Cookie Notice

Welcome to Eco Heroes! This Cookie Notice explains how we use cookies and similar technologies in accordance with:

  • The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
  • The ePrivacy Directive
  • Local data protection laws

1. Introduction & Legal Framework

1.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device that enable us to:

  • Remember your preferences
  • Understand how you use our platform
  • Enhance your environmental learning experience
  • Measure your environmental impact

1.2 Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

  • Accept or decline non-essential cookies
  • Change your preferences at any time
  • Access information about data collection
  • Request deletion of cookie data

2. Types of Technologies We Use

2.1 First-Party Cookies

Cookies set directly by Eco Heroes for platform functionality.

2.2 Third-Party Cookies

Cookies set by our trusted partners for:

  • Analytics (Google Analytics)
  • Educational content delivery
  • Environmental impact tracking
  • Community features

2.3 Similar Technologies

  • Web beacons
  • Local storage
  • Session storage
  • Pixel tags

3. Detailed Cookie Categories

3.1 Essential Game Cookies (Strictly Necessary)

Cannot be disabled - Required for core functionality

  • Purpose: Core platform operation
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interest
  • Storage: Up to 1 year
  • Data collected:
    • Session identifiers
    • Authentication tokens
    • Game progress markers
    • Security tokens

3.2 Learning Progress Cookies (Performance)

Optional - Affects personalization

  • Purpose: Educational tracking
  • Legal basis: Consent
  • Storage: Up to 2 years
  • Data collected:
    • Learning preferences
    • Quiz results
    • Progress metrics
    • Skill levels

3.3 Community Features Cookies (Functionality)

Optional - Affects social features

  • Purpose: Community interaction
  • Legal basis: Consent
  • Storage: Up to 1 year
  • Data collected:
    • User preferences
    • Community participation
    • Social interactions
    • Achievement sharing

3.4 Impact Tracking Cookies (Analytics)

Optional - Affects impact measurement

  • Purpose: Environmental impact tracking
  • Legal basis: Consent
  • Storage: Up to 2 years
  • Data collected:
    • Carbon footprint data
    • Sustainability actions
    • Resource usage
    • Impact calculations

4. Cookie Management

4.1 Initial Cookie Settings

When first visiting Eco Heroes, you'll see our cookie banner offering these options:

  1. Accept All
  2. Reject Non-Essential
  3. Customize Preferences

4.2 Changing Your Preferences

You can modify your cookie settings through:

  • Privacy Dashboard
  • Account Settings
  • Cookie Preference Center
  • Browser Settings

4.3 Browser-Level Controls

Instructions for managing cookies in popular browsers:

  • Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies
  • Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies
  • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies
  • Edge: Settings → Site Permissions → Cookies

5. Data Processing & Sharing

5.1 Geographic Processing

  • Primary processing: European Union
  • Data centers: European Union

5.2 Third-Party Access

We share cookie data with:

  • Educational content providers
  • Analytics services
  • Environmental impact calculators

All third parties are GDPR-compliant and bound by data processing agreements.

6. Special Considerations

6.1 Child Users

  • Minimal cookie usage
  • Parental consent required
  • No behavioral tracking
  • Essential cookies only by default

6.2 Accessibility

  • Screen reader compatible cookie notice
  • Keyboard-navigable preferences
  • High contrast mode available
  • Alternative text descriptions

7. Updates & Contact

7.1 Policy Updates

  • Regular reviews conducted
  • Email notifications for major changes
  • 30-day notice for material updates
  • Archive of previous versions available

7.2 Contact Information

8. Compliance & Monitoring

8.1 Regulatory Compliance

We regularly audit our cookie usage for compliance with:

  • GDPR requirements
  • ePrivacy Directive
  • Local data protection laws
  • Industry best practices

8.2 Cookie Audit Schedule

  • Monthly technical reviews
  • Quarterly compliance checks
  • Annual policy updates
  • Continuous monitoring

Last Updated: November 27, 2024

Version: 3.0