Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently and to provide information to site owners. Similar technologies include local storage, session storage, and tracking pixels.

2. Who We Are

This Cookie Policy applies to the website at smartends.com, operated by SmartEnds BV, Vlasgaardstraat 52, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. For questions, contact us at admin@smartends.com.

3. Cookies We Use

3.1 Strictly Necessary

These cookies are essential for the website to function. They cannot be disabled.

• Session cookies — maintain your session as you navigate between pages. Deleted when you close your browser.
• Cloudflare Turnstile — used on our contact form to verify that submissions are made by a human, not an automated bot. Turnstile is a privacy-first CAPTCHA that does not set persistent tracking cookies.

3.2 Analytics and Performance

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it. All data is aggregated and does not identify individuals.

• Google Analytics 4 (_ga, _ga_*, _gid) — measures page views, session duration, traffic sources, and user behaviour. Data is retained for up to 26 months. Google acts as a data processor under our instructions. You can opt out via the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
• Vercel Analytics — anonymised performance monitoring including page load times and Core Web Vitals. No personal data is stored.
• Vercel Speed Insights — anonymised real-user performance metrics. No personal data is stored.

3.3 Cookies We Do Not Use

We do not use:

• Advertising or retargeting cookies
• Social media tracking cookies
• Cookies that track you across other websites

4. Cookie Duration

Cookies set on our website have the following lifespans:

• Session cookies — deleted when you close your browser
• _ga (Google Analytics) — 2 years
• _gid (Google Analytics) — 24 hours
• _ga_* (GA4 measurement ID) — 2 years
• Vercel Analytics — session only, no persistent cookie

5. Managing Cookies

You can control and manage cookies in several ways:

5.1 Browser Settings

Most browsers allow you to view, block, or delete cookies. Instructions for common browsers:

• Google Chrome — Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox — Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Microsoft Edge — Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions > Manage and delete cookies
• Safari — Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data

Note: blocking all cookies may affect the functionality of some websites, including our contact form.

5.2 Google Analytics Opt-Out

To opt out of Google Analytics tracking across all websites, install the official Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, available at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

6. Legal Basis

We use analytics cookies on the basis of our legitimate interest in understanding how our website is used and improving user experience. Where required by applicable law, we will seek your consent before placing non-essential cookies.

Strictly necessary cookies do not require consent as they are essential for the website to function.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use or applicable regulations. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will be revised accordingly.

8. Contact

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

SmartEnds BV

Vlasgaardstraat 52, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Email: admin@smartends.com

Website: smartends.com