What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that websites place on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit them. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and give website owners useful information about how their sites are being used.
When you visit Startup Space, cookies help us remember your preferences, understand how you navigate our site, and ensure our affiliate partnerships are properly tracked. Cookies are stored in your browser and can be managed or deleted at any time.
In addition to cookies, we may use similar technologies including:
- Web storage (localStorage and sessionStorage): Similar to cookies but can store larger amounts of data locally on your device
- Pixel tags: Small transparent images that help us track user behavior and conversions
- Web beacons: Electronic files used to record information about how you browse our site
Types of Cookies We Use
We categorize the cookies on our website into three main types based on their purpose and functionality:
1. Essential Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary for the website to function properly. Without them, certain features of our site would not work. Essential cookies do not require your consent as they are fundamental to site operation.
What Essential Cookies Do:
- Maintain your session as you navigate between pages
- Remember your cookie consent preferences
- Enable security features and prevent fraudulent activity
- Store your dark/light theme preference
- Allow the mobile navigation menu to function correctly
2. Analytics Cookies
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website. They collect information about page views, time spent on site, and navigation patterns. This data is aggregated and anonymous-we cannot identify individual users from this information.
What Analytics Cookies Do:
- Count visitors and measure traffic to different pages
- Identify which device types and browsers our visitors use (iOS, Android, desktop)
- Track how long visitors spend on our site and which pages they visit
- Help us identify technical issues and improve site performance
- Understand which content is most valuable to our readers
3. Marketing and Affiliate Tracking Cookies
As an affiliate website that recommends dating platforms, we use cookies to track when visitors click through to partner sites. This ensures we receive proper credit for referrals and helps us maintain free access to our reviews and guides.
What Marketing/Affiliate Cookies Do:
- Track clicks to dating platform partner sites (SakuraDate, NaomiDate, MagnoliaDate, AsiaFlame, ShantiDate)
- Record which pages or reviews led to referral clicks
- Enable our affiliate partners to attribute sign-ups to our website
- Help us understand which recommendations are most helpful
- May be used by partners to show you relevant advertisements on other websites
Purposes of Each Cookie Category
Understanding why we use each type of cookie helps you make informed decisions about your privacy preferences.
| Cookie Category |
Purpose |
Duration |
Can Be Disabled? |
| Essential |
Enable core website functionality, security, and user preferences |
Session to 1 year |
No (required for site operation) |
| Analytics |
Collect anonymous usage data to improve website performance and content |
Up to 2 years |
Yes |
| Marketing/Affiliate |
Track referrals to dating partners and enable affiliate revenue |
30 days to 1 year |
Yes |
Detailed Cookie Information
Below is a more detailed breakdown of specific cookies we may use:
Site Preference Cookies
- theme: Stores your light/dark mode preference (localStorage, persistent)
- cookie_consent: Records your cookie consent choice (localStorage, 1 year)
Analytics Cookies
- _ga, _gid: Google Analytics cookies for visitor tracking (2 years, 24 hours)
- _gat: Google Analytics throttling cookie (1 minute)
Affiliate Partner Cookies
- utm_source, utm_campaign: Track which pages led to partner referrals (session)
- Partner-specific cookies: Set by dating platforms when you click through to their sites
Managing Cookies in Your Browser
You have full control over the cookies stored on your device. Most web browsers allow you to manage cookie settings through their preferences or settings menu.
How to Manage Cookies
The exact steps vary by browser, but generally you can:
- View stored cookies: See which cookies are currently saved from our site and others
- Delete specific cookies: Remove individual cookies from particular websites
- Delete all cookies: Clear all cookies from your browser at once
- Block cookies: Prevent websites from setting new cookies
- Set exceptions: Allow or block cookies from specific sites
Browser-Specific Instructions
For detailed instructions on managing cookies in your browser, please visit your browser's help documentation:
- Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Mozilla Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Apple Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Microsoft Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions
- Mobile browsers: Check your device's browser settings or app settings
Important Note
Disabling or deleting cookies may affect your experience on our website. Some features may not function properly, and you may need to re-enter preferences each time you visit. Essential cookies cannot be disabled without breaking core site functionality.
Do Not Track and Opt-Out Options
We respect your right to control how your data is collected and used. Here are your options for limiting tracking on our website:
Do Not Track (DNT) Signals
Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) setting that sends a signal to websites requesting that your browsing activity not be tracked. While there is no universal standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals, we are committed to respecting your privacy preferences.
Opt-Out Options
Google Analytics Opt-Out
You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, available for most major browsers. This prevents your data from being used by Google Analytics across all websites.
Advertising Opt-Out
To opt out of interest-based advertising from many companies, visit the Digital Advertising Alliance's opt-out page (optout.aboutads.info) or the Network Advertising Initiative's opt-out page (optout.networkadvertising.org).
Mobile Device Settings
On mobile devices, you can limit ad tracking through your device settings. On iOS, go to Settings → Privacy → Tracking. On Android, go to Settings → Privacy → Ads.
Third-Party Cookies
When you click through to our dating platform partners, those sites may set their own cookies according to their privacy policies. We encourage you to review the cookie policies of any site you visit:
- SakuraDate Privacy Policy
- NaomiDate Privacy Policy
- MagnoliaDate Privacy Policy
- AsiaFlame Privacy Policy
- ShantiDate Privacy Policy
