1. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.

Vinyl Report uses cookies and local storage to enhance your experience and enable core functionality of the service.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as:

• NextAuth.js Session Cookies: Used for user authentication and session management (e.g., next-auth.session-token, next-auth.csrf-token)
• Security: CSRF protection and secure session management
• Local Storage: Theme preferences (dark/light mode) stored in browser local storage
• Local Storage: Temporary bookmark storage for non-authenticated users

These cookies and local storage cannot be disabled as they are essential for the Service to work. They are exempt from GDPR consent requirements as they are strictly necessary for the service you requested.

2.2 Local Storage (Browser Storage)

We use browser local storage (not cookies) to store functional preferences:

• Theme Preference: Your dark/light mode preference is stored locally in your browser
• Pending Bookmarks: For non-authenticated users, bookmarks are temporarily stored locally until you log in

This local storage is essential for providing a consistent user experience and is exempt from GDPR consent requirements.

3. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

• NextAuth.js: Authentication service that uses essential session cookies (mentioned above)
• Friendly Captcha: Anti-bot protection service. Important: Friendly Captcha does NOT use cookies or persistent storage. It is GDPR compliant and does not require consent.

We do not currently use any analytics services, advertising services, or other third-party tracking cookies.

4. Cookie Duration

4.1 Session Cookies

These cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. They are used to maintain your session while you navigate the website.

4.2 Persistent Cookies

These cookies remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. They help us recognize you when you return to our website.

5. Managing Cookies

You have the right to accept or reject cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser settings to decline cookies if you prefer.

However, please note that disabling cookies may impact your experience on our website. Some features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

How to Manage Cookies in Your Browser:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
• Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data

6. Local Storage

In addition to cookies, we may use browser local storage to store information such as:

• User preferences and settings
• Temporary data for offline functionality
• Pending bookmarks or actions (for non-logged-in users)

You can clear local storage through your browser settings, similar to clearing cookies.

7. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page.

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us through our platform.