Cookie Policy
Last updated: January 23, 2025
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how Remoto by ProZ ("Remoto," "we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our platform. This policy describes what these technologies are, why we use them, and your choices regarding their use.
By using Remoto, you consent to the use of cookies and similar technologies as described in this policy, unless you disable them through your browser settings. Please note that disabling certain cookies may impact the functionality of our platform.
2. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.
We use the following types of technologies:
- Cookies: Small text files stored on your device
- Session Storage: Temporary storage that persists only during your browser session
- Local Storage: Storage that persists on your device until cleared
- Web Beacons: Small transparent image files used in emails and on web pages
Cookies may be either "first-party" (set by Remoto) or "third-party" (set by other services we use). They may also be "session" cookies (deleted when you close your browser) or "persistent" cookies (remain until deleted or expired).
2.1 Web Beacons and Pixels
We may use "web beacons" (also known as tracking pixels or clear gifs) in our transactional emails sent through SendGrid. These small transparent image files allow us to understand if a service-related email (such as call invitations, payment confirmations, or account notifications) has been delivered and opened. This helps us ensure the reliability of our critical communications with interpreters and clients, particularly for time-sensitive notifications like scheduled call invitations.
Web beacons in emails are used solely for service delivery purposes and are not used for marketing or advertising. You can prevent web beacons from loading by disabling images in your email client, though this may affect the visual appearance of emails.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
3.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)
These cookies are strictly necessary for the platform to function and cannot be disabled. They enable core functionality such as authentication, security, and session management.
| Category | Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary | __Secure-next-auth.callback-url | Authentication: Maintains your login session and callback state | Session |
| Strictly Necessary | __Host-next-auth.csrf-token | Security (CSRF): Prevents unauthorized commands from your browser | Session |
| Strictly Necessary | next-auth.session-token | Authentication: Stores encrypted session information for authenticated users | 30 days |
| Strictly Necessary | remoto_stripe_preauth | Security: Tracks payment preauthorization attempts to prevent fraud | 15 minutes |
3.2 Performance Cookies (Analytics)
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our platform by collecting and reporting information anonymously. We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to analyze usage patterns, identify technical issues, and improve our services. This data is aggregated and anonymized.
| Category | Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | _ga | Analytics: Distinguishes unique users for Google Analytics | 2 years |
| Performance | _ga_* | Analytics: Stores Google Analytics property-specific data | 2 years |
| Performance | _gid | Analytics: Distinguishes unique users for Google Analytics | 24 hours |
| Performance | _gat | Analytics: Throttles request rate to Google Analytics | 1 minute |
For more information about Google Analytics and how it uses cookies, please visit Google's Privacy & Terms.
3.3 Functional Storage
We use browser storage (localStorage and sessionStorage) to remember your preferences and improve your experience. This data is stored locally on your device.
| Category | Storage Key | Purpose | Storage Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functional | theme | Preferences: Remembers your light/dark mode setting | localStorage |
| Functional | interpreterAvailability | Preferences: Remembers your online/offline status preference | localStorage |
| Functional | dismissedScheduledCallIds | Preferences: Tracks dismissed call notifications | localStorage |
| Functional | remoto:entity_id | Session Management: Temporary user identification | sessionStorage |
3.4 No Advertising or Targeting Cookies
Remoto does not use advertising cookies, targeting cookies, or retargeting pixels. We do not display third-party advertisements on our platform, and we do not use cookies to track your browsing activity across other websites for advertising purposes. Unlike many platforms, Remoto focuses on providing essential services rather than monetizing user data through advertising.
We do not use Facebook Pixel, LinkedIn Insight Tag, Google Ads conversion tracking, or any other advertising or marketing pixels. Our analytics cookies are used solely for understanding platform usage and improving service quality, not for advertising or marketing purposes.
4. Third-Party Cookies and Technologies
Some third-party services we use may set their own cookies or use similar technologies. We do not control these third-party cookies, and their use is governed by the respective third party's privacy policy.
4.1 Payment Processing
Stripe, Inc. processes payments on our behalf and may set cookies for fraud prevention, security, and to maintain your payment session. Stripe's use of cookies is governed by Stripe's Privacy Policy.
4.2 Video Communication
Stream Video (Stream.io) provides our video and audio infrastructure and may set cookies to manage video sessions, maintain connection state, and optimize performance. Stream's use of cookies is governed by Stream's Privacy Policy.
4.3 Real-Time Communication
Socket.io enables real-time notifications and signaling. Socket.io uses cookies with credentials to maintain persistent connections and identify your session. These cookies are essential for real-time features to function properly.
5. Managing Cookies and Your Choices
You have several options to manage cookies and similar technologies:
5.1 Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can set your browser to refuse cookies, delete cookies, or notify you when cookies are being sent. However, disabling essential cookies may prevent you from using certain features of Remoto.
Instructions for common browsers:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
- Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies and site permissions
5.2 Google Analytics Opt-Out
You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on. This add-on prevents Google Analytics from collecting information about your visits to websites.
5.3 Global Privacy Control (GPC)
Global Privacy Control (GPC) is a browser or device setting that signals your preference to opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information. While Remoto does not currently respond to GPC signals, we acknowledge this as an emerging privacy standard and are evaluating implementation. We do not sell personal information, and our use of cookies is limited to essential functionality and service improvement analytics.
If you have concerns about data processing, please contact us at [email protected]. We respect your privacy choices and will work with you to address any concerns.
5.4 Do Not Track
Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites you visit that you do not want to have your online activity tracked. Currently, there is no standard for how DNT signals should be interpreted. As a result, Remoto does not currently respond to DNT browser signals or mechanisms.
5.5 Clearing Local Storage
You can clear localStorage and sessionStorage data through your browser's developer tools or privacy settings. This will remove stored preferences and may require you to reconfigure settings such as theme preferences.
6. Impact of Disabling Cookies
If you choose to disable cookies, some features of Remoto may not function properly:
- You may not be able to log in or maintain an authenticated session
- Payment processing may not work correctly
- Video calls may experience connection issues
- Real-time notifications may not function
- Your preferences (such as theme) may not be saved
Essential cookies cannot be disabled without impacting core platform functionality. We recommend keeping essential cookies enabled to use Remoto effectively.
7. Updates to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date.
Your continued use of Remoto after changes to this Cookie Policy constitutes acceptance of the updated policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about our use of cookies and similar technologies.
8. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:
ProZ.com, Inc.
Legal Department
Email: [email protected]
We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days (or as required by applicable law).