Cookies Policy

Last updated: September 30, 2026

Introduction

This Cookies Policy explains how hypezonery.com uses cookies and similar technologies on its website. The site provides informational content focused on street photography and observations of urban environments across Canadian cities. As a non-commercial resource, the operator collects only limited data necessary to maintain basic functionality and improve the user experience. This document outlines the types of technologies employed, the reasons for their use, and the choices available to visitors under Canadian privacy expectations including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Readers should review this policy together with the separate Privacy Policy for a complete understanding of data practices.

What Cookies and Similar Technologies Are

Cookies are small text files placed on a device when a visitor accesses a website. They allow the site to remember actions and preferences over time. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels, and local storage objects that can store or retrieve information such as browser type, device identifiers, and interaction patterns. These files do not contain personal names or direct contact details but may record browsing behaviour within the site. In practical terms, they enable features like maintaining a consistent display of photographic galleries without requiring repeated configuration on each visit.

Why the Site Uses These Technologies

The operator employs cookies to ensure the website remains accessible and functional for all visitors. Without them, certain elements such as image loading preferences or navigation state would reset on every page view, reducing usability. Limited analytics help understand aggregate traffic patterns so that content about public spaces and everyday city moments can be presented more effectively. No advertising networks are engaged, and the site does not profile individuals for commercial purposes. All usage aligns with the non-commercial nature of the project and supports ongoing maintenance without collecting unnecessary information.

Categories of Cookies Employed

Strictly necessary cookies support core operations such as session continuity and security checks. Functional cookies remember user-selected display options for photography content. Analytics or performance cookies gather aggregated statistics on page views and navigation paths. Advertising or targeting cookies are not deployed. Social-media cookies are absent because no third-party social sharing widgets are integrated. Each category serves a distinct purpose and is limited to the minimum data required for that function.

First-Party Versus Third-Party Cookies

First-party cookies originate directly from the hypezonery.com domain and are used exclusively for essential site functions. Third-party cookies may come from service providers that assist with performance measurement. The operator selects only reputable providers that comply with Canadian privacy standards. Visitors can distinguish between the two by reviewing the cookie table below, which identifies the source of each entry. No third-party cookies are used for advertising or cross-site tracking.

Session Versus Persistent Cookies and Retention

Session cookies exist only while the browser remains open and are deleted automatically when the session ends. Persistent cookies remain on the device for a defined period, typically between thirty days and one year, to retain preferences across visits. Retention periods are chosen to balance convenience with data minimisation. For example, a functional cookie storing gallery view settings expires after ninety days of inactivity. Analytics cookies may retain aggregated logs for up to twenty-four months before automatic deletion.

Data Handled and Specific Purposes

Necessary cookies store session identifiers and basic security tokens. Functional cookies record display preferences such as image size or language selection. Analytics cookies capture page referral data, device type, and approximate geographic region at the city level. No names, email addresses, or precise location coordinates are processed. The purpose of each category remains strictly limited to site operation, content improvement, and compliance with legal obligations.

Consent or Exemption Basis Under Canadian Law

Under PIPEDA and related guidance, strictly necessary cookies operate under a legitimate interest exemption because they are essential for delivering the requested service. Functional and analytics cookies rely on implied consent obtained through clear notice and continued use of the site. Visitors may withdraw consent at any time through the cookie banner or browser settings. The operator does not require explicit opt-in for non-essential cookies when they do not involve sensitive personal information, consistent with current Canadian regulatory expectations.

Cookie Provider Table

The following table summarises active cookies. Necessary: session identifier, provider hypezonery.com, duration session. Functional: display preference, provider hypezonery.com, duration ninety days. Analytics: page view count, provider third-party analytics service, duration twenty-four months. No other entries are present. Durations are reviewed periodically to ensure they remain appropriate.

How the Consent Manager Works

A site-wide cookie banner appears on first visit and allows visitors to accept all non-essential cookies, reject them, or access detailed settings. Choices are stored for one year. Visitors may reopen the banner through a link in the footer to change or withdraw consent without affecting necessary cookies. All selections are recorded locally and respected on subsequent visits.

Browser-Level Controls and Consequences

Most browsers permit users to block or delete cookies through settings menus. Disabling necessary cookies may prevent the site from loading photographic content correctly. Blocking analytics cookies reduces the operator's ability to measure overall usage but does not affect core functionality. Visitors who disable all cookies should expect a less personalised experience and may encounter repeated prompts for basic preferences.

International Transfers

Some analytics providers may process data outside Canada. When transfers occur, appropriate contractual safeguards are maintained to protect information in accordance with PIPEDA. Details of such arrangements appear in the Privacy Policy. The operator does not transfer data to jurisdictions without adequate protection mechanisms.

Policy Changes and Contact Route

This policy is reviewed annually and updated as needed. Material changes will be announced on the site. Visitors seeking clarification should use the contact form on the Contacts page or reach the operator by telephone at +1 (604) 657-5609 or by mail at 19021 72 Avenue, Surrey, BC V4N 5Z, Canada. The operator responds to reasonable inquiries within thirty business days.