Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide a better user experience.

Cookies contain information that is transferred to your device's hard drive. They help us recognize your device and store some information about your preferences or past actions on our website.

1.1 Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may also use similar technologies such as:

• Web Beacons (Pixel Tags): Small graphic images used to track user behavior
• Local Storage: Technology that stores data locally on your device
• Session Storage: Temporary storage that is cleared when you close your browser

2. Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies for several important reasons:

2.1 Essential Functions

• Website Functionality: Ensure our website works properly and securely
• User Authentication: Remember your login status (if applicable)
• Form Data: Remember information you've entered in forms
• Security: Protect against fraud and maintain website security

2.2 Enhanced User Experience

• Personalization: Remember your preferences and settings
• Language Settings: Remember your language preferences
• Accessibility: Remember accessibility settings you've chosen

2.3 Analytics and Improvement

• Website Performance: Understand how visitors interact with our site
• Content Optimization: Determine which content is most useful
• Technical Issues: Identify and fix technical problems

2.4 Communication

• Contact Forms: Remember your contact preferences
• Appointment Booking: Facilitate the booking process

3. Types of Cookies

We use different types of cookies, each serving specific purposes:

3.1 By Duration

Cookies can also be categorized by how long they last:

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

3.2 By Source

• First-Party Cookies: Set by our website (ryvona.org)
• Third-Party Cookies: Set by external services we use (e.g., Google Analytics)

4. Specific Cookies We Use

4.1 Essential Cookies

4.2 Performance Cookies

4.3 Functional Cookies

5. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our website are set by third-party services that we use to enhance your experience and analyze our website performance.

5.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with our website. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect information such as:

• How long you spend on our website
• Which pages you visit
• How you found our website
• What device and browser you're using

This information is processed in a way that does not identify anyone personally. For more information about Google Analytics cookies, visit: Google Analytics Cookie Usage

5.2 Google Maps

Our contact page includes Google Maps to help you find our location. Google Maps may set cookies to provide this functionality. For information about Google Maps privacy practices, visit: Google Privacy Policy

5.3 Social Media

If we include social media buttons or feeds, these services may set their own cookies when you interact with them. We do not control these cookies - they are managed by the respective social media platforms.

6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You have several options for managing cookies on our website. You can control which cookies are set and delete existing cookies.

6.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner that allows you to:

• Accept All: Allow all cookies to be set
• Decline: Only essential cookies will be used
• Learn More: Read this Cookie Policy for detailed information

6.2 Browser Settings

You can also manage cookies through your web browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

• View and delete existing cookies
• Block cookies from specific websites
• Block all cookies
• Delete cookies when you close the browser

Browser-Specific Instructions:

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings > Site permissions > Cookies and site data

6.3 Opt-Out Tools

For specific types of cookies, you can use these opt-out tools:

• Google Analytics: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Advertising Cookies: Your Online Choices (EU) or NAI Opt-out (US)

7. Cookie Consent and Legal Basis

7.1 Consent Requirements

Under privacy laws including GDPR and Canada's privacy legislation, we need your consent for non-essential cookies. We obtain consent through:

• Cookie Banner: Clear information and choice options
• Continued Use: Continuing to use our website after seeing the banner
• Active Consent: Clicking "Accept" or similar buttons

7.2 Withdrawing Consent

You can withdraw your consent at any time by:

• Using the cookie preference buttons on this page
• Clearing cookies through your browser settings
• Contacting us directly

7.3 Legal Basis for Essential Cookies

Essential cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and are used based on our legitimate interest in providing a functional website. These cookies do not require consent.

7.4 Children's Data

Our website is not directed at children under 16. If you are under 16, please ask a parent or guardian before accepting cookies on our website.

8. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our practices. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Significant changes will be highlighted through our cookie banner
• We may notify you via email if you have provided your email address

8.1 Checking for Updates

We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about our cookie practices. You can always find the most current version on our website.

8.2 Previous Versions

If you need access to previous versions of this Cookie Policy, please contact us and we will provide them upon request.

9. Contact Us About Cookies

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding our use of cookies, please contact us using the information below:

9.1 Cookie-Related Inquiries

• Privacy Officer: Elena Rodriguez
• Business Name: Ryvona Massage Therapy
• Address: 33 Gerrard St West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Phone: +1 306-664-3013
• Email: [email protected] (or [email protected])
• Website: www.ryvona.org

9.2 What We Can Help With

Our team can assist you with:

• Understanding how we use cookies
• Managing your cookie preferences
• Technical issues related to cookies
• Complaints about our cookie practices
• Requests for information about specific cookies

9.3 Response Times

We aim to respond to cookie-related inquiries within 5 business days. For urgent technical issues, please call us directly.