1. Introduction

• This Cookie Policy explains how Vision Africa Research Services (Pty) Ltd (“Vision Africa”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our market research platform. This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy.
• By using our platform, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this Cookie Policy. If you do not agree to our use of cookies, you should adjust your browser settings accordingly or refrain from using our platform.

2. What Are Cookies?

• Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and provide information to website owners.
• Cookies can be “persistent” (remain on your device until you delete them or they expire) or “session” (temporary, deleted when you close your browser).

3. Types of Cookies We Use

• 3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

   

• These cookies are essential for the platform to function properly and cannot be disabled in our systems.
• Cookie Name Purpose Duration
• accessToken JWT authentication token for secure user sessions 15 minutes
• refreshToken Token for refreshing expired access tokens 7 days
• sessionId Unique identifier for your browsing session Session (deleted on browser close)
• CSRF-TOKEN Protection against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks Session
• 3.2 Functional Cookies

   

• These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization.
• Cookie Name Purpose Duration
• language_preference Stores your selected language (English/French) 1 year
• theme_preference Stores your dark mode/light mode preference 1 year
• user_role Stores user role (Admin, Client, Respondent, Researcher) for UI customization Session
• survey_progress Saves survey completion progress to prevent data loss 30 days
• 3.3 Performance and Analytics Cookies

   

• These cookies help us understand how users interact with our platform, allowing us to improve performance and user experience.
• Cookie Name Purpose Duration
• _ga Google Analytics – distinguishes unique users 2 years
• _gid Google Analytics – distinguishes users 24 hours
• _gat Google Analytics – throttles request rate 1 minute
• platform_analytics Tracks page views, feature usage, and user flows 90 days
• 3.4 Security Cookies

   

• These cookies help detect and prevent fraudulent activity and protect user accounts.
• Cookie Name Purpose Duration
• login_attempts Tracks failed login attempts for rate limiting (max 5 per 15 min) 15 minutes
• device_fingerprint Detects unusual login patterns and device changes 30 days
• security_token Validates secure connections and prevents session hijacking Session

4. Third-Party Cookies

• We may use third-party service providers who set cookies on our platform:
• Google Analytics: Web analytics service to understand user behavior and improve our platform
• AWS CloudFront: Content delivery network for faster file delivery
• Socket.io: Real-time WebSocket connections for notifications and live updates
• These third parties may use cookies to collect information about your online activities over time and across different websites. We do not control these third-party cookies and recommend reviewing their privacy policies.

5. Local Storage and Session Storage

• In addition to cookies, we use HTML5 local storage and session storage:
• Local Storage: Stores user preferences, theme settings, and non-sensitive configuration data (persists until manually cleared)
• Session Storage: Temporarily stores survey draft responses and form data (cleared when browser tab is closed)
• These storage mechanisms do not transmit data to our servers automatically and are used solely to enhance your user experience.

6. WebSocket Connections

• Our platform uses Socket.io for real-time communication, which maintains persistent WebSocket connections. These connections:
• Enable live notifications and real-time updates
• Require authentication via JWT tokens
• Automatically disconnect when you close your browser
• Do not store personal data beyond your session

7. How to Manage Cookies

• You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject cookies. You can exercise your cookie preferences through:
• 7.1 Browser Settings

   

• Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can modify your browser settings to decline cookies:
• Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies
• 7.2 Cookie Preference Center (Future)

   

• We plan to implement a Cookie Preference Center where you can manage your cookie consent preferences for different categories of cookies.
• 7.3 Opt-Out Links

   

• Google Analytics: Browser Add-on
• All Advertising Cookies: Your Online Choices
• ⚠ Important Notice
  Blocking or deleting cookies may prevent you from using certain features of our platform, including logging in, completing surveys, and accessing your dashboard. Strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled as they are essential for security and basic functionality.

8. Mobile Devices

• When accessing our platform via mobile browsers, you can manage cookies through your mobile device settings:
• iOS (Safari): Settings → Safari → Block All Cookies
• Android (Chrome): Chrome app → Settings → Site settings → Cookies

9. Do Not Track Signals

• Some browsers support “Do Not Track” (DNT) signals. Currently, there is no industry standard for interpreting DNT signals. We do not currently respond to DNT signals, but we respect your privacy choices through browser cookie settings and our Cookie Preference Center.

10. Cookie Lifespan

• The lifespan of cookies varies:
• Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Short-term cookies: 15 minutes to 30 days
• Long-term cookies: Up to 2 years for analytics and preferences
• You can manually delete cookies at any time through your browser settings.

11. Updates to This Cookie Policy

• We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our practices. We will notify you of significant changes by:
• Updating the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy
• Displaying a notification on our platform
• Sending an email to registered users (for material changes)

12. Contact Us

• If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact:
• Vision Africa Research Services
• Klein Windhoek, Namibia
• Email:
• hone: +264 61 244 660

13. Related Policies

• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Data Protection Policy