Last Updated: January 2025

At EchoWhistle, we believe in transparency and respect for your privacy, even in the smallest details like cookies. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them on our website, and how you can control your cookie preferences. Just as mindfulness teaches us to be aware of every moment, we want you to be fully aware of how we use these small pieces of data to enhance your peaceful browsing experience.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They contain information that helps websites remember your preferences and improve your browsing experience. Think of them as gentle reminders that help us serve you better, much like the mindful reminders that guide us toward inner peace.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled. They include:

• Session cookies: Keep you logged in during your visit
• Security cookies: Protect against malicious attacks and ensure site security
• Functionality cookies: Remember your language preferences and accessibility settings
• Load balancing cookies: Distribute website traffic efficiently

Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, allowing us to improve your experience:

• Google Analytics: Tracks page views, session duration, and user behavior
• Performance monitoring: Identifies slow-loading pages and technical issues
• User flow analysis: Helps us optimize the meditation journey experience
• Content engagement: Measures which mindfulness resources are most helpful

Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance your browsing experience by remembering your preferences:

• Theme preferences: Remember your preferred color scheme (dark/light mode)
• Volume settings: Save your preferred meditation audio volume
• Progress tracking: Remember your meditation streak and achievements
• Personalized content: Show relevant mindfulness content based on your interests

Marketing Cookies

These cookies help us deliver relevant content and measure the effectiveness of our outreach:

• Social media integration: Enable sharing of mindfulness content
• Newsletter preferences: Remember your subscription choices
• Retargeting: Show relevant peace and mindfulness content on other websites
• Campaign tracking: Measure the effectiveness of our wellness outreach

3. How Long Do Cookies Last?

Cookies have different lifespans, just like the moments of peace we experience:

• Session cookies: Expire when you close your browser (like a single meditation session)
• Persistent cookies: Remain on your device for a set period (like your meditation practice habits)
• First-party cookies: Set directly by EchoWhistle (typically 30 days to 2 years)
• Third-party cookies: Set by our trusted partners (duration varies by provider)

4. Third-Party Cookies

We work with trusted partners who may set their own cookies. These include:

• Google Analytics: Website performance and user behavior analysis
• Social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram for content sharing
• Email service providers: Mailchimp for newsletter delivery
• Payment processors: Stripe or PayPal for premium service transactions
• Video hosting: YouTube or Vimeo for meditation video content

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You have complete control over your cookie preferences, just as you have control over your mindfulness practice:

Browser Settings

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

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data

Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit EchoWhistle, you'll see a cookie consent banner where you can choose which types of cookies to accept. You can change these preferences at any time by clicking the cookie settings link in our footer.

Opt-Out Tools

You can also use these tools to manage cookies across websites:

• Google Analytics Opt-out: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Your Online Choices: European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance
• Digital Advertising Alliance: AdChoices

6. Impact of Disabling Cookies

If you choose to disable certain cookies, here's what might be affected:

• Essential cookies: Website may not function properly if disabled
• Analytics cookies: We won't be able to improve your experience based on usage data
• Functional cookies: You'll need to re-enter preferences each time you visit
• Marketing cookies: You may see less relevant content and advertisements

7. Local Storage and Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use other local storage technologies such as localStorage and sessionStorage to enhance your experience. These work similarly to cookies but are stored directly on your device. You can manage these through your browser's developer tools or privacy settings.

8. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about our cookie practices.

9. Contact Us About Cookies

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

10. Your Consent

By continuing to use EchoWhistle's website and services, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy. You can withdraw your consent at any time by adjusting your browser settings or using our cookie preference center.

Just as mindfulness teaches us to be present and aware, we want you to be fully aware of how we use cookies to enhance your peaceful browsing experience. Your privacy and peace of mind are our top priorities, and we're committed to using these technologies responsibly and transparently.