2. Why We Use Cookies
We use cookies to:
- Keep you logged in and maintain your session securely.
- Remember your preferences (theme, language, consent choices).
- Understand how users interact with our platform so we can improve it.
- Detect and prevent fraudulent activity.
- Deliver relevant content and, where applicable, personalised ads.
We do not use cookies to build cross-site behavioural advertising profiles or sell cookie-derived data to third parties.
3. Cookie Categories & Consent
Under the GDPR and ePrivacy Directive (EU), and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR, UK), we must obtain your prior informed consent before placing any cookies that are not strictly necessary for the operation of the Platform.
When you first visit CareerBrains, a cookie consent banner is displayed. You can choose to accept all cookies, accept only necessary cookies, or customise your preferences. You may change your choices at any time via the Cookie Settings link in the footer.
Strictly necessary cookies do not require consent; all other categories require it.
4. Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the Platform to function and cannot be switched off. They are set in response to your actions (e.g., logging in, submitting a form). No consent is required under applicable law.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
| access_token | JWT access token for authenticated API requests (HttpOnly) | 30 minutes | First |
| refresh_token | JWT refresh token for re-issuing access tokens (HttpOnly) | 30 days | First |
| session | Temporary state used during Google / LinkedIn / Apple sign-in (HttpOnly) | Session | First |
| cookie_consent | Stores your cookie preference choices | 1 year | First |
5. Functional Cookies
Functional cookies would enable enhanced functionality and personalisation beyond what's strictly necessary. We don't currently set any functional cookies — this category exists so we can ask for your consent first if we add one later (for example, remembering a dismissed onboarding tip). Your theme preference is stored in your browser's local storage, not a cookie, and isn't covered by this policy.
6. Analytics Cookies
Analytics cookies would help us understand how visitors use the Platform — which pages are most popular, where users encounter errors, and how they navigate the site. We don't currently run any analytics or usage-tracking cookies on the Platform. If we add one in the future, we will update this table and obtain your consent before it starts collecting data.
7. Marketing & Advertising Cookies
We do not use marketing, advertising, or retargeting cookies on the Platform. If this changes, we will update this policy and obtain fresh consent before activating any such cookies.
8. Third-Party Cookies
Third-party service providers embedded in our Platform may set their own cookies. We do not control these cookies. The key third-party providers whose cookies may be set are:
| Provider | Purpose | Privacy Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Google (OAuth / Sign in) | Login via Google - session handling | policies.google.com/privacy |
| LinkedIn (OAuth) | Login via LinkedIn - session handling | linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy |
| Apple (Sign in with Apple) | Login via Apple - session handling | apple.com/legal/privacy |
| Google reCAPTCHA | Distinguishes human visitors from bots on sign-in forms | policies.google.com/privacy |
| Stripe (payment) | Payment processing - fraud prevention, transaction tracking | stripe.com/privacy |
We are not responsible for the content of third-party privacy policies. We encourage you to review them directly.
9. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
9.1 Cookie Settings on CareerBrains
You can update your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the Cookie Settings link in the footer. Changes take effect immediately. Withdrawing consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out before withdrawal.
9.2 Browser Controls
All modern browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can block all cookies, delete existing cookies, or allow only first-party cookies. Note that blocking strictly necessary cookies will prevent the Platform from functioning.
- 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
9.3 Opt-Out Tools
We don't currently run analytics or advertising cookies that would require a separate opt-out tool. If that changes, we'll list the relevant opt-out mechanisms here at the same time we start using them.
10. Do Not Track (DNT)
Some browsers include a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want your browsing activity tracked. There is currently no industry standard for responding to DNT signals. We do not alter our data collection practices in response to DNT signals at this time.
US state laws (Colorado, Connecticut) require us to honour opt-out signals from universal opt-out mechanisms (e.g., the Global Privacy Control, GPC). If we receive a verified GPC signal from a browser, we treat it as an opt-out of the “sale” or “sharing” of personal information for that session.
11. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookies Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use, legal requirements, or our practices. We will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. For material changes, we will re-display the cookie consent banner to obtain fresh consent where required.
12. Contact
For questions about our use of cookies, contact our Data Protection Officer at dpo@CareerBrains.com or visit our Privacy Policy for full details on data processing.