Cookie Policy
Effective Date: 1 April 2025 · Last Updated: 1 April 2025
This Cookie Policy explains how Gau Samman Aahvaan Abhiyaan ("Gau Samman", "we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website gausamman.org and related digital platforms (the "Platform"). It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
By continuing to use the Platform after being presented with cookie information, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this Policy. You may withdraw or adjust your consent at any time as described in Section 5.
1. What Are Cookies?
A cookie is a small text file that a website saves on your computer, tablet, or mobile device when you visit. Cookies allow a website to recognise your device, remember your preferences, and improve your experience over successive visits.
In addition to cookies, we may also use similar technologies including:
- Web beacons (pixel tags): Tiny transparent images embedded in web pages or emails that help us understand whether a page has been viewed or an email has been opened.
- Local storage: A browser mechanism similar to cookies that allows us to store small amounts of data on your device, such as your language preference.
- Session storage: Temporary data stored in your browser that is deleted when you close the browser tab or window.
References to "cookies" in this Policy include all of these similar technologies unless otherwise specified.
2. Types of Cookies We Use
2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
Always Active — No Consent RequiredThese cookies are essential for the Platform to function correctly. Without them, services such as language selection, session management, and form submission cannot operate. You cannot opt out of these cookies through our cookie controls, as doing so would break the Platform.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| gs_locale | Stores your selected language preference (English, Hindi, Bengali, or Tamil) across your session and future visits. | 12 months | First-party |
| next-auth.session-token / __Secure-next-auth.session-token | Manages authenticated sessions where applicable. | Session | First-party |
| XSRF-TOKEN / csrf_token | Protects against Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks when you submit forms such as the petition or registration form. | Session | First-party |
2.2 Analytics Cookies
Requires ConsentThese cookies collect anonymised information about how visitors use the Platform, such as which pages are most visited, how users navigate between pages, and whether any errors are encountered. This data helps us improve the Platform. We do not use analytics data to identify individual users.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga, _ga_* | Google Analytics cookies that help us measure traffic volumes and usage patterns. Data is aggregated and anonymised. | 2 years | Third-party (Google) |
| _gid | Google Analytics cookie used to distinguish users for a 24-hour period. | 24 hours | Third-party (Google) |
2.3 Functionality Cookies
Requires ConsentThese cookies allow the Platform to remember choices you have made and to provide enhanced, personalised features. For example, they may remember whether you have dismissed a banner or your preferred display settings.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| gs_banner_dismissed | Remembers whether you have dismissed the cookie consent or campaign announcement banner. | 30 days | First-party |
| gs_prefs | Stores miscellaneous user interface preferences to personalise your experience. | 6 months | First-party |
2.4 Cookies We Do Not Use
Not Present on This PlatformGau Samman does not use:
- Advertising or targeting cookies — We do not display advertisements and do not allow third-party advertisers to place cookies on our Platform.
- Social media tracking cookies — While we link to social media platforms (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter/X), we do not embed their tracking pixels or cookies on our Platform pages. Visiting those platforms from our links subjects you to their respective cookie policies.
- Cross-site behavioural tracking — We do not track your activity across third-party websites.
3. First-Party vs Third-Party Cookies
First-party cookies are set directly by gausamman.org and can only be read by our Platform.
Third-party cookies are set by external services that appear on our pages (such as Google Analytics). These third parties may have their own privacy and cookie policies, and we encourage you to review them. We only permit third-party cookies where they serve a legitimate analytical or functional purpose and where appropriate data processing agreements are in place.
4. How Long Do Cookies Last?
Cookies can be either session cookies or persistent cookies:
- Session cookies are temporary and are deleted automatically when you close your browser. They allow the Platform to link your actions during a single browsing session.
- Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period (as specified in the cookie table above) or until you manually delete them. They allow the Platform to remember your preferences across visits.
5. How to Control Cookies
5.1 Browser Controls
You can control and delete cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to: view the cookies stored on your device; delete all or specific cookies; block all cookies; and block third-party cookies while allowing first-party cookies.
Instructions for common browsers:
- 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 → Manage and Delete Cookies
- Opera: Settings → Advanced → Privacy & Security → Cookies
5.2 Opt-Out of Google Analytics
You may opt out of Google Analytics tracking across all websites by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
5.3 Consequences of Disabling Cookies
Please note that disabling strictly necessary cookies will significantly impair the functionality of the Platform, including your ability to sign the petition, register, and maintain your language preference. Disabling analytics or functionality cookies will not affect your ability to use core Platform features.
6. Updates to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in the technologies we use or applicable legal requirements. We will update the Effective Date when we make changes. We encourage you to review this Policy regularly. Where changes are material, we will provide notice via the Platform.
7. Contact
Privacy & Cookie Enquiries — Gau Samman Aahvaan Abhiyaan
Email: privacy@gausamman.org
Phone: +91 82397 11008