1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how The PE Dept ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website and use our platform (collectively, the "Service").
This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, such as your preferences and login status.
2.1 Types of Cookies by Lifespan
- Session Cookies: Temporary cookies deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted
2.2 Types of Cookies by Origin
- First-Party Cookies: Set by The PE Dept directly
- Third-Party Cookies: Set by external services we use (analytics, hosting, etc.)
3. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies for the following purposes:
3.1 Essential Cookies (Required)
These cookies are necessary for the Service to function and cannot be disabled:
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|
session_id | Maintains your login session | Session |
auth_token | Authenticates your requests | 7 days |
csrf_token | Protects against cross-site request forgery | Session |
locale | Remembers your language preference | 1 year |
Legal Basis: Legitimate interest (necessary for service functionality)
3.2 Functional Cookies (Optional)
These cookies enhance your experience but are not strictly necessary:
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|
theme | Remembers dark/light mode preference | 1 year |
sidebar_state | Remembers sidebar collapsed/expanded state | 1 year |
workspace_id | Remembers last accessed workspace | 30 days |
tour_completed | Tracks which onboarding tours you've completed | Persistent |
Legal Basis: Consent (you can opt out in Settings)
3.3 Analytics Cookies (Optional)
These cookies help us understand how you use the Service:
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|
_analytics_id | Anonymized user identifier | 2 years | Privacy-focused analytics |
_analytics_session | Session tracking | 30 minutes | Privacy-focused analytics |
_page_views | Page view tracking | Session | Privacy-focused analytics |
What we track (anonymized):
- Pages visited and time spent
- Features used and buttons clicked
- Device type and screen resolution
- Geographic location (country/region only)
- Referral source (how you found us)
What we DO NOT track:
- Personal information or identifiable data
- Keystroke or form inputs
- Detailed user behavior or mouse movements
- Personally identifiable information (PII)
Legal Basis: Consent (you can opt out in Settings or browser)
3.4 Marketing Cookies (Opt-In Only)
We do NOT currently use marketing cookies. If we introduce them in the future:
- You will be asked for explicit consent
- You can withdraw consent at any time
- These will track campaign effectiveness and ad performance
4. Third-Party Cookies
We use the following third-party services that may set cookies:
4.1 Hosting and Infrastructure
- Vercel (hosting): Performance and security cookies
- Supabase (database): Authentication and session management
- Cloudflare (CDN): Security and performance optimization
4.2 Payment Processing
- Stripe (payments): Fraud prevention and transaction processing
- Only set during checkout process
- Subject to Stripe's Privacy Policy
4.3 Email Services
- Resend (transactional emails): Email delivery tracking
- Only tracks email opens and clicks (for important notifications)
- You can opt out of tracking in email preferences
4.4 School Management System Integrations
If your school uses third-party integrations:
- Wonde API: Student data synchronization
- Google Workspace: Authentication and data sync (if enabled)
- Microsoft 365: Authentication and data sync (if enabled)
These services have their own privacy policies and cookie practices.
