Cookie Policy
Last Updated: October 14, 2025
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how MockSphere ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website and services. By using our platform, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with this policy.
Quick Summary: Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us provide, improve, and secure our services. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They help the website remember information about your visit, such as your preferences and login status.
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 MockSphere directly
- Third-party Cookies: Cookies set by our service providers and partners
3. How We Use Cookies
| Category | Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Required for basic site functionality and security | Session management, authentication, security tokens | |
| Enable enhanced features and personalization | Theme preferences, language settings, user preferences | |
| Help us understand how users interact with our site | Page views, user flow, performance metrics | |
| Deliver relevant content and measure campaign effectiveness | Ad targeting, conversion tracking (if applicable) |
4. Specific Cookies We Use
4.1 Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be disabled in our systems:
- sessionid: Manages your login session and authentication
- csrftoken: Protects against cross-site request forgery attacks
- messages: Stores temporary system messages and notifications
4.2 Functional Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization:
- theme: Remembers your light/dark mode preference
- language: Stores your language preference
- user_preferences: Saves your custom settings and preferences
- copy_paste_enabled: Remembers your copy-paste permission settings
4.3 Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us analyze how users interact with our platform:
- _ga: Google Analytics - distinguishes unique users
- _gid: Google Analytics - distinguishes unique users (24-hour expiry)
- _gat: Google Analytics - throttles request rate
4.4 Performance Cookies
These cookies help us monitor and improve site performance:
- Page load times and error tracking
- Browser and device information for optimization
- Feature usage analytics
5. Third-Party Cookies
We use services from trusted third parties who may also set cookies. These include:
5.1 Google Services
- Google Analytics: Website analytics and usage statistics
- Google OAuth: Social login authentication
5.2 Payment Processors
- Stripe: Secure payment processing (when applicable)
- PayPal: Payment transactions (when applicable)
5.3 Content Delivery
- Bootstrap CDN: UI framework delivery
- Font Awesome CDN: Icon delivery
- MathJax CDN: Mathematical notation rendering
6. Managing Cookie Preferences
6.1 Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:
- View and delete cookies stored on your device
- Block all cookies or only third-party cookies
- Clear cookies when closing your browser
- Set exceptions for specific websites
6.2 Browser-Specific Instructions
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
Note: Disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website. Essential cookies are required for the site to work properly.
7. Other Tracking Technologies
In addition to cookies, we may use other tracking technologies:
7.1 Local Storage
We use browser local storage to save:
- Theme preferences (dark/light mode)
- Popup display preferences
- Draft content and unsaved progress
- User interface state
7.2 Session Storage
Temporary storage that expires when you close the browser tab:
- Form data during active sessions
- Temporary calculation results
- Navigation state
7.3 Web Beacons and Pixels
Small invisible images that help us:
- Track email open rates (for newsletters)
- Measure ad campaign effectiveness
- Understand user engagement patterns
8. Cookie Retention Periods
Different cookies have different retention periods:
- Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
- Authentication Cookies: Typically 2 weeks or until logout
- Preference Cookies: Up to 1 year
- Analytics Cookies: Up to 2 years
9. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy.
10. Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want to be tracked. Currently, there is no industry standard for DNT signals. We do not currently respond to DNT signals, but we respect your privacy choices through browser cookie settings.
11. Children's Privacy
Our services are designed for users of all ages, including children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through cookies without verifiable parental consent. Parents can manage cookie settings on their children's devices through browser controls.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:
- Email: privacy@mocksphere.com
- Cookie Questions: cookies@mocksphere.com
- Contact Form: Contact Us
Your Choices Matter: You have the right to accept or decline cookies. However, please note that declining essential cookies may prevent you from using certain features of our platform.
This Cookie Policy was last updated on October 14, 2025. We recommend reviewing this policy periodically for any changes.