This Cookie Policy (“Policy”) explains how BlockAura Classic and BlockAura Eternity (together, the “Tokens”) and the broader BlockAura ecosystem (the “Platform”) use cookies and similar tracking technologies on official websites, applications, documentation portals, and community forums. By accessing or using the Platform, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this Policy. If you do not agree, you must adjust your browser settings to disable cookies or refrain from using the Platform.
1. Overview and Scope
BlockAura is a fully decentralized, open-source blockchain ecosystem maintained by a global community. While the Platform itself does not collect centralized personal data, our websites and community interfaces use cookies to enhance functionality, security, and user experience. This Policy covers all web properties and services under the BlockAura domain.
In this Policy, we describe:
- What cookies are and how they work.
- Types of cookies used by the Platform.
- Purposes and legal bases for cookie use.
- Categories and specific examples of cookies deployed.
- How you can manage, disable, or delete cookies.
- Third-party cookies and integrated services.
- Jurisdiction-specific requirements (GDPR, ePrivacy, CCPA, etc.).
2. Definitions
- “Cookies”: Small text files containing identifiers placed on your device when you visit a website. Cookies enable the site to remember your actions and preferences.
- “First-Party Cookies”: Cookies set directly by the domain you are visiting (e.g., blockaura.example).
- “Third-Party Cookies”: Cookies set by domains other than the one you are visiting, often for analytics or advertising.
- “Session Cookies”: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser.
- “Persistent Cookies”: Cookies that remain on your device for a specified period or until manually deleted.
- “Tracking Technologies”: Includes cookies, Web beacons, pixel tags, local storage, and similar technologies.
3. How Cookies Work
When you visit a website, the server sends a cookie to your device. Your browser stores the cookie and returns it to the server on subsequent visits or requests. This mechanism allows the website to recognize you, remember preferences, and track usage patterns. Cookies can also enhance security by preventing unauthorized access and detecting fraudulent behavior.
4. Legal Basis for Using Cookies
4.1 Consent and Compliance
Under the EU ePrivacy Directive and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), non-essential cookies require your explicit consent before storage. BlockAura seeks to comply with these regulations by providing clear information and cookie controls.
4.2 Legitimate Interests
For certain cookies necessary for security, site functionality, or network performance, BlockAura may rely on legitimate interests. These legitimate interests include preventing fraud, preserving network integrity, and ensuring optimal site performance.
4.3 Contractual Necessity
Certain cookies are essential to facilitate on-chain governance proposals, secure login sessions, and other services you request. These cookies fall under contractual necessity and do not require additional consent.
5. Categories of Cookies Used
We categorize cookies into four primary groups:
5.1 Essential Cookies
- Purpose: Required for core site functions, security, authentication, load balancing.
- Examples:
- session_id: Maintains an active user session across pages. (Session Cookie)
- csrf_token: Protects against cross-site request forgery. (Session Cookie)
- network_monitor: Monitors network latency and uptime. (Persistent, 24 hours)
5.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies
- Purpose: Collect aggregated, anonymized usage data to analyze site performance, user behavior, and traffic patterns.
- Examples:
- _ga (Google Analytics, first-party): Tracks unique users. (Persistent, 2 years)
- _gid (Google Analytics, first-party): Differentiates users. (Persistent, 24 hours)
- pia_cookie (Privacy-centric analytics): Provides site usage metrics without personal identifiers. (Persistent, 13 months)
5.3 Functionality and Preference Cookies
- Purpose: Remember user preferences, UI settings, and personalization choices.
- Examples:
- theme_pref: Stores dark mode or light mode selection. (Persistent, 12 months)
- lang_pref: Stores language preference for translations. (Persistent, 12 months)
- font_size: Remembers text size adjustments for accessibility. (Persistent, 12 months)
5.4 Security and Fraud Prevention Cookies
- Purpose: Enhance Platform security by detecting bot activity, preventing abuse, and safeguarding user interactions.
- Examples:
- bot_shield: Identifies automated traffic. (Session Cookie)
- saml_auth: Maintains SAML-based single sign-on tokens. (Persistent, 8 hours)
- captcha_token: Verifies human users during form submissions. (Session Cookie)
5.5 Targeting and Advertising Cookies
- Purpose: BlockAura does not serve advertising nor integrate third-party marketing cookies. Should such services be added, we will update this Policy and require specific consent.
