Cookie Policy

Last Updated: December 3, 2025

This Cookie Policy explains how InterviewSTAR uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website and use our service.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, making your next visit easier and the site more useful to you.

2. How We Use Cookies

InterviewSTAR uses cookies to enhance your experience, provide security, and improve our service. We use cookies for the following purposes:

2.1 Essential Cookies (Required)

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be disabled. They enable core functionality such as:

• Authentication: Keep you logged in and maintain your session
• Security: Protect against cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks
• Load Balancing: Distribute traffic across our servers
• Cookie Consent: Remember your cookie preferences

2.2 Functional Cookies (Optional)

These cookies enhance functionality and personalization but are not essential. They help us:

• Remember Preferences: Save your settings like theme preferences (dark/light mode)
• Customize Experience: Remember your language and region preferences
• Form Data: Remember information you've entered in forms

2.3 Analytics Cookies (Optional)

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. We use this data to:

• Understand which features are most popular
• Identify and fix technical issues
• Improve user experience and navigation
• Measure the effectiveness of our features

2.4 Marketing Cookies (Not Currently Used)

We do not currently use marketing or advertising cookies. If we decide to use them in the future, we will:

• Update this Cookie Policy
• Request your explicit consent
• Provide clear opt-out options

3. Third-Party Cookies

We use trusted third-party services that may set their own cookies:

3.1 Supabase (Authentication & Database)

• Purpose: Manage authentication and secure sessions
• Cookies: sb-access-token, sb-refresh-token
• Duration: Session or up to 7 days
• Privacy Policy: supabase.com/privacy

3.2 Stripe (Payment Processing)

• Purpose: Process payments securely and prevent fraud
• Cookies: Various Stripe cookies for payment security
• Duration: Varies (typically session to 1 year)
• Privacy Policy: stripe.com/privacy

3.3 Google OAuth (Optional Sign-In)

• Purpose: Enable sign-in with Google
• Cookies: Google authentication cookies (only if you use Google sign-in)
• Privacy Policy: policies.google.com/privacy

4. Local Storage and Session Storage

In addition to cookies, we may use browser local storage and session storage to:

• Cache data for faster loading
• Store temporary form data
• Save user preferences

Unlike cookies, this data is not sent to our servers with every request. It remains on your device until you clear it or we delete it programmatically.

5. Cookie Duration

Cookies can be either session cookies or persistent cookies:

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them

6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

6.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit InterviewSTAR, you'll see a cookie consent banner where you can:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject optional cookies (keeping only essential ones)
• Customize your preferences

6.2 Browser Settings

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

• View which cookies are stored and delete them individually
• Block third-party cookies
• Block all cookies (note: this may break essential site functionality)
• Clear all cookies when you close your browser

6.3 How to Manage Cookies in Your Browser

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

Important: Disabling essential cookies will prevent you from logging in and using key features of InterviewSTAR.

7. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals websites you visit that you do not want your online activity tracked. Currently, there is no universal standard for how to interpret DNT signals. We do not currently respond to DNT signals, but we minimize tracking and do not use third-party advertising trackers.

8. GDPR and Cookie Consent (EU Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), we comply with the EU Cookie Law and GDPR:

• We request your consent before placing non-essential cookies
• You can withdraw consent at any time
• We provide clear information about each cookie type
• Essential cookies are exempt from consent requirements

9. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
• We will notify you via our cookie consent banner if the changes are significant
• We may request renewed consent for new cookie types

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us: