Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how NearChat ("we", "our", or "us") uses cookies and similar technologies on our website at nearchat.com (the "Website").

This policy complies with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners.

Cookies can be "persistent" (remaining on your device for a set period) or "session" cookies (deleted when you close your browser).

3. Our Approach to Cookies

In keeping with our privacy-focused approach, this Website is designed to minimise the use of cookies. We do not use:

• Advertising or marketing cookies
• Third-party tracking cookies
• Social media tracking cookies
• Analytics cookies that identify individual users

The Website is a static informational site that does not require user accounts or personalisation.

4. Cookies We May Use

The following types of cookies may be set when you visit our Website:

5. Third-Party Cookies

We do not embed third-party content (such as social media widgets, videos, or advertisements) that would set third-party cookies on your device.

If you click on links to external websites (such as the Google Play Store), those websites may set their own cookies. We have no control over these cookies and recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any external sites you visit.

6. The NearChat App

This Cookie Policy applies only to our Website, not to the NearChat mobile application. The App does not use cookies as it is a mobile application, not a website. For information about how the App handles data, please see our Privacy Policy.

7. Managing Cookies

You can control and manage cookies in various ways. Please note that removing or blocking cookies may impact your experience of this and other websites.

Browser Controls

Most browsers allow you to view, manage, delete, and block cookies. Be aware that if you delete all cookies, any preferences you have set will be lost.

For more information on how to manage cookies in your browser:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Apple Safari
• Microsoft Edge

Do Not Track

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature. As we do not track users across websites, our Website responds the same way regardless of your DNT settings.

8. Similar Technologies

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

• Web beacons: Small graphics that track whether content has been accessed
• Local storage: Data stored in your browser that persists between sessions
• Session storage: Data stored temporarily in your browser for a single session

We do not use web beacons. The Website may use minimal local or session storage for functional purposes only.

9. Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have rights regarding your personal data. Since we do not use cookies to collect personal data, these rights are largely not applicable to our cookie use.

For more information about your rights, please see our Privacy Policy.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, law, or our practices. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date.

We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

11. Complaints

If you have concerns about our use of cookies, please contact us at hello@nearchat.net.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). You can contact the ICO at ico.org.uk or by phone at 0303 123 1113.