# Cookie Policy

**Last updated: February 2026**

How we use cookies and similar tracking technologies on SortedMate.

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This Cookie Policy explains how SortedMate Ltd uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use information.

## What Are Cookies

### Definition

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They allow websites to remember information about you and your preferences.

### Similar Technologies

We also use other storage technologies that work similarly:

- **localStorage** - Stores data on your device indefinitely until manually cleared
- **sessionStorage** - Stores data temporarily during your current browser session

Cookies are essential to how the modern web works. They enable websites to remember you, keep you logged in, and provide personalized experiences. This policy describes all the cookies and tracking technologies we use, what they do, and how you can control them.

## Essential Cookies

**Required - Cannot Be Disabled**

These cookies are necessary for the website and our service to function properly. They enable core functionality like authentication and form protection. You cannot disable these cookies without breaking certain features of the website.

| Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| `sortedmate-cookie-consent` | localStorage | Remembers your cookie preferences | Persistent |
| `sm_contact_submissions` | localStorage | Prevents duplicate form submissions | Persistent |
| `sm_contact_last_submit` | localStorage | Rate limiting for form submissions | Persistent |
| `__clerk_*` | Cookie | Authentication session management (Clerk) | Session |
| `__client_uat` | Cookie | Clerk client authentication token | Session |

## Analytics Cookies

**Optional - Require Your Consent**

These cookies help us understand how you use our website and service. We only set these cookies if you consent to analytics. You can accept or reject these cookies when you first visit our website using the cookie banner, or change your choice at any time using the "Cookie Preferences" link in the footer.

| Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| `ph_phc_*` | Cookie/localStorage | PostHog - Identifies unique users for analytics | 1 year |
| `ph_*_posthog` | localStorage | PostHog - Stores session and feature flag data | 1 year |

## Functional Cookies

**Set by Third Parties - When Features Are Used**

These cookies are set by third-party service providers when you use certain features of our website. They are used for security and functionality purposes. These cookies may be set regardless of your cookie preferences if they are essential to the feature you are using.

| Name / Pattern | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| `_grecaptcha` | Google | reCAPTCHA - Bot protection for forms | Session |
| hcaptcha related | hCaptcha | hCaptcha - GDPR-friendly bot protection for forms | Session |

## How to Manage Cookies

### Using Our Cookie Banner

When you first visit SortedMate, a cookie banner appears at the bottom of the page. You can:

- Click "Accept All" to consent to all optional cookies
- Click "Reject All" to decline optional cookies
- Click "Cookie Preferences" to customize your choices

### Change Your Preferences Later

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Preferences" link in the footer of the website. This will open a panel where you can select which types of cookies you consent to.

### Browser Settings

You can also manage cookies using your browser's built-in tools:

- View stored cookies
- Block cookies from specific websites
- Delete all cookies or specific cookies
- Block all cookies by default (third-party only, or all)

Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality and user experience of our website. Some features may not work properly without essential cookies.

### ICO Guidance

For more information about cookies and how to manage them, visit the [Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) guidance on cookies](https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/your-data-matters/cookies/).

## Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our use of cookies, new cookies or technologies, or other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy.

We recommend reviewing this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.

## Privacy Policy

For detailed information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information, please see our [Privacy Policy](https://sortedmate.com/legal/privacy).

## Contact Us

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

- Email: [privacy@sortedmate.com](mailto:privacy@sortedmate.com)
- SortedMate Ltd
- 3rd Floor, 86-90 Paul Street
- London, EC2A 4NE
- United Kingdom
- Company Registration No: 16880125
- ICO Registration No: ZC090709