1. Introduction

AgriFriend Ltd. (“AgriFriend”, “we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to respecting your privacy and ensuring transparency in how we use cookies and similar technologies on our website www.agrifriend.io (“Website”).

This Cookies Policy explains:

• What cookies and tracking technologies are;
• Which types of cookies we use and why;
• How we comply with applicable laws, including GDPR, ePrivacy Directive, UK PECR, CCPA/CPRA, PIPEDA, and other global privacy regulations;
• How you can control and manage your cookie preferences.

By continuing to browse or use our Website, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this Policy, unless you have disabled them using your browser settings or our cookie consent tool.

This Policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which explains how we process personal data.

2. Scope of This Policy

2.1 Applicability – This Cookies Policy applies to all visitors, users, and entities accessing the Website from any jurisdiction worldwide. It applies to cookies placed on any device, including desktops, mobile devices, and tablets.

2.2 Interaction with Privacy Laws – This Policy is designed to comply with:

• GDPR & ePrivacy Directive (EU) – requiring explicit opt-in for non-essential cookies.
• UK PECR (UK) – similar rules post-Brexit.
• CCPA/CPRA (California, USA) – requiring disclosure of data sharing and opt-out options.
• PIPEDA (Canada) – requiring informed consent for data collection.
• Other applicable laws where users reside.

2.3 Third-Party Platforms – This Policy also covers cookies placed by third-party service providers integrated with our Website (e.g., analytics, content delivery networks). However, third-party providers have their own privacy and cookies policies, which we encourage you to review.

3. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?

3.1 Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognize your device, remember your preferences, and enhance user experience.

3.2 Similar Technologies – In addition to cookies, we may use:

• Local Storage Objects (LSOs) – for storing settings or preferences.
• Tracking Pixels/Web Beacons – for analytics and advertising performance.
• Scripts/Tags – for functionality enhancements and analytics.

3.3 Session vs. Persistent Cookies –

• Session cookies are temporary and deleted when you close your browser.
• Persistent cookies remain on your device until they expire or are manually deleted.

4. Types of Cookies We Use

We categorize cookies into the following types:

4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies –

• Essential for the operation of our Website (e.g., session management, security).
• Do not require user consent (GDPR Article 5(3)).

4.2 Performance & Analytics Cookies –

• Collect information on how visitors use our Website.
• Help us improve performance and user experience.
• Set only with user consent in jurisdictions requiring it (EU/UK).

4.3 Functional Cookies –

• Enable enhanced features (e.g., language preferences, saved settings).
• May be first-party or third-party cookies.

4.4 Advertising & Targeting Cookies (if used) –

• Track browsing behavior to deliver relevant advertising.
• Subject to explicit opt-in under GDPR and opt-out under CCPA/CPRA.

4.5 Third-Party Cookies –

• Set by third-party services (e.g., analytics providers like Google Analytics, embedded media, social media widgets).
• We do not control these cookies and disclaim liability for third-party practices.

5. Cookie Table

The table below lists the cookies currently in use on our Website. It will be updated periodically as we implement new tools or remove outdated ones.

• session_id
  
  Type: Strictly Necessary
  
  Provider: AgriFriend
  
  Purpose: Maintains user session across pages.
  
  Expiration: Session
  
  Consent Required: No
  
  
• _ga
  
  Type: Analytics
  
  Provider: Google Analytics
  
  Purpose: Tracks user interactions to generate website usage statistics.
  
  Expiration: 2 years
  
  Consent Required: Yes (GDPR/UK)
  
  
• _gid
  
  Type: Analytics
  
  Provider: Google Analytics
  
  Purpose: Identifies unique users across browsing sessions.
  
  Expiration: 24 hours
  
  Consent Required: Yes
  
  
• cookie_consent
  
  Type: Functional
  
  Provider: AgriFriend
  
  Purpose: Remembers user consent preferences for cookies.
  
