Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Andrew Lensch ("I," "me," or "my") uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit my website at tacomawebworks.com (the "Service"). This policy should be read alongside my Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small data files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used by website owners to make their websites work more efficiently, provide reporting information, and enhance user experience.

Types of Cookies:

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a specified period or until manually deleted
• First-Party Cookies: Cookies set directly by my website
• Third-Party Cookies: Cookies set by external services used on my website

3. How I Use Cookies

I use cookies for several purposes to enhance your experience on my website:

4. Specific Cookies Used

The following table outlines the specific cookies that may be used on my website:

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration	Type
theme_preference	Remembers your light/dark theme selection	30 days	Preference
contact_form_data	Temporarily stores form data to prevent loss during submission	Session	Functionality
scroll_position	Remembers your scroll position when navigating back to a page	Session	Functionality
portfolio_filter	Remembers your portfolio filter preferences	Session	Preference

5. Third-Party Cookies

My website may use third-party services that set their own cookies. These services include:

5.1 Google Fonts

• Purpose: Loading custom fonts for better typography
• Data Collected: IP address, browser information
• Privacy Policy: Google Privacy Policy

5.2 Font Awesome (CDN)

• Purpose: Loading icon fonts
• Data Collected: Basic usage statistics
• Privacy Policy: Font Awesome Privacy Policy

5.3 Formspree (Contact Forms)

• Purpose: Processing contact form submissions
• Data Collected: Form submission data
• Privacy Policy: Formspree Privacy Policy

5.4 AOS (Animate On Scroll)

• Purpose: Providing scroll-based animations
• Data Collected: None (local JavaScript library)
• Type: Functionality enhancement

6. Analytics and Tracking

Currently, I use minimal analytics tracking to respect your privacy. If I implement more comprehensive analytics in the future, I will:

• Update this Cookie Policy to reflect any changes
• Provide clear opt-out options
• Use privacy-focused analytics tools when possible
• Anonymize or pseudonymize data collection

7. Your Cookie Choices

7.1 Browser Settings

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

• View what cookies are stored on your device
• Delete existing cookies
• Block all cookies
• Block cookies from specific websites
• Block third-party cookies
• Get notifications when cookies are set

7.2 Browser-Specific Instructions

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings > Site permissions > Cookies and site data

7.3 Impact of Disabling Cookies

Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of my website:

• Theme preferences may not be saved
• Contact forms may not function properly
• Some interactive features may be limited
• Page loading may be slower without cached preferences

8. Cookie Consent

By continuing to use my website after reading this Cookie Policy, you consent to my use of cookies as described. If you do not agree with this policy, please:

• Adjust your browser settings to block cookies
• Clear existing cookies from my website
• Contact me if you have specific concerns

9. Mobile Devices

Mobile browsers also support cookie management. On mobile devices, you can typically manage cookies through:

• Browser settings in your mobile browser app
• Device privacy settings
• Third-party privacy apps

10. Local Storage and Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, my website may use other browser storage technologies:

10.1 Local Storage

• Purpose: Storing user preferences and temporary data
• Duration: Until manually cleared or browser data is deleted
• Control: Can be cleared through browser developer tools

10.2 Session Storage

• Purpose: Temporary storage for single browsing sessions
• Duration: Until the browser tab is closed
• Usage: Form data preservation, navigation state

11. Data Protection and Security

I implement appropriate security measures to protect cookie data:

• Secure Cookies: Transmitted only over HTTPS connections
• HttpOnly Flags: Protecting against cross-site scripting attacks
• SameSite Attributes: Preventing cross-site request forgery
• Regular Updates: Keeping cookie handling code up to date

12. International Users

If you are visiting from outside the United States, please be aware that:

• Cookie data may be transferred to and processed in the United States
• Different privacy laws may apply in your jurisdiction
• You may have additional rights regarding cookie consent
• Some features may be limited based on your location

13. GDPR and CCPA Compliance

13.1 GDPR (European Union)

If you are in the EU, you have the right to:

• Withdraw consent for non-essential cookies
• Request information about cookie data processing
• Object to certain types of cookie usage
• Lodge a complaint with supervisory authorities

13.2 CCPA (California)

California residents have the right to:

• Know what personal information is collected through cookies
• Opt-out of the sale of personal information (not applicable to my services)
• Request deletion of personal information
• Non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

14. Changes to This Cookie Policy

I may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in cookie usage on my website
• New third-party services
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• Best practice updates

When I update this policy, I will:

• Post the updated policy on this page
• Update the "Last updated" date
• Notify users of significant changes (if applicable)

15. Contact Information

16. Additional Resources

For more information about cookies and online privacy, you may find these resources helpful:

• All About Cookies - General information about cookies
• Your Online Choices - Opt-out of interest-based advertising
• Network Advertising Initiative - Advertising opt-out tools