Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Inkblot Design (Pty) Ltd ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website (www.inkblot.co.za). This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy.

By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with this policy. You can manage your cookie preferences as described in Section 6 below.

2. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. Cookies help websites remember information about your visit, such as your preferences, login status, and browsing behaviour.

Cookies can be:

• Session cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
• Persistent cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them

3. How We Use Cookies

Inkblot Design uses cookies for the following purposes:

Essential Cookies

Required for our website to function properly and cannot be switched off. These cookies enable basic functionality such as page navigation and access to secure areas.

Analytics Cookies

Help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This helps us improve website performance and user experience.

Functional Cookies

Remember your preferences and settings to provide enhanced, personalised features.

Performance Cookies

Allow us to measure and analyse how our website is used, which pages are most popular, and how users navigate our site.

4. Types of Cookies We Use

4.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for our website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions you make, such as setting privacy preferences or filling in forms.

4.2 Analytics and Performance Cookies

These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us understand which pages are most popular, how users navigate the site, and identify technical issues.

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyse website traffic and user behaviour. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect information about how visitors use our site.

Google Analytics Privacy: Google may use collected data for its own purposes in accordance with its privacy policy. Learn more about how Google uses data: Google Partner Sites Policy.

Opt-out: You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

Microsoft Clarity

We use Microsoft Clarity to understand how users interact with our website through session recordings and heatmaps.

Microsoft Clarity Privacy: Learn more at Microsoft Privacy Statement.

Important Limitation: Microsoft Clarity does not respect "Do Not Track" browser settings and does not provide a mechanism to delete individual user data, which may impact POPIA compliance for the "right to erasure."

4.3 Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our website are set by third-party services that appear on our pages. We have no control over these cookies, and they are subject to the respective third party's privacy policy.

Third-party services we use include:

• Google Analytics (analytics and performance measurement)
• Microsoft Clarity (session recordings and heatmaps)

These third parties may use cookies to track your browsing activity across multiple websites for their own purposes, in accordance with their privacy policies.

5. How We Obtain Cookie Consent

In accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), we obtain your explicit consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device.

5.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, a cookie consent banner will appear asking for your permission to place cookies on your device. The banner explains:

• What cookies are
• How we use them
• Your choices regarding cookies

You can choose to:

• Accept all cookies: Allows all cookie categories
• Reject non-essential cookies: Only essential cookies will be placed
• Customise settings: Choose which cookie categories to allow

5.2 Cookie Consent Management

We use a cookie consent management solution that:

• Blocks all non-essential cookies and third-party scripts until you provide consent
• Records your consent preferences
• Allows you to change your preferences at any time
• Stores your consent choice for future visits

You can withdraw or modify your consent at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our website footer or by clearing your browser cookies.

5.3 Consent Records

We maintain records of cookie consents as required by POPIA, including:

• Your consent choice (accept, reject, or custom preferences)
• Date and time of consent
• Version of Cookie Policy you consented to
• IP address (for verification purposes)

6. Cookie Management and Your Choices

6.1 Browser Settings

You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

• View cookies stored on your device and delete them individually
• Block third-party cookies
• Block cookies from particular websites
• Block all cookies from being placed
• Clear all cookies when you close the browser
• Set exceptions for specific websites

How to manage cookies in common browsers:

• Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data

Important: Blocking or deleting cookies may impact your experience on our website and limit functionality.

6.2 Our Cookie Settings Tool

You can manage your cookie preferences at any time by:

1. Clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our website footer
2. Adjusting your preferences in the cookie consent banner
3. Contacting us at jonathan@inkblot.co.za to request changes

6.3 Analytics Opt-Out Tools

You can opt out of specific analytics tools:

• Google Analytics Opt-out: Install Browser Add-on
• Microsoft Clarity: Currently offers limited opt-out options; use browser settings to block Clarity cookies

7. Impact of Disabling Cookies

Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website:

Essential Cookies:
Cannot be disabled as they are required for basic website functionality. Disabling these may prevent you from accessing certain parts of our website.

Analytics Cookies:
Disabling analytics cookies will prevent us from understanding how our website is used, which may impact our ability to improve user experience. However, your website functionality will not be affected.

Functional Cookies:
Disabling functional cookies may result in a less personalised experience and require you to re-enter preferences on each visit.

Performance Cookies:
Disabling performance cookies may prevent us from identifying and fixing technical issues, potentially resulting in a poorer user experience.

8. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in:

• The cookies we use
• Our cookie practices
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• Technology or third-party services

We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
• Displaying a notice on our website
• Requesting renewed consent where required by law

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about our use of cookies.

9. Your Rights Under POPIA

For information about your data protection rights under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), including the right to access, correct, or delete personal information collected through cookies, please refer to our Privacy Policy or contact our Information Officer.

You can exercise your rights by contacting us using the information provided below.

10. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed at children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through cookies. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.

11. International Data Transfers

As explained in Section 4, some of our analytics tools (Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity) are provided by companies located outside South Africa. When you consent to cookies, data collected through these cookies may be transferred internationally, including to the United States and Europe.

We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers in accordance with POPIA. For more information, see our Privacy Policy Section 7 (International Data Transfers).

12. Contact Us

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

13. Governing Law

This Cookie Policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, particularly:

• The Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (Act No. 4 of 2013)
• The Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2002 (Act No. 25 of 2002)
• Any applicable regulations issued by the Information Regulator of South Africa