Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Acharya Associates Audit Filing Portal ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our platform. This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

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 and provide information to website owners.

Cookies serve various purposes, including:

• Remembering your preferences and settings
• Enabling you to sign in and stay logged in
• Analyzing how you use the platform
• Improving platform performance and user experience

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the platform to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, authentication, and session management. Without these cookies, services you have requested cannot be provided.

Examples:

• Authentication tokens: Keep you logged in as you navigate the platform
• Session cookies: Remember your actions within a single browsing session
• Security cookies: Protect against fraudulent activity and secure user authentication

3.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization. They remember your choices (such as language preference) and provide enhanced, personalized features.

Examples:

• Language preferences
• Display settings and layout preferences
• Form auto-fill information (non-sensitive)
• User interface customizations

3.3 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our platform by collecting and reporting information anonymously. They help us improve platform performance and user experience.

Examples:

• Page visit counts and popular pages
• Time spent on pages
• Error messages encountered
• Loading times and performance metrics

3.4 Targeting and Advertising Cookies

Currently, we do not use targeting or advertising cookies. If this changes in the future, we will update this policy and seek your consent where required.

4. Third-Party Cookies

We may use third-party services that set their own cookies to provide functionality and analytics. These third parties are carefully selected and required to use your information in accordance with our agreements and applicable data protection laws.

Third-party services may include:

• Authentication providers: For secure login functionality
• Cloud storage providers: For document storage and management (e.g., Cloudinary)
• Analytics services: For understanding platform usage patterns
• Email service providers: For sending notifications and communications
• Performance monitoring: For identifying and fixing technical issues

These third parties have their own privacy policies and cookie policies. We encourage you to review their policies to understand how they use cookies.

5. How Long Do Cookies Last?

Cookies can be either session cookies or persistent cookies:

5.1 Session Cookies

Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. They are used to remember your actions during a single browsing session.

5.2 Persistent Cookies

Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. They are used to remember your preferences across multiple browsing sessions.

Typical durations:

• Authentication tokens: 7 days (or as configured)
• Preference cookies: 30-365 days
• Analytics cookies: 30-730 days

6. Cookies We Use - Detailed List

7. Managing Cookies

7.1 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can set your browser to:

• Block all cookies
• Accept all cookies
• Notify you when a cookie is set
• Delete cookies after you close your browser

Please note that blocking all cookies may affect your ability to use certain features of our platform.

7.2 Browser-Specific Instructions

• 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 → Manage and delete cookies

7.3 Mobile Devices

For mobile devices, refer to your device manufacturer's instructions for managing cookies in mobile browsers.

7.4 Opt-Out Tools

For analytics cookies, you may be able to opt out using industry opt-out tools or browser plugins designed for this purpose.

8. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers have a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want to be tracked. Currently, there is no universal standard for how DNT signals should be interpreted. Our platform does not currently respond to DNT signals, but we limit tracking to what is necessary for platform functionality and improvement.

9. Other Tracking Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use other tracking technologies:

9.1 Web Beacons

Small graphic images (also known as pixel tags or clear GIFs) that may be included in our email communications to track whether messages have been opened and links clicked.

9.2 Local Storage

HTML5 local storage allows websites to store data on your device. We may use local storage to improve platform performance and user experience.

9.3 Log Files

We collect information through server log files, including IP addresses, browser types, and page visit timestamps. This helps us analyze trends and administer the platform.

10. Your Consent

By continuing to use our platform after being informed about our use of cookies through this policy and any cookie banners, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy.

For non-essential cookies, we will seek your explicit consent where required by applicable laws.

11. Children's Privacy

Our platform is not intended for children under 18, and we do not knowingly collect information from children through cookies. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our practices. We will post the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date.

Material changes will be notified to you via email or through a prominent notice on our platform.

13. Contact Us

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

14. Additional Resources

For more information about cookies and online privacy, you may visit:

• Your Online Choices: www.youronlinechoices.com
• All About Cookies: www.allaboutcookies.org
• Network Advertising Initiative: www.networkadvertising.org