Cookie Policy
Understanding how virelathorn uses tracking technologies to improve your experience
At virelathorn, we believe in being upfront about how we collect and use information when you visit our financial scenario modeling platform. This policy explains what cookies and similar tracking technologies we use, why we use them, and how you can manage your preferences.
We've written this in plain language because nobody enjoys reading legal documents. If something's still unclear after reading through, just reach out to us directly.
What Are Cookies Anyway?
Cookies are small text files that websites store on your device when you visit them. Think of them as tiny notes that help websites remember things about your visit—like which language you prefer or whether you're logged in.
They're not programs and can't carry viruses. Most websites use them, and they've become a standard part of how the internet works. Some cookies disappear when you close your browser (we call those "session cookies"), while others stick around for a set period (those are "persistent cookies").
Beyond traditional cookies, we also use similar technologies like web beacons, pixels, and local storage. These work differently under the hood but serve similar purposes—helping us understand how people use our platform and making sure everything works smoothly.
The Types We Use
Not all cookies do the same thing. Here's a breakdown of the different categories we use on virelathorn.com:
Essential Cookies
These are the non-negotiables. Without them, our platform simply wouldn't work properly. They handle basic functions like security, authentication, and keeping your session active while you model different financial scenarios. You can't turn these off without breaking the site.
Functional Cookies
These remember your choices and preferences—things like your preferred currency display, saved scenario templates, or interface customizations. They make your experience smoother by not forcing you to reset everything each time you visit.
Analytics Cookies
We use these to understand how people interact with our platform. Which features get used most? Where do users get stuck? This information helps us improve the service and fix problems we might not otherwise notice. The data is aggregated and anonymous.
Marketing Cookies
These track your activity across different sites to build a profile of your interests. We use them to show you relevant information about our services and to measure how effective our outreach efforts are. You have full control over these through your browser settings.
How We Actually Use Them
Here's what happens in practice when you use virelathorn:
- Keeping you logged in as you move between different sections of the platform
- Remembering the financial scenarios you've created and your calculation preferences
- Tracking which features are most popular so we can prioritize improvements
- Understanding which pages cause confusion or technical issues
- Measuring how people find our site and what they do once they're here
- Preventing fraudulent activity and maintaining security across user sessions
- Testing new features with small groups before rolling them out to everyone
- Personalizing your experience based on how you've used the platform previously
Third-Party Services
We work with a few external providers who also set cookies when you use our platform. These might include analytics services, payment processors, or infrastructure providers. Each has their own privacy policy that governs how they handle data.
While we carefully vet any third party we work with, we don't control their cookies directly. If you want to know more about what they collect and why, you'll need to check their individual policies.
Taking Control
You're not stuck with our default settings. Every modern browser lets you manage cookies, and you've got several options:
Browser Settings
The most straightforward approach is configuring your browser preferences. You can block all cookies (though this will break many websites), delete existing cookies, or set up automatic deletion when you close your browser.
How Long Do We Keep Them?
Session cookies disappear as soon as you close your browser. Persistent cookies have varying lifespans depending on their purpose—some last a few days, others might stick around for a year or two.
Analytics cookies typically expire after two years. Marketing cookies usually last between 30 days and one year. Functional cookies that remember your preferences might persist for up to two years so you don't have to keep reconfiguring things.
We regularly review the cookies we use and remove any that are no longer necessary. Technology changes fast, and what made sense last year might not be needed anymore.
Changes to This Policy
We update this policy occasionally as our practices evolve or regulations change. When we make significant changes, we'll update the date at the top and might notify you through the platform or via email if you have an account.
We try to keep this document accurate and current, but the reality of running a web platform means things shift over time. New features get added, old ones get retired, and we're constantly tweaking how we collect and use data to improve the service.
If you have specific questions about our cookie practices that aren't covered here, don't hesitate to get in touch. We'd rather answer your questions directly than have you wondering about what's happening behind the scenes.
Questions About Our Cookie Policy?
We're here to help clarify anything that seems confusing or address concerns you might have about privacy and data collection.