Browser Storage Policy

Last Updated: May 31st, 2025

1. Our Minimal Cookie Approach

Ottaga uses a privacy-first approach with minimal browser storage. We use only one essential cookie for authentication and rely on browser memory storage for everything else, avoiding the tracking and analytics cookies used by most websites.

2. The One Cookie We Use

2.1 Authentication Cookie

We use a single, essential cookie for:

  • Session Authentication: Keeping you securely logged in to access protected areas of our Service
  • Security: Ensuring only authorized users can access their personal conversations and settings

Cookie Details:

  • Purpose: Authentication and access control only
  • Duration: Expires when you log out or after a period of inactivity
  • Scope: Only used on our domain (ottaga.com)
  • Content: Encrypted session identifier (no personal data stored in the cookie)

3. What We Use Instead of Tracking Cookies

3.1 Browser Memory Storage

For non-authentication purposes, we use browser memory storage (RAM-based storage) for:

  • User Preferences: Remembering your settings during your current session
  • Analytics: PostHog uses browser memory to track page events and user interactions
  • Temporary Data: Session-based information that doesn't require persistence

3.2 How This Works

Browser memory storage:

  • Is automatically cleared when you close your browser tab or restart your browser
  • Cannot be accessed by other websites
  • Does not persist between browser sessions (unlike our authentication cookie)
  • Does not track you across different websites

4. PostHog Analytics Storage

Our analytics provider, PostHog, may use browser memory storage to:

  • Track your session while you use our Service
  • Remember analytics preferences during your visit
  • Store temporary identifiers that are cleared when you close your browser

This storage is used solely for understanding how our Service is used and improving user experience.

5. Benefits of Our Minimal Approach

By using only one essential cookie and memory storage for everything else, we provide you with:

  • Enhanced Privacy: No tracking or analytics cookies that persist across sessions
  • Automatic Cleanup: Non-essential data is automatically cleared when you close your browser
  • Simplified Privacy: No complex cookie consent banners for non-essential cookies
  • Reduced Tracking: We cannot track you across different websites or build long-term profiles
  • Essential Functionality: Authentication cookie ensures secure access to your account

6. Managing Browser Storage and Cookies

6.1 Authentication Cookie Management

  • Automatic logout: Cookie expires after period of inactivity
  • Manual logout: Use the logout button to immediately clear your authentication cookie
  • Browser settings: You can delete cookies through your browser settings (this will log you out)

6.2 Memory Storage Management

Since we use browser memory storage for non-essential data:

  • No action needed: Storage is automatically cleared when you close your browser
  • Session-based: Data only exists during your active use of our Service
  • Browser restart: Completely clears all temporary stored data

6.3 Browser Settings

You can manage our authentication cookie and storage through your browser settings:

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

Note: Deleting our authentication cookie will log you out of your account.

6. Third-Party Storage

6.1 PostHog Analytics

PostHog may use browser storage for analytics purposes. This storage:

  • Is limited to analytics and user experience data
  • Does not contain personal conversations or sensitive information
  • Is governed by PostHog's privacy practices
  • Can be disabled through browser settings if desired

6.2 No Other Third Parties

We do not use any other third-party services that store data in your browser.

7. Technical Details

For transparency, here's what we do and don't store:

What We Store:

In our authentication cookie:

  • Encrypted session identifier for secure login

In browser memory only:

  • User interface preferences during your session
  • Analytics data for improving our Service
  • Temporary session data

What We Never Store:

  • Tracking or advertising cookies
  • Cross-site tracking data
  • Long-term behavioral profiles
  • Personal conversation content in browser storage
  • Third-party marketing cookies

8. Data Location

All browser storage occurs locally on your device and is not transmitted to our servers except:

  • When necessary for Service functionality (like authentication)
  • For analytics purposes as described in our Privacy Policy

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Browser Storage Policy periodically. We will notify you of any material changes by:

  • Posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date
  • Sending email notifications for significant changes when possible

Your continued use of the Service after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Questions and Contact

If you have any questions about our browser storage practices, please contact us at:

Email: [email protected]

For privacy-related inquiries, please include "Browser Storage" in your email subject line.

By using our Service, you acknowledge that you understand our minimal cookie approach and how we use browser storage as described in this policy. You consent to our use of the essential authentication cookie required for Service functionality.