Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Learning Path and Progress Tracking

When you use our learning path feature, the data we collect depends on your cookie consent preferences:

For Users Who Accept Cookies (Persistent Mode):

• Anonymous User ID: A unique identifier generated by your browser (e.g., "user_1704934800000_abc123x") that is stored locally on your device
• Learning Progress: Records of which cognitive bias lessons you have completed, including completion timestamps
• Category Progress: Your progress across different bias categories (Memory, Decision-Making, Social, etc.)
• Test Results: Records of completed tests (not your answers, just completion status)

This data is stored both locally on your device (in your browser's localStorage) and on our secure servers to provide you with a personalized learning experience and persistent progress tracking.

For Users Who Reject Cookies (Session-Only Mode):

• Session ID: A temporary identifier (e.g., "session_1704934800000_abc123x") that exists only for your current browser session
• Temporary Progress: Your learning progress is stored only in your browser's session storage
• No Server Storage: No data is transmitted to or stored on our servers
• Automatic Deletion: All progress data is automatically cleared when you close your browser

In session-only mode, your progress is completely private and temporary, ensuring no persistent tracking occurs.

Analytics Data

With your consent, we use analytics tools to collect anonymous usage data that helps us improve our website. Our analytics are configured with privacy in mind - your IP address is anonymized and we do not collect or store personally identifiable information.

2. Our Consent Management System

We value your privacy and implement a comprehensive consent management system that gives you full control over what data is collected during your visit. When you first access our site, you'll be presented with a consent banner with clear options to either accept or reject non-essential cookies.

Your choices:

• Accept All: Allows analytics cookies that help us improve the website
• Reject All: Only essential cookies for site functionality will be used
• Manage Preferences: Access detailed cookie information and manage your preferences

Your consent preferences are stored locally and remembered across visits. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the "Manage Cookies" link in the footer of our website.

3. Cookies We Use

Our website uses the following types of cookies:

• Essential cookies: Required for basic site functionality. These cannot be disabled.
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand visitor behavior and improve our content. These are only set with your explicit consent.

Google Analytics uses the following cookies when consent is granted:

• _ga: Used to distinguish users. Expires after 2 years.
• _ga_[measurement ID]: Used to maintain session state. Expires after 2 years.

No cookies from third-party advertisers or social media platforms are used on our website.

4. How We Use Your Information

Learning Progress Data

Your learning progress data is used to:

• Display your personalized learning path and progress across bias categories
• Track which lessons you've completed to avoid repetition
• Provide a seamless learning experience across multiple sessions
• Show progress indicators and completion status

This data is used solely to enhance your learning experience and is not shared with third parties.

Analytics Data

The anonymous analytics data we collect is used exclusively to:

• Monitor and analyze website performance
• Improve our educational content and user experience
• Ensure that the website operates efficiently
• Understand content preferences to enhance future materials

We do not sell, rent, or otherwise disclose your data to external parties. Analytics data is processed according to Google's Data Processing Terms and Google's Privacy Policy. We retain analytics data for a maximum period of 14 months, after which it is automatically deleted.

5. Data Retention

We retain different types of data for different periods:

• Learning Progress Data: Stored indefinitely to maintain your learning path and progress. You can request deletion at any time by contacting us.
• Analytics Data: Automatically deleted after 14 months in compliance with our privacy practices.
• Local Storage Data: Remains on your device until you clear it or generate a new user ID.

6. Data Security

We employ reasonable security measures to protect the limited data collected through our website. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure. While we strive to safeguard your data, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

7. External Links

Our website may include links to external sites for your convenience. Please note that we do not control the privacy practices of these external websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies when you visit them.

8. Children's Privacy

Cognitive Bias Lab is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If it comes to our attention that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

9. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal data under regulations like the GDPR or CCPA. These may include:

• The right to access information we hold about you
• The right to request deletion of any personal data we may hold
• The right to object to processing of your data
• The right to withdraw consent at any time

Managing Your Learning Progress Data

You have full control over your learning progress data:

• Clear Local Data: Clear your browser's localStorage to remove your user ID and reset your progress locally
• Delete Server Data: Contact us to request deletion of your progress data from our servers using your unique user ID
• Start Fresh: Clear your browser data to generate a new user ID and start a new learning path

Managing Analytics and Cookies

You can exercise your rights regarding analytics and cookies by:

• Managing your cookie preferences through our consent banner or footer link
• Using browser controls to clear cookies and local storage
• Contacting us directly with specific requests

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at contact@cognitivebiaslab.com.