Cookie Policy

Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how SlyAcademy uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website. It should be read together with our Privacy Policy for a full understanding of how we handle personal information. By using SlyAcademy, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy (unless you disable them via your browser or as explained below).

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, etc.) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the site owners. Cookies allow a site to remember your actions or preferences over time. There are different types of cookies:

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that remain in your browser’s memory only during your visit and are deleted when you close the browser.

• Persistent Cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a set period of time or until you delete them. They help the site remember you on subsequent visits (for example, keeping you logged in or remembering your preferences).

• First-party Cookies: Cookies set by the website you are visiting (in this case, SlyAcademy).

• Third-party Cookies: Cookies set by domains other than SlyAcademy (for example, by analytics or embedded content providers).

Cookies can also be categorized by their purpose (as we describe in the next section).

How We Use Cookies

SlyAcademy uses cookies to enhance your experience and to collect analytics data. Here are the types of cookies we use and why we use them:

• Essential Cookies: These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as user authentication (logging in, if applicable), and security. Without these cookies, certain services you have asked for (like accessing account-only pages or submitting quiz answers) cannot be provided. These cookies do not gather information for marketing or remembering where you’ve been on the internet.

• Preference Cookies: These cookies allow our site to remember choices you have made in the past, such as your language preference, font size, or other parts of the site you can customize. For example, if you set a preference for dark mode or text size for better readability, a cookie may save that setting so it persists on future visits.

• Analytics Cookies: We use analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to collect information about how visitors use our site. These cookies gather information like which pages you visit, how long you stay on a page, the path you take through our site, and any errors you might encounter. The information is collected in an anonymous form – analytics cookies do not collect personal identifying information (IP addresses may be collected, but we anonymize them if possible for analytics purposes). We use these insights to improve content and performance. For instance, analytics tell us which guides are most popular or if certain pages have a high bounce rate, so we can investigate why.

• Functionality Cookies: In some cases, we might use cookies to provide specific functionality on the site. For example, if we implement interactive quizzes or progress tracking, a cookie might save your quiz progress or which questions you’ve answered. This improves your user experience by remembering you in context.

• No Advertising Cookies: SlyAcademy does not display third-party ads, so we do not use cookies for advertising or targeting. You will not find cookies on our site that profile you for advertising purposes or track you across different sites for marketing. (If this changes in the future, we will update this policy and seek any necessary consent.)

Some of the cookies we use may change from time to time as we update or expand our site’s functionality, but they will generally fall into the categories above.

Third-Party Cookies and Embedded Content

While we minimize third-party cookies, certain third-party content or services on SlyAcademy might set cookies. Examples include:

• Analytics Services: As mentioned, Google Analytics (or similar) sets cookies to perform its analysis. Google may set its own cookies to track user interactions (e.g., _ga, _gid, etc.). These cookies are used only for our internal analysis of how the site is used.

• Video Content: If we embed educational videos from platforms like YouTube or Vimeo, those platforms might set cookies (for instance, YouTube may set cookies to track video views or remember your player preferences). We embed such content using privacy-enhanced modes when available (e.g., YouTube’s nocookie domain) to reduce tracking.

• Social Media or Sharing Tools: Our site might include social media sharing buttons (for example, a “Share on Twitter” or “Share on Facebook” button on an article). If those buttons are provided directly by the social networks, they may set third-party cookies that can track your activity. (We currently do not heavily integrate social media plugins that set cookies, but if we do, we will endeavor to use versions that limit tracking.)

We do not have control over cookies set by third-party services, but we do vet the services we use and choose privacy-friendly implementations when possible.

Your Choices: Managing and Disabling Cookies

Cookie Consent Banner: On your first visit to SlyAcademy (especially if you are in a jurisdiction like the EU where cookie consent is required), you will see a cookie notice or banner. We ask for your consent to place non-essential cookies (like analytics cookies). You have the option to accept or reject certain categories of cookies. Essential cookies may be placed regardless of consent, as they are needed for site functionality, but analytics or preference cookies can be opted out of via this banner or tool.

If you dismiss or accept the banner, we will remember your choice (via a cookie that saves that preference). If you want to change your preference later, look for a “Cookie Settings” link on our site (typically in the footer) to adjust which cookies you allow, or clear your cookies to have the banner show up again.

Browser Controls: Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can usually set your browser to notify you when a cookie is being set or updated, or to block cookies altogether. You can also delete cookies that have already been set. Please note:

• Disabling all cookies might affect the functionality of SlyAcademy. For example, if you disable essential cookies, certain parts of the site may not work (like login or quiz features).

• Disabling analytics cookies will not affect core site usage, but it will help us less in understanding user behavior. You can opt out of Google Analytics specifically by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, which prevents Google Analytics from collecting data on your visits to sites that use it.

Do Not Track: Some browsers have a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature that sends a signal to websites that you do not wish to be tracked. Currently, there is no industry-standard unified response to DNT signals. While we respect privacy, our site may not specifically respond to every DNT signal by disabling cookies automatically. We encourage you to use our cookie settings and your browser settings to manage your preferences.

Cookie List (Optional)

For transparency, here is a list of key cookies used on SlyAcademy (this is an example list; actual cookie names and details may vary):

• slyacademy_session – Type: Essential (Session cookie). Purpose: Maintains your session/login state on the site. Duration: Expires when you close your browser.

• csrf_token – Type: Essential. Purpose: Security token to prevent cross-site request forgery attacks when you submit forms. Duration: Session.

• preferences – Type: Preference. Purpose: Remembers user interface settings (like language or theme). Duration: Persistent (e.g., 1 year) or until changed.

• _ga, _gid – Type: Analytics (Google Analytics). Purpose: Distinguish unique users and throttle request rate (Google Analytics usage)​. Duration: _ga – 2 years; _gid – 24 hours.

• cookie_consent – Type: Essential. Purpose: Remembers your choice regarding cookies (so we don’t keep asking). Duration: Persistent (e.g., 6 months).

(If you need an up-to-date list of cookies, please contact us. We will provide a current list upon request.)

Updates to this Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time, for example to reflect changes in the cookies we use or for legal requirements. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We may also notify you by other means (e.g., via a banner or email) about significant changes. Please revisit this policy regularly to stay informed about our use of cookies.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:

• Email: [email protected]

• Address: 204, API Business Suites, Al Barsha 1, Dubai, UAE.

We will be happy to assist you with any queries or concerns you may have.

Last updated: April 23, 2025