when you close browser)
Your GDPR rights (access, deletion, etc.)
Data security measures

6. Cookies from External Services

6.1 Google Gemini API (AI Chat)

Our AI chat feature sends messages to Google's servers but does not use cookies.
Data processing by Google is covered in our Privacy Policy - Section 4.2.

6.2 Vercel (Hosting)

Our hosting provider may use cookies for:

Load balancing
DDoS protection
Analytics (Vercel Analytics - privacy-friendly, no personal data)

These are essential for platform stability and security.

7. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:

Changes in cookies used
New legal requirements
User feedback

Last updated: January 2025
Version: 1.0

Changes will be announced via:

Updated date at the top of this page
Email notification (for material changes)
Cookie banner update prompt

8. Contact Us

For questions about cookies or data processing:

Email: privacy@blacktrails.it
General inquiries: info@blacktrails.it

To exercise your GDPR rights (e.g., request cookie data deletion), see our Privacy Policy.

9. Legal Framework

This Cookie Policy complies with:

EU Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR)
ePrivacy Directive (Directive 2002/58/EC)
Italian Legislative Decree 196/2003 (Codice Privacy)
Garante Privacy guidelines on cookies

Effective Date: January 15, 2025
Version: 1.0

[Your Name/Business Name] : Francesco Pelosio P.IVA: 14037001006
Address: Largo Pietro Mascagni 20 Roma , Italy