Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how vSkul ("we," "our," or "us"), operated by McAriel Consult, uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website at vskul.com and use our mobile applications (collectively, the "Platform").

This policy provides you with clear and comprehensive information about the cookies we use and the purposes for using them. By using our Platform, you consent to the 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. Cookies are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide a better user experience.

Types of Cookies

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them
• First-Party Cookies: Cookies set by vSkul directly
• Third-Party Cookies: Cookies set by our partners and service providers

3. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for various purposes to improve your experience on vSkul:

3.1 Essential Cookies (Required)

These cookies are necessary for the Platform to function properly. You cannot opt out of these cookies.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
vskul_session	Maintains your logged-in session	Session
csrf_token	Protects against cross-site request forgery attacks	Session
cookie_consent	Remembers your cookie preferences	1 year
user_auth	Verifies your authentication status	7 days

3.2 Functionality Cookies (Optional)

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
user_language	Remembers your preferred language	1 year
video_quality	Remembers your video quality preference	30 days
sidebar_state	Remembers if you collapsed the sidebar	30 days
theme_preference	Stores your dark/light mode preference	1 year
last_viewed_course	Helps you resume where you left off	30 days

3.3 Analytics Cookies (Optional)

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our Platform by collecting and reporting information anonymously.

Service	Cookies Used	Purpose	Duration
Google Analytics	_ga, _gid, _gat	Tracks website usage and generates reports	2 years (_ga), 24 hours (_gid)
vSkul Analytics	vskul_analytics	Tracks course views, enrollments, and completion rates	1 year
Hotjar	_hjid, _hjSessionUser	Records user interactions for UX improvements	1 year

Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to understand how users interact with our Platform. Google Analytics collects information anonymously and reports website trends without identifying individual visitors. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

3.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies (Optional)

These cookies track your browsing habits to deliver personalized advertisements and measure the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns.

Service	Cookies Used	Purpose	Duration
Facebook Pixel	_fbp, fr	Tracks conversions from Facebook ads	90 days (_fbp), 90 days (fr)
Google Ads	_gcl_au, IDE	Tracks conversions and delivers targeted ads	90 days
LinkedIn Insight	li_sugr, UserMatchHistory	Tracks conversions from LinkedIn ads	30 days

3.5 Video Player Cookies

When you watch course videos, our video player may set cookies to remember your preferences and track playback.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
video_progress	Saves your video progress for each lesson	90 days
playback_speed	Remembers your preferred playback speed	1 year
video_volume	Remembers your volume setting	1 year
subtitles_enabled	Remembers if you enabled subtitles	1 year

4. Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we use other similar technologies:

4.1 Local Storage

We use HTML5 local storage to store data locally on your device, such as:

• Course progress and quiz answers (for offline access)
• Downloaded course materials
• User interface preferences
• Temporary data for better performance

4.2 Web Beacons (Pixels)

Small transparent images embedded in emails and web pages to track:

• Email open rates
• Whether you clicked links in our emails
• Page views and navigation patterns

4.3 Session Storage

Temporary storage that expires when you close your browser, used for:

• Form data preservation
• Navigation state
• Search filters

4.4 Device Fingerprinting

We may collect device information (browser type, screen resolution, operating system) to:

• Detect and prevent fraud
• Ensure security
• Optimize content delivery

5. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our Platform. We do not control these cookies, and you should check the third-party websites for more information.

Third-Party Services We Use

• Payment Processors: Paystack, Flutterwave (for secure payments)
• Video Hosting: Bunny.net, Gumlet (for video delivery)
• Live Streaming: Ant Media Server
• Email Service: Brevo (for email delivery tracking)
• Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (for social sharing)
• Analytics: Google Analytics, Hotjar
• Advertising: Google Ads, Facebook Ads, LinkedIn Ads

6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

6.1 Cookie Consent Tool

When you first visit vSkul, you'll see a cookie banner allowing you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• Customize your preferences by cookie category

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer.

6.2 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

• View and delete cookies
• Block all cookies
• Block third-party cookies only
• Clear cookies when you close your browser
• Receive a warning before cookies are stored

Browser-Specific Instructions

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

For detailed instructions, visit www.aboutcookies.org or www.allaboutcookies.org.

6.3 Mobile Device Settings

On mobile devices, you can manage cookies through your device settings:

• iOS: Settings → Safari → Block All Cookies
• Android: Chrome app → Settings → Site settings → Cookies

6.4 Opting Out of Advertising Cookies

To opt out of interest-based advertising:

• Google Ads: Google Ad Settings
• Facebook Ads: Facebook Ad Preferences
• Network Advertising Initiative: NAI Opt-Out
• Digital Advertising Alliance: DAA Opt-Out

7. Impact of Disabling Cookies

If you disable cookies, some features of vSkul may not work properly:

Cookie Type	Impact if Disabled
Essential Cookies	You may not be able to log in, enroll in courses, or use core features
Functionality Cookies	Your preferences won't be saved; you'll need to reset them each visit
Analytics Cookies	We can't improve the Platform based on your usage patterns
Marketing Cookies	You'll still see ads, but they won't be personalized to your interests

8. Do Not Track (DNT) Signals

Some browsers have a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals websites not to track your browsing. Currently, there is no industry standard for responding to DNT signals. vSkul does not currently respond to DNT signals, but we respect your cookie preferences as set in our cookie consent tool.

9. Children's Privacy

vSkul is not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly use cookies to collect information from children. If you are under 18, you may only use vSkul under parental supervision.

10. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our business practices. When we make changes:

• We'll update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• We'll notify you via our cookie banner or email for significant changes
• Your continued use of vSkul constitutes acceptance of the updated policy

11. More Information

11.1 Related Policies

For more information about how we handle your data, please read:

• Privacy Policy - How we collect, use, and protect your personal information
• Terms of Service - Rules governing your use of vSkul

11.2 Contact Us

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

McAriel Consult (vSkul)
Email: privacy@vskul.com
Support: support@vskul.com
Website: https://vskul.com

12. Cookie List (Detailed)

Below is a comprehensive list of all cookies used on vSkul:

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Name	Provider	Purpose	Expiry
vskul_session	vSkul	Session management	Session
csrf_token	vSkul	Security protection	Session
user_auth	vSkul	Authentication	7 days
cookie_consent	vSkul	Cookie preferences	1 year

Performance Cookies

Name	Provider	Purpose	Expiry
_ga	Google Analytics	Distinguishes users	2 years
_gid	Google Analytics	Distinguishes users	24 hours
_gat	Google Analytics	Throttles request rate	1 minute

Functional Cookies

Name	Provider	Purpose	Expiry
user_language	vSkul	Language preference	1 year
video_quality	vSkul	Video quality setting	30 days
playback_speed	vSkul	Playback speed preference	1 year

By using vSkul, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Cookie Policy and consent to our use of cookies as described herein.