  Expiration: 6 months
  
  Consent Required: No
• ads_tracking
  
  Type: Advertising/Targeting Provider: Google Ads (if used) Purpose: Delivers personalized ads based on browsing history. Expiration: 3 months Consent Required: Yes (GDPR/CCPA)
  
  

6. Legal Basis for Using Cookies

6.1 For EU/EEA Users (GDPR & ePrivacy Directive)

• Strictly Necessary Cookies are processed based on our legitimate interests to operate the Website.
• Non-Essential Cookies (analytics, marketing, functionality) are set only with your explicit consent, collected via our cookie banner.
• Users may withdraw consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal.

6.2 For UK Users (UK GDPR & PECR)

• Similar to EU rules: opt-in consent is required for non-essential cookies.

6.3 For California Users (CCPA/CPRA)

• We disclose if cookies involve the “sale” or “sharing” of personal data.
• Users have the right to opt-out via a “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” link (if applicable).

6.4 For Other Jurisdictions (LGPD, PIPEDA, PDPA, etc.)

• Where local laws require consent, we will request it.
• Users retain the right to revoke consent at any time.

7. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies to:

• Ensure secure and reliable operation of our Website.
• Improve website functionality and user experience.
• Collect aggregate statistics on site usage and performance.
• Deliver personalized content and marketing (only where applicable).
• Prevent fraud and protect against malicious activity.

Cookies may also be used in combination with analytics tools to measure engagement and optimize our services.

8. Third-Party Cookies and Tracking

8.1 Third-Party Providers – Certain cookies are placed by external providers such as:

• Google Analytics – to track usage statistics;
• Advertising Networks (if applicable) – to deliver targeted ads;
• Social Media Platforms – if sharing buttons or embedded content are used.

8.2 Responsibility Disclaimer – We do not control third-party cookies or the data they collect. Users are encouraged to review the privacy and cookies policies of these third parties.

9. Data Collected Through Cookies

Cookies may collect the following data:

• Device information (IP address, browser type, operating system);
• Website usage patterns (pages visited, time spent, navigation path);
• Geolocation data (approximate);
• User identifiers (if logged in to any linked third-party services).

Where this data constitutes personal data, it is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

10. International Data Transfers

• Some third-party cookie providers may process data in countries outside your jurisdiction (e.g., the United States).
• Where such transfers occur, we ensure compliance with applicable laws by using:
  
  • Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the EU Commission;
  • Other appropriate safeguards under GDPR and equivalent laws.
• Users are informed of these transfers via this Policy and may contact us for details.

11. Cookie Duration

Cookies may be:

• Session Cookies – deleted automatically when you close your browser.
• Persistent Cookies – remain on your device until they expire or are deleted manually.

We ensure that all cookies have a clearly defined lifespan and are not retained longer than necessary.

12. Managing and Controlling Cookies

12.1 Cookie Consent Tool – Users can customize their cookie preferences using our on-site cookie consent banner.

12.2 Browser Settings – You may configure your browser to:

• Block all cookies;
• Accept only certain cookies;
• Delete cookies already stored.

12.3 Impact of Disabling Cookies – Please note that disabling cookies may limit Website functionality.

13. Consent Withdrawal Mechanism

You may withdraw your consent to non-essential cookies at any time by:

• Adjusting your preferences via the cookie settings tool available on our Website;
• Clearing cookies through your browser settings.

Withdrawing consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing prior to withdrawal.

14. Do Not Track (DNT) Signals

Our Website currently does not respond to DNT signals sent by browsers because there is no standardized industry framework governing this response. However, users may still control cookies through the mechanisms described above.

15. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights regarding cookie-related data:

• Access – to know what personal data is collected;
• Deletion – to request deletion of cookie data;
• Opt-Out – to opt-out of cookies used for marketing or data sharing;
• Objection – to object to processing under legitimate interest (EU users).

To exercise your rights, please contact us (see Section 17).

16. Updates to This Cookies Policy

We may update this Policy to reflect changes in:

• Our use of cookies;
• Applicable laws and regulations;
• Technological advancements.

Updates will be posted on this page with a new effective date. Significant changes may also be communicated via email or on-site notifications.

17. Contact Information

For any questions or requests regarding this Cookies Policy, please contact:

AgriFriend Ltd.
Email: office@agrifriend.io

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