Cookie Policy
This Cookie Policy explains how Fotante Inc. ("Fotante," "we," "us," or "our") uses cookies, pixels, and similar tracking technologies on our website and application. By using Fotante, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy.
Table of contents
1. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device that contain information about your interaction with our website or application. When you visit or use Fotante, your browser sends cookies back to us with each request, allowing us to recognize you and maintain your session.
Similar tracking technologies we may use include:
- Local storage: Browser-based storage that persists across sessions and can hold larger amounts of data than cookies (e.g., your UI preferences, theme selection, saved filters)
- Session tokens: Cryptographic tokens used to authenticate and maintain your login session securely
- Pixels and beacons: Small images or scripts used to track page views or specific user actions (though Fotante does not currently use advertising pixels)
Cookies and similar technologies enable us to provide core functionality, remember your preferences, and maintain security.
2. Cookies We Use
Below is a comprehensive table of cookies and tracking technologies used by Fotante:
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
__session | Clerk Auth | Maintains your authenticated session; required to stay logged in | Essential | Session (until logout) |
__client_uat | Clerk Auth | Client-side user authentication token for API requests | Essential | Session or up to 30 days |
Local Storage:fotante_theme | Fotante | Stores your theme preference (light/dark mode) | Preference | Persistent |
Local Storage:fotante_sidebar_collapsed | Fotante | Remembers whether you collapsed the sidebar | Preference | Persistent |
Local Storage:fotante_view_mode | Fotante | Saves your preferred view (grid, list, timeline) | Preference | Persistent |
Local Storage:fotante_sort_order | Fotante | Remembers your preferred sort order for content | Preference | Persistent |
__stripe_sid | Stripe | Session cookie for payment processing on billing pages | Essential (on payment flow) | Session (until payment complete) |
__stripe_mid | Stripe | Merchant identifier for Stripe fraud detection | Essential (on payment flow) | Up to 2 years |
Note: Cookie names and purposes are subject to change as we update our technology stack. This table reflects our current implementation as of April 12, 2026.
3. Essential Cookies
Essential cookies are necessary for Fotante to function correctly. They include:
- Authentication cookies (Clerk): The
__sessionand__client_uatcookies are managed by Clerk, our authentication provider. These cookies maintain your login session and prevent unauthorized access to your account. - Payment session cookies (Stripe): When you access the billing or subscription management pages, Stripe cookies are set to secure your payment information during the checkout process.
Cannot be opted out of: You cannot disable essential cookies while using Fotante. These cookies are required for security and basic functionality. If you delete these cookies, you will be logged out and unable to access your account until you log in again.
GDPR compliance: Under GDPR and ePrivacy Directive (2009/136/EC), essential cookies do not require prior user consent because they are strictly necessary for service provision. Therefore, Fotante does not display a cookie banner for users who accept only essential cookies.
4. Preference Cookies
Preference cookies store your personal settings and choices, such as:
- Theme preference (light or dark mode)
- UI layout choices (sidebar collapsed/expanded, view mode)
- Sort order and filter preferences
These cookies improve your experience by remembering your choices across sessions. You can clear preference cookies from your browser settings at any time. Doing so will reset your preferences to defaults, but will not affect your access to Fotante or your data.
5. Third-Party Cookies
Fotante integrates with the following third-party services that may set cookies:
Clerk (Authentication)
Clerk manages user authentication and session management. Cookies set by Clerk include __session and __client_uat.
When: Set when you log in; persist for the duration of your session.
Learn more: Clerk Security & Data Protection
Stripe (Payment Processing)
Stripe processes payments securely on the billing page. Stripe cookies are only set when you visit the subscription or payment pages.
Cookies: __stripe_sid, __stripe_mid, and related payment session cookies.
When: Set only when you access payment pages; cleared after payment or session timeout.
Learn more: Stripe Privacy Policy
We do not integrate third-party advertising networks or cross-site tracking services. We do not use your data for behavioral advertising or share it with advertising partners.
6. Your Choices — How to Control Cookies
You have several options to control how cookies are used:
Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or alert you when a cookie is being set. You can manage cookies through your browser settings:
- 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 > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data
Disabling Essential Cookies
Warning: Blocking essential cookies will prevent you from logging in and using Fotante. We recommend allowing at least essential and session cookies to ensure full functionality. You may safely block or delete preference cookies and third-party analytics cookies without affecting access to your account.
Local Storage Management
You can clear local storage through your browser developer tools (typically accessed via F12) or through browser settings. Clearing local storage will reset your UI preferences but will not affect authentication or account access.
7. Cookie Consent and Compliance
No cookie banner required: Fotante uses only essential and preference cookies by default. Under GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive, we do not require explicit cookie consent for essential cookies because they are strictly necessary for service operation and user security.
GDPR Compliance: If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or the United Kingdom, your data processing is subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and UK GDPR. We rely on Recital 32 of GDPR (necessity for service provision) to justify the use of essential authentication and session cookies without prior consent.
ePrivacy Directive (2009/136/EC): The ePrivacy Directive permits the storage of strictly necessary cookies without prior consent. Fotante complies with this directive by:
- Using only essential and preference cookies
- Not setting cookies for advertising or cross-site tracking
- Providing clear information about cookie usage in this policy
- Allowing users to manage and delete cookies via browser settings
California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA): Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), you have the right to know what cookies are set, why they are set, and how to delete them. This Cookie Policy provides that transparency. You can exercise your rights to access, delete, or opt-out of cookie collection by contacting us at privacy@fotante.com.
8. Updates to This Policy
Fotante may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our technology, legal requirements, or practices. We will notify you of material changes by:
- Displaying a prominent notice in the Service at least 30 days before the changes take effect
- Sending an email notification to your registered email address
- Updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
Your continued use of Fotante after changes become effective constitutes your acceptance of the updated Cookie Policy. If you do not agree with changes, you may close your account before the effective date.
9. Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature. Currently, there is no industry standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. Fotante does not respond differently to DNT signals because we do not engage in behavioral advertising or cross-site tracking. However, you can still control cookies through your browser settings as described in Section 6.
10. Contact
For questions about this Cookie Policy or how Fotante uses cookies, please contact us: