This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, the types of cookies we employ, and how you can manage your preferences.
1. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files placed on your device (e.g., computer, smartphone) when you visit our website or use our Services. They help us recognize your device, store preferences, and collect usage information. We also use similar technologies like web beacons and pixel tags to track interactions and improve functionality.
2. Types of Cookies We Use
We categorize cookies by purpose and duration. Below are the types of cookies used on our Services:
2.1 Essential Cookies
- Purpose: Required for core functions such as authentication, session management, secure payments, and Single Sign-On (SSO) via Google, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
- Examples: Login session cookies, payment security cookies, SSO authentication cookies.
- Duration: Mostly session cookies (expire when the browser closes).
- Consent: Not required. Legal basis: Legitimate interest (GDPR Art. 6(1)(f)).
2.2 Functional Cookies
- Purpose: Enhance user experience by remembering preferences (e.g., language, dashboard settings).
- Examples: Save user’s preferred student portal layout or language.
- Duration: Persistent cookies (e.g., up to 1 year).
- Consent: Optional. Legal basis: Consent (GDPR Art. 6(1)(a)).
2.3 Analytics Cookies
- Purpose: Help us understand user behavior to improve Services.
- Examples: Google Analytics for page views; YouTube playback performance tracking.
- Duration: Persistent (typically up to 2 years).
- Consent: Optional. Legal basis: Consent (GDPR Art. 6(1)(a)).
2.4 Marketing Cookies
- Purpose: Personalize marketing content based on interests and behaviors.
- Examples: Google/Facebook/LinkedIn cookies for promotional targeting.
- Duration: Persistent (up to 1 year).
- Consent: Optional. Legal basis: Consent (GDPR Art. 6(1)(a)).
3. Third-Party Cookies
We use third-party services that may place cookies, including:
- Google Analytics – Usage insights (page views, time on site)
- Google / Facebook / LinkedIn – SSO and interest-based tracking
- YouTube – Video playback and engagement analysis
- Cloudflare – CDN performance and security optimization
- Payment Providers (e.g., PayPal, PayMyTuition, Wintopay, Geoswift) – Secure transactions
All third parties are bound by data protection contracts. Their cookie use is governed by their own privacy policies (see Section 7). These data transfers do not constitute a “sale” under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
4. How We Use Cookies
Cookies help us to:
- Enable secure login, SSO, payments, and course access.
- Deliver videos via YouTube with optimal performance.
- Personalize content based on your preferences.
- Analyze site and course usage to improve content.
- Display relevant marketing messages (with consent).
- Protect against fraud or unauthorized access.
5. Your Cookie Choices
You can control cookie usage per applicable laws including GDPR and CCPA:
Cookie Consent Tool
When you visit our website, a banner will appear allowing you to accept or reject non-essential cookies (functional, analytics, and marketing). You may update preferences at any time via the “Cookie Settings” link in the website footer.
Essential cookies cannot be disabled as they are required for Services.
Browser Settings
You may block or delete cookies via browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies
- Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies
Blocking essential cookies may limit access to login or course materials.
Marketing Opt-Out
Unsubscribe via email link or contact info@aclas.college. You may also manage preferences via the cookie tool.
Do Not Track (DNT)
Some browsers offer a DNT feature. However, as there is no industry consensus, our Services do not respond to DNT signals. Use our cookie consent tool instead.
6. Data Protection and Cookies
Cookies that contain personal data (e.g., IP address, user ID) are secured as follows:
- Hosted on Vultr (USA) and delivered via Cloudflare CDN
- Protected with encryption, access controls, and monitoring
- Subject to our Privacy Policy
In case of a breach involving cookies, we will notify users within 72 hours (GDPR) or 30 days (CCPA) and recommend protective steps (e.g., password reset).
If data is transferred outside the EEA, we rely on Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) to ensure appropriate safeguards.
7. Third-Party Privacy Policies
Please review their privacy policies for cookie usage:
8. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in practices or legal requirements. Revisions will be posted with a new Effective Date.
For major changes (e.g., new cookie types or vendors), we will notify users via email or banner.
Subscribe to policy update notifications via the student portal or email info@aclas.college.
9. Contact Us
- Email:
info@aclas.college - Data Protection Officer (DPO):
dpo@aclas.college - EU Representative: Emily Sarah Knight,
e.knight@aclas.college
EEA users may file complaints with their local data protection authority.
10. Summary of Key Points
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cookie Types | Essential (SSO, security), Functional (personalization), Analytics (usage tracking), Marketing (ads). |
| Third Parties | Google, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Cloudflare, PayPal, PayMyTuition, Wintopay, Geoswift. |
| Your Choices | Use our consent tool; browser settings; opt out of marketing emails. |
| Data Protection | Hosted by Vultr; secured by Cloudflare CDN; breach notification within 72 hours (GDPR) or 30 days (CCPA). |
| Contact | info@aclas.college, dpo@aclas.college, e.knight@aclas.college (EU). |
Last Updated: May 14, 2025