1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit our platform. They help us recognize your device and remember certain information about your preferences or past actions.
We use cookies and similar technologies such as:
- Browser cookies (small files stored by your browser)
- Local storage (data stored in your browser)
- Session storage (temporary data cleared when you close your browser)
- Web beacons and pixels (tiny graphics that track page views)
2. Types of Cookies We Use
2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
Purpose: Essential for platform functionality
Examples:
- Authentication and login sessions
- Age verification status
- Security and fraud prevention
- Load balancing
Can be disabled: No - these are required for the platform to work
2.2 Functional Cookies
Purpose: Remember your preferences and settings
Examples:
- Search filters and preferences
- Language preferences
- Display preferences (dark mode, text size)
- Location preferences
Can be disabled: Yes - but you'll need to reset preferences each visit
2.3 Analytics Cookies
Purpose: Help us understand how you use the platform
Examples:
- Pages visited and time spent
- Click patterns and navigation flows
- Error tracking and performance monitoring
- Device and browser information
Can be disabled: Yes - through browser settings
Note: We use aggregated, anonymized analytics data only. We do not track individual browsing history beyond platform usage.
2.4 Marketing Cookies
Purpose: Not currently used
We do not currently use third-party advertising cookies or share data with advertising networks. If this changes in the future, we will update this policy and notify users.
3. Specific Cookies We Use
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| ageVerified | Stores age verification status | 24 hours |
| _ga | Google Analytics (via GTM), distinguishes unique visitors | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics (via GTM), distinguishes unique visitors | 24 hours |
| __clerk_db_jwt | Authentication session (Clerk) | Session |
| __client_uat | Authentication state (Clerk) | Session |
4. Third-Party Services
We use selected third-party services that may set their own cookies:
Authentication Provider
Our authentication service (Clerk) sets cookies for secure login and session management. Clerk is a US-based authentication provider.
Payment Processors
When processing payments, our payment partners may set cookies for fraud prevention and transaction processing.
Analytics Services
We use Google Tag Manager (GTM) for analytics and site performance tracking. GTM may load scripts that set cookies (such as Google Analytics cookies) to help us understand how visitors use our platform. Google is a US-based company. See Google's privacy policy for details on their data handling practices.
We carefully select third-party services that respect privacy and comply with New Zealand law. Each service has its own privacy policy governing their use of cookies.
5. How to Control Cookies
5.1 Browser Settings
You can control and delete cookies through your browser settings. Here's how:
Chrome
Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
Firefox
Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
Safari
Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
Edge
Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies
5.2 Mobile Devices
- iOS: Settings → Safari → Block All Cookies
- Android: Settings → Site settings → Cookies
5.3 Private/Incognito Browsing
Most browsers offer private/incognito modes that don't save cookies after you close the window. Note that you'll need to verify your age each time in this mode.
Important Note
Blocking all cookies will prevent you from logging in and using essential platform features. We recommend allowing strictly necessary cookies while blocking optional ones.
6. Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers have "Do Not Track" (DNT) features that signal websites not to track your browsing activity.
We respect DNT signals and will limit non-essential tracking when DNT is enabled in your browser. However, strictly necessary cookies for authentication and security will still be used.
7. How Long We Keep Cookie Data
- Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
- Age verification: Stored for 24 hours
- Authentication: Until you log out or 30 days of inactivity
- Preferences: Up to 1 year
- Analytics data: Aggregated and anonymized after 90 days
8. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our practices. When we make changes:
- We'll update the "Last Modified" date at the top
- For significant changes, we'll notify you via email or platform notice
- Continued use after changes means you accept the updated policy
9. Questions About Cookies?
If you have questions about our use of cookies, contact us:
Contact
Email: support@museescorts.co.nz
We respond within 20 working days as required by the Privacy Act 2020.
For more information about your privacy rights, see our Privacy Policy