Cookie Policy
Last Updated: February 18, 2026
This Cookie Policy supplements our Privacy Policy, which explains how Civic Atlas B.V. (“Civic Atlas”, “we”, “us”) handles personal data more broadly. This page focuses on cookies and similar technologies used on this website.
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. We also use similar technologies such as pixel tags and local storage. Some cookies are set by us (first-party), and others may be set by service providers (third-party). We use cookie categories that match how consent is managed in our cookie banner: Essential, Analytics, and Marketing.
What are cookies used for?
Cookies help a site function reliably, remember choices, measure usage, and—if you allow it—support advertising measurement and remarketing. On a community-oriented platform, the unglamorous parts matter: stable sessions, clear preferences, and accurate attribution for what content is actually being used (for example, which resource categories are read most often or which events pages get repeat visits).
We do not use cookies to collect special-category personal data (such as health or political opinions). We also do not use cookies to request bank details or to run financial products. The platform’s focus is community learning, events, and practical resources created for people across Canada, supported by a Netherlands-based organization.
Cookie lifespan and origin
- Session cookies last only while your browser is open and are removed when you close it.
- Persistent cookies remain for a set period, unless you delete them earlier.
- First-party cookies are set by this website.
- Third-party cookies are set by our service providers (for example, analytics or advertising partners) when enabled by your consent.
Cookie categories we use
1) Essential cookies (always active)
Essential cookies are required for the site to work. They support basic operations such as maintaining a session and remembering your cookie choice. These cookies do not require consent under EU ePrivacy rules when they are strictly necessary for providing the service you request.
- Keeping the site stable and secure (for example, preventing abuse and maintaining continuity during navigation).
- Storing your cookie preference choice so we can respect it on future visits.
2) Analytics cookies (optional)
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors use the site. They show patterns like which pages are viewed, what content is most helpful, and whether navigation is clear. We only activate analytics cookies after you provide consent through the cookie banner or cookie preferences modal.
When enabled, we may use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) configured to reduce data sensitivity, including IP anonymization where applicable and a retention setting aligned with a 14-month analytics window. Analytics data is used in aggregate to improve content structure and usability.
3) Marketing cookies (optional)
Marketing cookies are used for advertising measurement and remarketing. They can help us understand whether a campaign led to meaningful actions such as a contact form submission or a newsletter sign-up, and they can be used to build audiences for showing relevant content again later.
Marketing cookies are activated only after your explicit consent. If you decline marketing cookies, you can still use the site normally; the difference is that advertising measurement and remarketing will not be enabled.
Cookie table
| Name | Purpose | Category | Type | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| _site_session | Site session continuity | Essential | First-party | Session |
| cookie_consent | Stores your consent choice | Essential | First-party | 12 months |
| _ga | GA4 user identifier | Analytics | Third-party | 2 years |
| _ga_XXXXXXXXXX | GA4 session state (10-char GA4 ID) | Analytics | Third-party | 2 years |
| _gcl_au | Google Ads conversion linker | Marketing | Third-party | 90 days |
| _fbp | Meta Pixel browser identifier | Marketing | Third-party | 90 days |
| _fbc | Meta Pixel click identifier | Marketing | Third-party | 90 days |
Third-party services
Depending on your consent choices, we may use third-party providers to deliver analytics and marketing measurement. These providers may set and read cookies or similar identifiers on your device.
- Google LLC (Google Analytics 4, Google Ads, Google Tag Manager): policies.google.com/privacy
- Meta Platforms, Inc. (Meta Pixel, advertising measurement): facebook.com/privacy/policy
- Cloudflare (CDN and security services): cloudflare.com/privacypolicy
We do not permit these providers to use site data for their own independent commercial purposes. Where third-party cookies are enabled, they are used to provide services to us (for example, aggregated reporting and measurement).
How to manage your cookie preferences
You can control cookies in several ways:
- Cookie preferences panel: use the “Manage cookie preferences” link in the footer to open the consent interface and adjust Analytics and Marketing choices.
- Browser settings: most browsers let you delete cookies and block future cookies. Note that blocking essential cookies may affect site functionality.
- Provider opt-outs: you can also use provider tools, including Google Analytics opt-out, Google Ads settings, and Meta ad preferences. In the EU, you can also visit youronlinechoices.eu.
Updates to this Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy when we change cookie categories, add new providers, or adjust retention settings. The “Last Updated” date at the top of the page reflects the most recent revision.
Contact
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or want to understand how consent choices are stored, contact:
- Legal entity: Civic Atlas B.V.
- Address: Joop Geesinkweg 209, 1114 AB Amsterdam-Duivendrecht, Netherlands
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +31 20 723 0846