Cookie Policy

What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better, more personalized experience by remembering your preferences, settings, and understanding how you interact with our platform.

This Cookie Policy explains how ExpertLink ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our platform. By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy.

Cookies play an essential role in the functionality of modern websites and help us deliver the high-quality service you expect from our platform.

Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies

These cookies are absolutely necessary for our platform to function properly and cannot be disabled. They enable core functionality such as:

• User authentication and secure account access
• Session management and login state maintenance
• Security features and fraud prevention mechanisms
• Platform navigation and basic user interface functionality
• Load balancing and performance optimization
• Shopping cart and transaction processing
• Form submission and data validation
• Error handling and system stability

Performance and Analytics Cookies

We use analytics cookies to understand how visitors interact with our platform and to improve our services:

• Page views, user journey tracking, and navigation patterns
• Platform performance monitoring and speed optimization
• Error tracking, debugging, and system diagnostics
• Usage statistics and feature adoption analysis
• A/B testing and user experience optimization
• Traffic source analysis and referral tracking
• Device and browser compatibility monitoring

Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance your experience by remembering your preferences and settings:

• Language and region preferences
• Display settings, themes, and customizations
• Form data and user input preservation
• Session state and progress tracking
• Notification preferences and alert settings
• Search filters and sorting preferences
• Accessibility settings and accommodations

Targeting and Advertising Cookies

These cookies help us deliver relevant content and advertisements:

• Interest-based content recommendations
• Personalized marketing messages and offers
• Cross-platform advertising coordination
• Conversion tracking and campaign effectiveness
• Audience segmentation and behavioral analysis
• Retargeting and remarketing campaigns

Third-Party Cookies and Services

We work with trusted third-party service providers who may set their own cookies on your device. These include:

Analytics and Performance Services

• Google Analytics for website traffic analysis and user behavior insights
• Performance monitoring tools for system optimization
• Heat mapping services for user interaction analysis
• Conversion tracking and goal measurement tools

Security and Fraud Prevention

• Security services for fraud detection and prevention
• Bot detection and automated traffic filtering
• Identity verification and authentication services
• Risk assessment and compliance monitoring tools

Customer Support and Communication

• Live chat and customer support platforms
• Email marketing and communication tools
• Survey and feedback collection services
• Help desk and ticketing systems

These third-party providers have their own privacy policies and cookie practices, which we encourage you to review.

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You have several options for managing and controlling cookies on your device:

Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically:

• View and delete existing cookies stored on your device
• Block cookies from specific websites or domains
• Block all cookies entirely (may affect website functionality)
• Receive notifications when cookies are being set
• Set preferences for first-party vs. third-party cookies
• Configure automatic cookie deletion upon browser closure

Platform Cookie Settings

Within your ExpertLink account, you can manage certain cookie preferences:

• Adjust privacy and data collection preferences
• Opt out of non-essential analytics and tracking
• Manage marketing and communication preferences
• Control data sharing settings with third parties
• Configure notification and alert preferences

Third-Party Opt-Out Tools

You can also use industry-standard opt-out tools:

• Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) opt-out tools
• Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) consumer opt-out
• Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on
• Individual third-party service opt-out mechanisms

Cookie Retention and Expiration

Different types of cookies have different retention periods and expiration dates:

Session Cookies

• Automatically deleted when you close your browser
• Used for temporary functionality during your visit
• Essential for maintaining login state and session security

Persistent Cookies

• Remain on your device for a specified period or until manually deleted
• Remember your preferences across multiple visits
• Typical retention periods range from days to years depending on purpose

Specific Retention Periods

• Essential Cookies: Retained as long as necessary for platform functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Typically retained for 12-24 months
• Functional Cookies: Usually retained for 30 days to 2 years
• Marketing Cookies: Generally retained for 30 days to 1 year
• Security Cookies: Retained for security monitoring periods

Legal Basis for Cookie Use

Our use of cookies is based on the following legal grounds:

• Legitimate Interest: For essential platform functionality and security
• Consent: For non-essential cookies like analytics and marketing
• Contractual Necessity: For cookies required to provide our services
• Legal Obligation: For cookies required by applicable laws and regulations

Where consent is required, we will obtain your explicit consent before setting non-essential cookies on your device.

Impact of Disabling Cookies

While you can disable cookies, doing so may affect your experience on our platform:

• You may need to log in repeatedly during your session
• Your preferences and settings may not be saved
• Some features and functionality may not work properly
• You may see less relevant content and recommendations
• Platform performance and loading times may be affected
• Security features may be compromised
• Analytics and improvement efforts may be hindered

Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or applicable laws. When we make significant changes, we will:

• Post the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
• Notify users through email or platform notifications for material changes
• Provide additional notice through our platform interface
• Allow time for review before implementing significant changes
• Obtain fresh consent where required by law

Continued use of our platform after policy updates constitutes acceptance of the revised terms, unless additional consent is required.

Contact Us About Cookies

If you have questions about our use of cookies, need assistance with cookie settings, or want to exercise your rights regarding cookies, please contact us:

Our privacy team is available to help you understand and manage your cookie preferences. We typically respond to inquiries within 2-3 business days.