5. How to Manage Cookies
You have several options to control cookies:
5.1 Platform Settings
Manage non-essential cookies in The PE Dept:
- Go to Settings → Privacy & Cookies
- Toggle preferences for:
- Functional cookies
- Analytics cookies
- Marketing cookies (if applicable)
- Click Save Preferences
5.2 Browser Settings
Configure cookie settings in your browser:
Google Chrome:
- Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Choose "Block third-party cookies" or "Block all cookies"
Firefox:
- Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Choose "Delete cookies when Firefox closes" or custom settings
Safari:
- Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
- Choose "Block all cookies" or "Prevent cross-site tracking"
Edge:
- Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
- Choose "Block third-party cookies" or custom settings
5.3 Browser Extensions
Install privacy-focused browser extensions:
- Privacy Badger: Blocks invisible trackers
- uBlock Origin: Blocks ads and trackers
- Cookie AutoDelete: Automatically deletes cookies
5.4 Opt-Out Links
You can opt out of specific services:
6. Impact of Disabling Cookies
6.1 Essential Cookies
If you block essential cookies:
- You will not be able to log in or use the Service
- Platform functionality will be severely limited
- We recommend allowing essential cookies
6.2 Functional Cookies
If you block functional cookies:
- Your preferences will not be saved
- You will need to reconfigure settings each visit
- User experience may be degraded
6.3 Analytics Cookies
If you block analytics cookies:
- No impact on Service functionality
- Helps us respect your privacy
- We may have less insight into improving the platform
7. Cookies and Personal Data
7.1 Data Protection
Cookies may contain personal data. We handle cookie data in accordance with:
- GDPR (EU General Data Protection Regulation)
- PECR (UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations)
- ePrivacy Directive (EU)
- Our Privacy Policy
7.2 Cookie Consent
For non-essential cookies, we:
- Obtain explicit consent before setting cookies
- Provide clear information about each cookie type
- Allow you to withdraw consent at any time
- Respect "Do Not Track" browser settings
7.3 Children's Privacy
We do not knowingly collect cookie data from children under 13 without parental consent. If you believe we have collected such data, please contact us at [email protected].
8. Similar Technologies
In addition to cookies, we may use:
8.1 Web Beacons
Small transparent images embedded in web pages or emails to track:
- Email open rates (for important notifications only)
- Page load times and performance
- Feature usage statistics
8.2 Local Storage
HTML5 local storage to save:
- User interface preferences
- Offline data for improved performance
- Application state information
Unlike cookies, local storage is not sent to our servers with every request.
8.3 Session Storage
Temporary storage cleared when you close your browser:
- Form data (to prevent loss if connection drops)
- Navigation state
- Temporary workspace information
9. International Data Transfers
Cookie data may be transferred to and processed in:
- United Kingdom: Primary infrastructure location
- European Union: EU-based service providers
- United States: Third-party analytics and hosting
We ensure adequate safeguards through Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and GDPR-compliant transfer mechanisms.
10. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:
- Changes in cookie usage
- New third-party services
- Legal or regulatory requirements
- User feedback
10.1 Notification
We will notify you of material changes by:
- Email notification (if you have an account)
- In-app notification when you next log in
- Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
10.2 Consent Refresh
For significant changes to non-essential cookies, we will:
- Re-request your consent
- Provide updated information about cookie usage
- Allow you to review and update your preferences
11. Cookie List
Below is a comprehensive list of all cookies we use:
Essential Cookies
| Cookie | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|
__Host-session | Secure session management | First-party | Session |
__Host-csrf | CSRF protection | First-party | Session |
sb-access-token | Supabase authentication | First-party | 7 days |
sb-refresh-token | Session refresh | First-party | 30 days |
locale | Language preference | First-party | 1 year |
Functional Cookies
| Cookie | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|
theme | Dark/light mode | First-party | 1 year |
sidebar | UI state | First-party | 1 year |
workspace_last | Last workspace | First-party | 30 days |
Analytics Cookies
| Cookie | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|
_analytics_id | Anonymous user ID | Third-party | 2 years |
_analytics_session | Session tracking | Third-party | 30 minutes |
12. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies:
Cookie Questions:
Data Protection Officer:
Mailing Address:
The PE Dept
Data Protection Team
[Company Address]
Response Time: We aim to respond within 48 hours.
13. Your Rights
Under GDPR and PECR, you have the right to:
- Withdraw Consent: Opt out of non-essential cookies at any time
- Access: Request information about cookies we've set
- Deletion: Request deletion of cookie data
- Objection: Object to cookie-based processing
- Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the ICO (UK) or your data protection authority
14. Additional Resources
For more information about cookies:
This Cookie Policy was last updated on January 15, 2025.
By continuing to use The PE Dept, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Cookie Policy and consent to the use of cookies as described.
You can change your cookie preferences at any time in Settings → Privacy & Cookies.
