Cookie Policy

Last Updated: October 12, 2025

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide a better user experience by remembering your preferences and analyzing how you use our platform.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable basic features like page navigation and access to secure areas.

  • Session Management: Keep you logged in as you navigate
  • Security: Prevent unauthorized access and fraud
  • Form Data: Remember information you enter in forms

2.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies remember your preferences and choices to provide enhanced functionality.

  • User Preferences: Remember your selected theme, language, or display settings
  • Recipe Filters: Save your cuisine or dietary preferences
  • Comment Tracking: Track which recipes you've commented on

2.3 Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, allowing us to improve the service.

  • Usage Statistics: Pages visited, time spent, features used
  • Performance Monitoring: Page load times, errors
  • User Behavior: Click patterns, navigation flows

2.4 Third-Party Cookies

We use services from third parties that may set their own cookies:

  • Google Fonts: For typography
  • Firebase/Google Cloud: For authentication and data storage
  • Instagram: If you connect your Instagram account
  • Vercel Analytics: For performance monitoring

3. How We Use Cookies

  • Authentication: Keep you logged in across sessions
  • Personalization: Remember your preferences and settings
  • Like Tracking: Track which recipes and comments you've liked
  • AI Features: Remember your AI image selections
  • Performance: Optimize loading times and reduce server load
  • Security: Detect and prevent fraudulent activity
  • Analytics: Understand usage patterns to improve features

4. Browser Storage

In addition to cookies, we may use browser storage technologies:

  • Local Storage: Store larger amounts of data like recipe drafts
  • Session Storage: Temporary data cleared when you close your browser
  • IndexedDB: Store structured data for offline access

5. Cookie Duration

5.1 Session Cookies

Temporary cookies deleted when you close your browser. Used for session management and security.

5.2 Persistent Cookies

Remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted. Used for:

  • Remember Me: Up to 30 days
  • User Preferences: Up to 1 year
  • Analytics: Up to 2 years

6. Managing Cookies

6.1 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

  • Block All Cookies: Prevent all websites from setting cookies
  • Block Third-Party Cookies: Allow only first-party cookies
  • Delete Cookies: Remove existing cookies from your device
  • Incognito/Private Mode: Browse without saving cookies

6.2 Browser-Specific Instructions

6.3 Impact of Blocking Cookies

Blocking or deleting cookies may impact your experience:

  • You may need to log in repeatedly
  • Your preferences won't be saved
  • Some features may not work properly
  • Recipe likes and comments tracking may not function

7. Third-Party Cookie Policies

Our third-party service providers have their own cookie policies:

8. Do Not Track

Some browsers offer "Do Not Track" (DNT) signals. Currently, there is no industry standard for responding to DNT signals. We may or may not honor DNT requests, depending on the browser and context.

9. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology or legal requirements. The "Last Updated" date at the top indicates when the policy was last revised.

10. Contact Us

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

Banos Cookbook

ABN: 51 256 011 991

Phone: +61 4 8321 0312

Email: privacy@banoscookbook.com