This Cookie Policy explains how Homeducate uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website and use our Service.
Privacy-First Approach
We believe in minimal tracking. Unlike most platforms, we only use essential cookies for authentication. No analytics, no advertising, no social media tracking.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. They help websites work efficiently and provide information to website owners.
2. Cookies We Use
Homeducate uses minimal cookies focused on essential functionality.
Authentication Cookie
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
authToken |
Keeps you logged in | Session | First-party |
Data Stored: Encrypted authentication token (32-byte hex string) - No personal information stored in the cookie itself
Why It's Necessary:
- Without this cookie, you would have to log in again for every page
- It verifies your identity with each request
- It's essential for security and Service functionality
3. Cookies We Do NOT Use
We are committed to minimizing tracking. We do NOT use:
No Analytics Cookies
- No Google Analytics
- No tracking of your behavior across pages
- No user profiling
No Advertising Cookies
- No ad networks
- No retargeting cookies
- No behavioral advertising
No Social Media Cookies
- No Facebook pixels
- No Twitter tracking
- No social sharing buttons that track you
No Third-Party Tracking
- No tracking scripts from other companies
- No cross-site tracking
- No fingerprinting
4. localStorage vs Cookies
We primarily use localStorage rather than traditional cookies:
Why localStorage?
- More secure for authentication tokens
- Not automatically sent with every request
- Larger storage capacity
- Better for single-page applications
- Controlled by JavaScript only
localStorage Data:
- Authentication token
- User role (parent/student)
- Username
- Student name (if applicable)
5. Third-Party Services
While we don't use tracking cookies ourselves, some essential third-party services may use cookies:
Stripe (Payment Processing)
When you visit the billing page or Stripe Checkout:
- Stripe may set cookies for fraud prevention
- These cookies are essential for secure payments
- Subject to Stripe's Cookie Policy: stripe.com/cookies-policy
- Required for PCI compliance and fraud detection
6. Managing Cookies
Browser Settings
You can control cookies through your browser settings:
Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies
Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security
Safari: Preferences → Privacy
Microsoft Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions
Effect of Blocking Cookies
If you block essential cookies:
- You will not be able to log in
- The Service will not function
- Your authentication will fail
If you block third-party cookies:
- You can still use Homeducate normally
- Stripe checkout may be affected
- You may need to allow Stripe cookies for payments
7. Your Consent
By using Homeducate, you consent to our use of essential cookies for authentication.
Cookie Banner
Currently, we do not display a cookie consent banner because:
- We only use strictly necessary cookies (exempted under UK/EU law)
- We don't use optional tracking or analytics cookies
- Essential cookies don't require consent under GDPR/PECR
8. Comparison with Other Platforms
Unlike many platforms, Homeducate:
| Feature | Homeducate | Typical Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Analytics cookies | No | Yes (Google Analytics) |
| Advertising cookies | No | Yes |
| Social media tracking | No | Yes (Facebook, Twitter) |
| Third-party trackers | No | Yes (multiple) |
| User profiling | No | Yes |
| Cross-site tracking | No | Yes |
We believe in privacy by design.
9. GDPR and PECR Compliance
Under UK GDPR and PECR (Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations):
- Strictly necessary cookies do not require consent
- Our authentication cookie is strictly necessary
- We have a legitimate basis for using it
10. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies:
Email: privacy@homeducate.com
Website: homeducate.online/cookies
Summary (Plain English)
What cookies do we use? Only one: An authentication token to keep you logged in
What don't we use? No Google Analytics, no advertising cookies, no social media tracking, no hidden trackers
Can you control them? Yes, through browser settings. But blocking auth token means you can't log in
Bottom line: We use minimal cookies, only what's necessary, no tracking or profiling, privacy-first approach
By using Homeducate, you accept our use of essential authentication cookies as described in this policy.