Overview
Cookies are small text files placed on your device to support core site features, remember preferences, measure performance, and, if you choose, help us deliver more relevant advertising. On MapleCat Journal, essential cookies run automatically to keep the site secure and functional. Analytics and marketing cookies are optional and will only load after you provide consent using the banner or the preferences panel. We designed the controls to be straightforward: accept all, reject non-essential, or manage per category. This policy is written for Canadian readers and avoids collecting sensitive categories of data. For complete information about how we handle personal data, including your rights and contact options, please visit our privacy page.
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
Required for security, accessibility, and key features. These may store your cookie choices, maintain a session during navigation, and help prevent misuse. They do not track you across other sites.
- Examples: session_id, csrf_token, cookie_consent_status
- Consent: not required
- Retention: session or up to 12 months for preferences
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand which pages are viewed and how features perform so we can make practical improvements. Data is aggregated and used to analyze site usage patterns.
- Examples: _ga, _ga_XXXXXXX, _gid, _gat
- Consent: required and recorded
- Retention: up to 14 months
Marketing Cookies
Used to show more relevant ads and measure campaign performance across platforms such as Google and Meta. Activated only if you consent using our controls.
- May support remarketing and conversion measurement
- Consent: required and can be withdrawn anytime
- Retention: up to 540 days depending on the partner
We do not use cookies to store sensitive categories of information. When analytics or marketing tools are active, they may process device data such as IP address or browser type, which is common for web measurement and advertising. You can change your choices whenever you like using the controls described below.
How to Manage Your Preferences
You have three simple options in our consent banner: Accept All, Reject Non-Essential, or Manage Preferences. If you choose Manage Preferences, a panel opens with category toggles. Essential cookies are always on. Analytics and marketing cookies only activate after you switch them on and save. Your selection is stored for 12 months, after which you may be asked to choose again. You can revisit the panel any time using the footer link labelled “Manage cookie preferences.” Changes take effect immediately on future page loads. This page provides a concise overview; for full details about how we handle data and your rights, please review our privacy page.
Retention, Partners, and Updates
Retention varies by category: essential cookies typically last for the session or up to 12 months for preference storage; analytics data can be retained for up to 14 months; marketing identifiers may last up to 540 days. When enabled, measurement and advertising can involve partners such as Google Ads, Google Analytics 4, and the Meta Pixel. These tools help us understand which pages people visit and whether a post or guide led to a specific action, like viewing a contact page. We do not sell personal data. We may update this policy to reflect feature changes, improvements to our consent experience, or adjustments required by applicable laws. Material updates will be reflected on this page, and your choices remain in effect until you modify them or they expire. For a complete explanation of data practices and user rights, please visit our privacy page.