Cookie Policy

1. What are cookies?

A cookie is a small data file that a website can ask a browser to store on a computer, phone or other device. Cookies can be used to remember preferences, support website functionality, maintain security, measure website activity or identify a returning browser.

Depending on the service using the cookie, information associated with it may include a random identifier, browser or device information, an IP address, the pages visited, the referring website, and the date or time of a request.

2. Similar technologies

Websites can also use technologies that perform functions similar to cookies, including local storage, session storage, pixels, tags, scripts or server-side logs. In this policy, references to cookies may also include comparable technologies where they are used for the same general purpose.

3. Types of cookies

Session cookies

Session cookies generally last only for the current browsing session and are normally removed when the browser is closed.

Persistent cookies

Persistent cookies remain on a device for a defined period or until they are deleted. They can be used to remember a preference or recognize a browser on a future visit.

First-party cookies

First-party cookies are set by the website you are visiting. If HostScout sets a cookie directly, it is a HostScout first-party cookie.

Third-party cookies

Third-party cookies are set by another organization or website. A third-party service may use its own cookies according to its own privacy and cookie policies.

4. How HostScout currently uses cookies

At the date of this policy, HostScout does not intentionally use first-party advertising cookies, behavioural advertising cookies or cross-site profiling cookies on the public website.

Essential storage may be used if it becomes necessary for security, a visitor-requested feature, or to remember a privacy or consent preference. These technologies are limited to the purpose required for the feature to function.

5. Affiliate and referral cookies

HostScout participates in affiliate programs with some hosting companies, server providers and domain registrars. When you follow a partner link from HostScout, the destination provider may place an affiliate or referral cookie on your browser after you arrive on its website.

Those cookies are controlled by the destination provider, not HostScout. They are commonly used to determine whether a later signup or purchase should be attributed to the referral. The duration, information collected and management of those cookies are determined by the provider's own policies.

6. Analytics, performance and marketing cookies

HostScout does not currently rely on non-essential analytics or advertising cookies on the public site. If analytics, advertising, embedded media or another service that uses non-essential cookies is introduced later, this policy will be updated to identify the change.

Where applicable law requires consent before a non-essential technology can be activated, HostScout will provide an appropriate consent choice before that technology is enabled.

7. Quebec privacy and consent

Where HostScout's activities are subject to Quebec privacy requirements, applicable rules governing technologies used to identify, locate or profile individuals will be followed. Where the law requires the individual to activate those functions, they will not be enabled by default.

If a cookie consent interface is required in the future, visitors will be given a clear way to accept or decline non-essential technologies.

8. External websites and embedded services

HostScout links to independent hosting companies, registrars, government websites and other external resources. When you visit another website, that site may use cookies or similar technologies that HostScout does not control. Review the privacy and cookie policies of the destination website for details about its practices.

9. Managing or deleting cookies

Most modern browsers let you view, delete, block or limit cookies through the browser's privacy settings. You can also configure some browsers to block third-party cookies or remove stored site data when the browser closes.

Blocking essential cookies or storage can affect features that depend on them. Deleting a third-party affiliate cookie can also prevent the destination provider from recognizing a referral.

10. Changes to this Cookie Policy

This policy may be updated if HostScout introduces new functionality, analytics, advertising, embedded services or other technologies that change how cookies are used. The effective and last-updated dates at the top of this page will be revised when material changes are made.

11. Contact

Questions about cookies, tracking technologies or privacy can be sent to the Privacy Officer through the HostScout Contact page. For information about personal information more broadly, see the Privacy Policy.