Cookie Policy

Effective Date: February 6, 2026
Last Updated: February 6, 2026

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences and improve your experience.

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Cookies We Use

1. Essential Cookies (Always Active)

These cookies are necessary for the site to function. You cannot opt out.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Expires
aos_evidence_consent	Stores your cookie preference	365 days

2. Analytics Cookies (Optional)

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our site. You can opt out.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Expires
_pk_id	Matomo visitor ID	13 months
_pk_ses	Matomo session tracking	30 minutes
_pk_ref	Referrer attribution	6 months
_pk_cvar	Custom variables	Session
_pk_hsr	Heartbeat session record	Session

Provider: Matomo Analytics (self-hosted at analytics.git-cathedral.com)

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How to Manage Cookies

Option 1: Cookie Banner

When you first visit, you'll see a cookie banner. Choose:

• Accept - Enable analytics
• Decline - Disable analytics
• Customize - Choose specific categories

Option 2: Browser Settings

Most browsers let you:

• Block all cookies
• Delete existing cookies
• Allow cookies only from specific sites

Chrome: Settings → Privacy → Cookies
Firefox: Options → Privacy → Cookies
Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies
Edge: Settings → Privacy → Cookies

Option 3: Opt-Out Directly

Visit our Cookie Preferences page to change your settings anytime.

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Third-Party Cookies

We DO NOT use third-party cookies from:

• ❌ Google Analytics
• ❌ Facebook Pixel
• ❌ Advertising networks
• ❌ Social media trackers

All cookies are first-party (served from our domain or our self-hosted analytics).

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Cookie Lifespan

• Session cookies - Deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent cookies - Remain for a set period (see table above)

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Legal Basis (GDPR)

We use cookies based on:

• Consent (analytics cookies) - You opt in via the banner
• Legitimate interest (essential cookies) - Required for site function

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Updates to This Policy

If we add new cookies, we'll:

1. Update this page
2. Reset your consent (you'll see the banner again)
3. Notify you of changes

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Contact Us

Questions about cookies?

Email: privacy@aos-evidence.com
GitHub: Report an Issue

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💙⚖️🛡️

This cookie policy demonstrates AOS's commitment to transparency.