Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy explains how Curio Web Design uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website. By using our website, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy.

1. 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 allow websites to recognize your device and remember information about your visit, such as your preferences and actions. This helps improve your browsing experience and enables websites to function properly.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for parts of the website to function properly. You cannot opt out of these without breaking the affected functionality.

• Spam protection on the contact form (Google reCAPTCHA)

Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors use the website so we can improve it. They are optional — see Section 6 for how to opt out.

• Google Analytics 4 (page views, traffic sources, time on page, device type)

We do not use cookies for advertising, retargeting, or social media tracking, and we do not sell or share your data with advertising networks.

3. First-Party vs. Third-Party Cookies

First-Party Cookies

These are cookies set directly by our website. We use first-party cookies to provide essential functionality, remember your preferences, and analyze website performance.

Third-Party Cookies

These are cookies set by third-party services we rely on to operate the site. We currently use three:

Google Analytics 4

Sets cookies in the _ga family (typically _ga and _ga_<property-id>) to identify a returning browser and measure visit duration. Provider: Google LLC. See the Google Privacy Policy.

Google reCAPTCHA

Loads on pages with the contact form to detect automated submissions. Sets cookies in the _GRECAPTCHA name and may store additional risk-analysis data on Google's servers. Provider: Google LLC. Disabling these cookies will prevent the contact form from submitting. See the Google Privacy Policy.

Calendly

Loads only when you open a Calendly booking link from our Contact page. Calendly sets its own session and analytics cookies (typically prefixed _calendly_session). Provider: Calendly LLC. See the Calendly Privacy Notice.

Note: Sections 2 and 5 below describe cookies set when you visit this website. Calendly cookies are only set if you click through to Calendly's booking page — they are not set on curiowebdesign.com itself, which is why Calendly is named here in Section 3 but not in Sections 2 or 5.

4. Session vs. Persistent Cookies

Session Cookies

These are temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser. They are used to maintain your session as you navigate through our website.

Persistent Cookies

These cookies remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. They are used to remember your preferences and settings across multiple visits.

5. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for two purposes:

• Spam protection: Verify that contact-form submissions are from real people, not bots (Google reCAPTCHA)
• Analytics: Understand how visitors use the website so we can improve it (Google Analytics 4)

We do not use cookies for advertising, retargeting, personalization, social media tracking, or any other purpose beyond the two listed above.

6. Managing and Controlling Cookies

You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject cookies. You can exercise your cookie preferences through:

Browser Settings

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

• Block all cookies
• Accept only first-party cookies
• Delete cookies when you close your browser
• Set exceptions for specific websites

Here's how to manage cookies in popular browsers:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
• Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data

Opt-Out Tools

You can opt out of analytics tracking specifically:

• Google Analytics: Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on to prevent GA4 from collecting data on your visit.
• Google reCAPTCHA: reCAPTCHA cookies are required for the contact form to function. If you block them, you will not be able to submit the form. There is no partial-opt-out path.

7. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want your online activity tracked. Currently, there is no universal standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. We do not currently respond to DNT signals, but you can manage cookies through your browser settings as described above.

8. Cookies on Mobile Devices

If you access our website through a mobile device, we may use similar tracking technologies. You can manage these through your device settings:

• iOS: Settings → Safari → Privacy & Security
• Android: Settings → Privacy → Advanced → Site settings

9. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date.

10. More Information

For more information about how we handle your personal data, please see our Privacy Policy.

If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us: