1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how The Dark Poet Studio ("Company", "we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website at www.thedarkpoet.studio. This Policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy.

By continuing to use our website without adjusting your browser settings, and where required by applicable law, by affirmatively consenting through our cookie consent mechanism, you agree to our use of cookies as described in this Policy.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognize your device and remember certain information about your visit. Cookies serve a variety of functions: some are essential for the website to work properly, others help us understand how visitors interact with our site, and others may deliver relevant content.

In addition to cookies, we may use similar technologies such as web beacons, pixel tags, local storage, and session storage, which function in similar ways. This Policy covers all such technologies collectively referred to as "cookies."

3. Categories of Cookies We Use

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the basic operation of our website. They enable core functions such as navigation, access to secure areas, and form submission. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. Because they are necessary, they do not require your consent.

• Session cookies that maintain your session state as you navigate the site

• Security cookies that help prevent fraudulent use of login credentials or the contact form

3.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies allow us to remember your preferences and customize your experience on our website. For example, they may remember your language preference or whether you have previously dismissed a notice. These cookies do not track your browsing activity across other websites.

3.3 Analytics and Performance Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This allows us to improve the site's performance and content. Analytics cookies may be set by us or by third-party analytics providers such as Google Analytics. Where required by applicable law (including for EU/UK users), these cookies will only be activated with your consent.

•        Page visit statistics and user flow data

•        Device and browser information for compatibility purposes

•        Referral source data to understand how users find our website

3.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies

At present, The Dark Poet Studio does not use marketing or advertising cookies for behavioral advertising or retargeting. If this changes in the future, this Policy will be updated and your consent will be sought where required by applicable law.

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our website may be set by third-party service providers. These third parties have their own privacy and cookie policies, and we encourage you to review them. Third-party cookies we may use include:

• Google Analytics: for website analytics and performance measurement. Google may transfer data to servers in the United States. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on available at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

• Payment processing providers: when you proceed to payment, the payment processor's cookies may be set on your device. These are governed by the payment processor's own privacy policy.

5. Cookie Duration

Cookies can be either "session cookies" or "persistent cookies." Session cookies are deleted from your device when you close your browser. Persistent cookies remain on your device until they expire or until you delete them. Analytics and functional cookies we use typically have a lifespan of between thirty (30) days and twenty-six (26) months.

6. Your Cookie Choices and Controls

You have several options to control or limit how cookies are used on our website:

• Browser settings: Most web browsers allow you to manage cookie settings. You can configure your browser to refuse, delete, or notify you when cookies are set. Please refer to your browser's help documentation for instructions. Common browsers include Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera.

• Consent mechanism: Where required by law (including for users in the EU, UK, or California), we display a cookie consent banner that allows you to accept or decline non-essential cookies. You can change your consent preferences at any time by accessing the cookie settings link on our website.

• Opt-out tools: For Google Analytics, you may use the opt-out tool described in Section 4 above.

 Please note that if you disable or refuse certain cookies, some parts of our website may become inaccessible or may not function correctly.

 7. California Residents — Additional Disclosures

Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), you have the right to know about the categories of personal information collected through cookies and to request that we not sell or share such information. We do not sell personal information collected through cookies. For more information on your California rights, please see our Privacy Policy.

8. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will update the Effective Date above. We encourage you to review this Policy periodically.

9. Contact Us

For any questions regarding this policy, please contact us at: legal@thedarkpoet.studio or through the contact form at www.thedarkpoet.studio.