6. Detailed Cookie List
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Retention Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| session_id | First-party Session | Maintains user session and authentication | Session |
| csrf_token | First-party Session | Protects against CSRF attacks | Session |
| _ga | First-party Persistent | Tracks unique visitor IDs | 2 years |
| _gid | First-party Persistent | Differentiates user sessions | 24 hours |
| pia_cookie | Third-party Persistent | Privacy-centric analytics | 13 months |
| theme_pref | First-party Persistent | Remembers UI theme preference | 12 months |
| lang_pref | First-party Persistent | Stores selected language | 12 months |
| font_size | First-party Persistent | Stores accessibility font size preference | 12 months |
| bot_shield | First-party Session | Detects automated bot traffic | Session |
| saml_auth | First-party Persistent | Maintains SSO authentication token | 8 hours |
| captcha_token | First-party Session | Validates human interaction for forms | Session |
7. Third-Party Cookies and Services
BlockAura integrates select third-party services for analytics and security:
- Privacy-Centric Analytics (PIA): A decentralized analytics platform that processes anonymized data without personal identifiers.
- Google Analytics: Used sparingly to measure site traffic; data is anonymized and aggregated.
- SAML Identity Providers: Third-party SSO solutions that may set cookies to maintain authentication state.
BlockAura does not integrate advertising networks, social media trackers, or marketing pixels. Any addition of such services requires explicit consent and updates to this Policy.
8. Managing and Disabling Cookies
8.1 Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to manage cookie preferences via settings or options menus. You can:
- Block all cookies.
- Block only third-party cookies.
- Delete specific cookies.
- Clear all cookies on exit.
Refer to your browser’s help documentation for detailed instructions (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
8.2 In-Platform Cookie Banner and Controls
On initial visit, a cookie banner provides information and links to this Policy. You may click “Manage Preferences” to:
- Enable or disable performance cookies.
- Enable or disable functionality cookies.
- View cookie descriptions and retention periods.
Essential cookies cannot be disabled unless you adjust browser settings, as they are necessary for Platform functionality.
8.3 Cookie Revocation
You may revoke consent or adjust preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the website footer. Changes take effect on your next page load.
9. Impact of Disabling Cookies
Disabling cookies may affect Platform functionality. Without essential cookies, you may experience:
- Inability to log in or maintain sessions.
- Loss of personalization and UI preferences.
- Inaccurate analytics and performance data.
- Increased security vulnerabilities due to lack of bot detection.
BlockAura is not liable for issues arising from your decision to disable cookies.
10. Jurisdiction-Specific Disclosures
10.1 European Economic Area (EEA) and UK
Under GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive, we rely on:
- Consent for non-essential cookies.
- Legitimate interests for security, load balancing, and core functionality.
You have the right to access, rectify, and erase data collected via cookies. Use the cookie banner or contact privacy@blockaura.example.
10.2 California (CCPA)
Under the California Consumer Privacy Act, “Personal Information” includes identifiers such as IP addresses. You have the right to:
- Opt-out of “sale” of Personal Information (BlockAura does not sell data).
- Request deletion of Personal Information collected via cookies.
- Access categories of Personal Information collected.
Submit CCPA requests to privacy@blockaura.example.
10.3 Other Jurisdictions
If you are located outside EEA, UK, or California, similar rights may exist under local privacy laws. Contact us for clarification.
11. Data Retention
Cookie data is retained only as long as necessary for each cookie’s stated purpose. Detailed retention periods are provided in section 6. Upon reaching expiration, cookies are automatically deleted by your browser.
For anonymized analytics data, aggregated statistics are stored indefinitely for community metrics and audit purposes.
12. Updates to This Policy
BlockAura may update this Policy to reflect changes in practices or regulations. Material changes require community governance approval. Updated versions will have a new Effective Date.
Your continued use of the Platform after the Effective Date constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.
13. Contact Information
For questions, concerns, or cookie-related requests, please contact:
- Email: info@blockaura.com