Cookie Policy

Cookie Policy

This policy explains how HostelFlow uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze usage, and provide personalized services.

Last updated: December 2024

What Are Cookies?

HostelFlow primarily uses local storage and secure data storage instead of traditional cookies. Local storage allows us to store essential user data directly on your device, including authentication tokens, user preferences, and profile information. This approach provides better security and performance while maintaining your privacy.

Local Storage

Data stored directly on your device for authentication, user preferences, and platform functionality.

Secure Storage

Encrypted storage for sensitive data like JWT tokens and authentication credentials.

Types of Data Storage We Use

We use different types of data storage for various purposes

Essential Storage

Required

Essential data storage necessary for the platform to function and cannot be disabled.

Purpose:

User authentication, session management, role-based access

Examples:
  • JWT tokens
  • User ID
  • User role
  • Authentication state
Retention:

24 hours (JWT) or until logout

User Data Storage

Required

Local storage data required for platform functionality and user experience.

Purpose:

User profile data, preferences, hostel assignments

Examples:
  • User name
  • Email
  • Profile image
  • Hostel ID
  • User preferences
Retention:

Until account deletion or manual clear

Notification Storage

Optional

Data storage for push notifications and communication features.

Purpose:

Push notifications, FCM tokens, communication preferences

Examples:
  • FCM tokens
  • Notification preferences
  • Device identifiers
Retention:

Until device uninstall or token refresh

Analytics Storage

Optional

Data storage for platform analytics and performance monitoring.

Purpose:

Usage analytics, performance monitoring, error tracking

Examples:
  • Usage patterns
  • Performance metrics
  • Error logs
Retention:

Up to 2 years

Third-Party Services

External services we use that may set cookies

Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)

Push notifications and real-time messaging

FCM tokens, device identifiers, notification preferences

Google Maps API

Location services and mapping functionality

Location data, search queries, map interactions

Payment Processors

Secure payment processing and transaction handling

Payment information (encrypted), transaction data

Varies by processor - encrypted data only

Database Services

Data storage and retrieval with encryption

Encrypted user data, application data

Data encrypted at rest and in transit

Managing Your Data Storage Preferences

You have control over the data we store on your device (except for essential data required for the platform to function). Here are the ways you can manage your data storage preferences:

Browser Settings

Configure your browser to block or delete cookies

Privacy Mode

Use incognito or private browsing mode

Opt-Out Tools

Use industry opt-out tools for advertising cookies

Browser Instructions

Chrome

Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → View permissions and data stored across sites

Firefox

Options → Privacy & Security → Data Collection and Use → Manage Data

Safari

Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data

Edge

Settings → Site permissions → All sites → View permissions and data stored across sites

Note: Clearing local storage data may require you to log in again and may affect platform functionality and your user experience.

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website.

Current Version: 2.0

Last Updated: December 2024

Next Review: June 2025

Questions About Cookies?

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this policy, please don't hesitate to contact us.