Cookie Policy
Last Updated: March 26, 2025
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how ViolaRead ("we", "us", or "our"), operated by LYDovate, uses cookies, similar tracking technologies, and local storage on our website (www.violaread.com) and browser extension. This policy provides detailed information about what cookies are, how and why we use them, and how you can control them.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and give website owners information about how their site is being used.
Cookies can be "persistent" or "session" cookies. Persistent cookies remain on your device when you go offline, while session cookies are deleted as soon as you close your web browser.
3. Types of Cookies and Similar Technologies We Use
3.1 Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, account authentication, and remembering your preferences. You cannot opt out of these cookies.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| firebase-session-cookie | Maintains your authentication state and session | Session (2 weeks if "Remember me" is selected) |
| __session | Firebase authentication session backup | Session |
| violaread_session | Maintains your session across the website | Session |
3.2 Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. They assist us in improving our website's functionality and user experience.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| ph_* | PostHog | Tracks user behavior, page views, and interactions to improve user experience | 1 year |
| _vercel_speed_* | Vercel | Measures website performance metrics | Session to 1 year |
3.3 Functional Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| terms_accepted | Remembers if you've accepted our terms of service | 1 year |
| preferences_* | Stores your preferences for website functionality | 1 year |
4. Local Storage
In addition to cookies, we use browser local storage for operational, functional, and performance reasons. Unlike cookies, local storage data is not automatically transmitted to the server with each request but remains client-side.
| Storage Key Pattern | Purpose |
|---|---|
| posthog_* | Stores PostHog analytics identification and tracking information |
| readle_* | Stores user preferences for the ViolaRead extension |
| firebase:* | Temporarily stores Firebase authentication information |
5. Third-Party Cookies and Services
We use several third-party services that may set cookies or use similar tracking technologies:
- PostHog: We use PostHog for website analytics to understand how users interact with our site and extension. PostHog may set cookies or use local storage to track user behavior anonymously.
- Firebase: We use Firebase for authentication, hosting, and database services. Firebase sets cookies essential for authentication and security.
- Stripe: Our payment processor may set cookies for fraud detection and to maintain payment session state.
- Vercel: Our hosting provider uses cookies to measure website performance and provide analytics data.
6. Cookie Management
Most web browsers allow you to manage your cookie preferences. You can set your browser to refuse cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. The methods for doing so vary from browser to browser, and from version to version.
You can generally find information about how to manage cookies in the "Help" or "Settings" sections of your browser. Here are links to cookie management information for common browsers:
Please note that restricting cookies may impact the functionality of our website and services. In particular, blocking essential cookies will prevent you from logging in and using authenticated features.
7. ViolaRead Browser Extension Storage
Our browser extension uses browser storage mechanisms to enhance your experience:
- Extension Local Storage: Stores your preferences, text processing settings, and cached data to improve performance.
- Browser Extension API Storage: Uses browser extension-specific storage APIs to maintain state between sessions.
The extension never stores your browsing history or the actual content of pages you visit beyond the current session, except when explicitly requested for specific features like saved highlights.
8. Data Retention
Different cookies and local storage items have different lifespans (or "duration"):
- Session cookies/storage: These are temporary and are erased when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies/storage: These remain on your device until they expire or you delete them. Our persistent cookies typically last from 30 days to 1 year.
9. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update our Cookie Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Cookie Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. You are advised to review this Cookie Policy periodically for any changes.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us at:
- By email: support@violaread.com
- Through our Contact form