Effective Date: (Insert Date, e.g., February 4, 2026)  

Last Updated: (Insert Date)

This Cookie Policy explains how iTechNets (“we”, “us”, “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies (collectively, “Cookies”) on our website itechnets.com, mobile applications, and related online services (the “Site” or “Services”). This policy is separate from but complements our Privacy Policy and applies globally, with specific compliance for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom (UK), California (under CCPA/CPRA), and other jurisdictions with applicable cookie/tracking laws. 

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, mobile, tablet) when you visit a website. They enable the site to recognize your device, remember preferences, and collect usage data. Similar technologies include pixels, web beacons, local storage, and SDKs in apps.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

We categorize Cookies as follows:

2.1 Strictly Necessary/Essential Cookies

• Purpose: Enable core functionality (e.g., login, session management, course enrollment, secure navigation, preventing fraud).
• Legal basis: Legitimate interests or contractual necessity (no consent required under GDPR/ePrivacy, essential under CCPA).
• Duration: Session or persistent (up to 1 year). Examples: Authentication tokens, security cookies. 

2.2 Performance/Analytics Cookies

• Purpose: Collect aggregated data on site usage (pages viewed, time spent, errors, device/browser) to improve performance and user experience.
• Providers: Google Analytics, similar tools.
• Legal basis: Consent (GDPR/UK GDPR/ePrivacy), notice and opt-out (CCPA).
• Duration: Up to 2 years.
• Data: Anonymized/pseudonymized where possible (e.g., IP masked).

2.3 Functional Cookies

• Purpose: Remember preferences (language, dark mode, course progress bookmarks) for personalized experience.
• Legal basis: Consent or legitimate interests.
• Duration: Up to 1 year.

2.4 Targeting/Advertising Cookies

• Purpose: Deliver relevant ads, measure ad effectiveness, track across sites (if applicable via partners).
• Providers: Potential social media pixels, ad networks (if used).
• Legal basis: Explicit consent required (GDPR/ePrivacy), opt-out of sales/sharing (CCPA/CPRA).
• Duration: Up to 1 year.
• We currently limit/minimize these and do not conduct behavioral cross-site tracking without consent. 

3. How We Obtain Consent and Manage Preferences

• On first visit (EEA/UK users): Cookie banner with granular options (accept all, reject non-essential, customize).
• Consent withdrawal: Easy at any time via banner or settings link in footer.
• CCPA/CPRA: “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” link. Global Privacy Control (GPC) is honored.
• Browser settings: You can block/delete cookies, but this may impair functionality.

4. Third-Party Cookies

We allow limited third-party Cookies (e.g., payment gateways for session tracking, analytics providers). These are governed by their policies. We require DPAs/SCCs for transfers.

5. International Transfers

Cookies may involve data transfer outside Pakistan/EEA/UK (e.g., to US-based analytics). Safeguards include SCCs and adequacy decisions.

6. Changes and Contact

Updates are posted here. Material changes will be notified. Questions: support@itechnets.com.