Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognize your device and store information about your preferences or past actions.

2. How We Use Cookies

Guide Essence uses cookies to:

• Ensure our website functions properly
• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and user behavior
• Improve our services and user experience
• Provide personalized content and advertisements
• Enable social media features

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable basic functions like page navigation, form submissions, and access to secure areas. The website cannot function properly without these cookies.

3.2 Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. They help us improve our website performance and user experience.

3.3 Marketing Cookies

These cookies are used to make advertising messages more relevant to you. They track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized advertisements.

3.4 Social Media Cookies

These cookies enable social media features and allow you to share content from our website on social platforms.

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages:

4.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze website usage. Google Analytics uses cookies to help us understand how visitors use our site. The information generated is transmitted to and stored by Google.

4.2 Social Media Platforms

Social media buttons and widgets may set cookies to enable sharing functionality and track social media engagement.

4.3 Video Content

Embedded videos from platforms like YouTube may set cookies to enhance the viewing experience and track video engagement.

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

5.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner allowing you to:

• Accept All: Allow all cookies
• Necessary Only: Accept only essential cookies
• Custom Settings: Choose specific cookie categories

5.2 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

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

5.3 Opt-Out Links

You can opt out of specific tracking services:

• Google Analytics Opt-out
• Facebook Pixel Opt-out
• Digital Advertising Opt-out

6. Impact of Disabling Cookies

Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality:

• Essential Cookies: Website may not function properly
• Analytics Cookies: We cannot improve our services based on usage data
• Marketing Cookies: You may see less relevant advertisements
• Social Media Cookies: Social sharing features may not work

7. Cookie Storage and Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect cookie data:

• Cookies are encrypted where possible
• Secure transmission over HTTPS
• Regular security audits and updates
• Limited access to cookie data

8. International Data Transfers

Some third-party cookies may transfer data internationally. We ensure adequate protection through:

• Privacy Shield frameworks
• Standard contractual clauses
• Adequacy decisions by privacy authorities

9. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through cookies. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information promptly.

10. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect:

• Changes in cookie usage
• New third-party services
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• Technology updates

We will notify you of significant changes by posting a notice on our website or sending an email notification.

11. Contact Information

For questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy:

12. Your Rights

Under applicable privacy laws, you have rights regarding cookies and personal data:

• Right to information about cookie usage
• Right to consent or refuse consent
• Right to withdraw consent at any time
• Right to access data collected through cookies
• Right to rectification or deletion of data

This Cookie Policy is effective as of June 24, 2025.