Cookie Policy
Last updated: January 2025
1. Introduction and Scope
This Cookie Policy explains how Kinstart ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar technologies on our website kinstartdigital.com. This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
This policy applies to all visitors and users of our website, regardless of location. We are committed to transparency about how we collect and use your data through cookies and similar technologies.
Data Controller: Kinstart, located in Tallinn, Estonia. Contact: privacy@kinstartdigital.com
2. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies
Cookies are small text files stored on your computer, tablet, or mobile device when you visit our website. They help websites recognize your device and store information about your preferences or past actions.
We also use similar technologies including:
- Local Storage: Browser storage for website preferences and functionality
- Session Storage: Temporary storage cleared when you close your browser
- Web Beacons/Pixels: Small images for tracking and analytics
- JavaScript Tracking: Scripts that collect usage information
- Fingerprinting: Collection of device/browser characteristics for identification
For simplicity, we refer to all these technologies as "cookies" in this policy.
3. Legal Basis for Cookie Use (GDPR Compliance)
Under EU GDPR and ePrivacy Directive, we use different legal bases for different types of cookies:
- Essential Cookies: Legitimate interest (necessary for website operation)
- Analytics Cookies: Your explicit consent (obtained through cookie banner)
- Functional Cookies: Your explicit consent or legitimate interest
- Marketing Cookies: Your explicit consent (currently not used)
Consent Mechanism: We use a cookie consent banner to obtain your explicit consent for non-essential cookies. You can withdraw consent at any time through browser settings or by contacting us.
4. Categories of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies (No Consent Required)
These cookies are strictly necessary for our website to function and cannot be disabled without severely affecting your experience. They are usually set in response to your actions, such as accessing secure areas or filling out forms.
Legal Basis: Legitimate interest - necessary for website operation
Analytics and Performance Cookies (Consent Required)
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information. All information is aggregated and anonymous. We use this data to improve our website performance and user experience.
Legal Basis: Your explicit consent
Services Used: Google Analytics 4, Vercel Web Analytics
Functional Cookies (Consent Required)
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences, language settings, or region. They may be set by us or third-party providers.
Legal Basis: Your explicit consent or legitimate interest
Marketing and Targeting Cookies (Not Currently Used)
We do not currently use marketing or advertising cookies. If we implement these in the future, we will update this policy and obtain explicit consent.
5. Detailed Cookie Inventory
Below is a comprehensive list of cookies and similar technologies currently used on our website:
6. International Data Transfers
Cross-Border Data Processing: Some of our cookie providers may transfer your data internationally:
- Google Analytics: Data may be transferred to the United States under Google's EU-US Data Privacy Framework certification
- Vercel Analytics: Data processed in EU and US regions with appropriate safeguards
- Our Servers: Website hosted on Vercel's global CDN with EU data residency when possible
Safeguards: All international data transfers comply with GDPR requirements using approved transfer mechanisms such as adequacy decisions, Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), or certification schemes.
7. Your Rights and Cookie Management
Under GDPR, you have the following rights regarding cookies:
- Right to Consent: Explicit consent before non-essential cookies are set
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing
- Right to Information: Clear information about what cookies we use and why
- Right to Access: Request information about cookies we've set on your device
- Right to Deletion: Request deletion of cookies (where technically possible)
How to Manage Cookies
Cookie Consent Settings: You can change your cookie preferences at any time using our cookie preference center (available at the bottom of each page).
Browser Settings
You can also control cookies through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions
Opt-Out Links and Tools
8. Impact of Cookie Management Choices
Essential Cookies: Cannot be disabled as they are necessary for website operation. Blocking them will prevent core functionality.
If you disable Analytics Cookies:
- We cannot track website performance or user behavior patterns
- We cannot identify technical issues or optimize user experience
- No impact on website functionality for users
- Your visits will not be counted in our website statistics
If you disable Functional Cookies:
- Website preferences (theme, language) will not be remembered
- Some interactive features may not work optimally
- You may need to re-enter preferences on each visit
- Contact forms may require additional verification steps
Complete Cookie Blocking: While possible, this may significantly impact website functionality, security, and user experience.
9. Cookie Security and Data Protection
Security Measures: We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect cookie data:
- Encryption: HTTPS encryption for all cookie transmission
- Secure Flags: Security flags set on sensitive cookies
- SameSite Attributes: CSRF protection through proper cookie attributes
- Regular Audits: Periodic review of cookie usage and security
Data Minimization: We only collect and store cookie data necessary for specified purposes and retain it for the minimum time required.
Third-Party Security: We carefully vet all third-party cookie providers and require appropriate security measures and privacy safeguards.
10. Children's Privacy
Our website is not directed at children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16 through cookies or any other means.
If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 16, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.
Parents or guardians who believe their child has provided personal information should contact us immediately.
11. Updates and Changes to This Policy
Policy Updates: We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:
- Changes in our cookie usage or website functionality
- Legal or regulatory requirements
- Industry best practices or security enhancements
- User feedback or operational improvements
Notification Process:
- Significant changes will be notified via email to active users
- All changes posted on this page with updated date
- Cookie consent may be re-requested for material changes
- Previous versions available upon request
Effective Date: Changes become effective 30 days after notification unless you object or withdraw consent.
12. Contact Information and Data Protection
Data Controller Contact:
- Company: Kinstart
- Email: info@kinstartdigital.com
- Data Protection Officer: privacy@kinstartdigital.com
- Phone: +372 (589) 85717
- Business Address: Tallinn, Estonia
- EU Representative: Available upon request
Supervisory Authority: If you are in the EU and have concerns about our cookie practices, you can contact the Estonian Data Protection Inspectorate or your local data protection authority.
Response Time: We will respond to cookie and privacy inquiries within 30 days as required by GDPR.
Languages: This policy is available in English and Estonian upon request.