Cookie Policy

Essential Storage (Required)

We use browser storage (localStorage, sessionStorage) that is necessary for the platform to function:

• Session Management: Session data stored in browser memory and localStorage
  • Purpose: Keep you logged in during your session
  • Duration: Session data cleared when you close your browser
  • Type: Browser storage (localStorage/sessionStorage), not HTTP cookies
• Theme Preferences: Your theme selection (light/dark mode)
  • Purpose: Remember your theme preference
  • Duration: Persistent (until you change it)
  • Type: Local storage

Note: zk.im does not use HTTP cookies for session management. All session data is stored in browser memory and localStorage, providing better privacy and security.

Cookies We Do NOT Use

We explicitly do not use:

• Tracking Cookies: No third-party tracking cookies (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, etc.)
• Advertising Cookies: No cookies for targeted advertising or ad personalization
• Social Media Cookies: No cookies from social media platforms
• Analytics Cookies: No cookies for user behavior tracking or analytics
• Marketing Cookies: No cookies for marketing or remarketing purposes

Note: Our website analytics are processed server-side from HTTP access logs. We do not use client-side tracking scripts or cookies for analytics.

What We Store Locally

We use browser storage (localStorage, sessionStorage, IndexedDB) for:

• Encrypted User Data: Encrypted messages, profiles, and preferences stored locally on your device
  • Purpose: Enable offline access and improve performance
  • Security: All data is encrypted before storage
  • Control: You can clear this data at any time
• Cache Data: Temporary cache for faster loading
  • Purpose: Improve application performance
  • Duration: Temporary, automatically cleared when needed
• User Preferences: Settings and preferences you configure
  • Purpose: Remember your settings across sessions
  • Control: You can modify or clear these at any time

Privacy & Security

All data stored locally is:

• Encrypted: Sensitive data is encrypted before storage using client-side encryption
• Device-Specific: Data stays on your device and is not synced to servers
• User-Controlled: You can clear all local data at any time through browser settings or the application

Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
• Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data

Impact of Disabling Cookies

If you disable essential cookies, some platform features may not work:

• You may need to log in more frequently
• Your theme preference may not be saved
• Some security features may be less effective

Note: Since we only use essential cookies, disabling non-essential cookies will have no impact on zk.im (we don't use any non-essential cookies).

Clearing Local Storage

You can clear local storage through:

• Browser Settings: Clear browsing data → Local storage
• Application Settings: Use the "Clear Data" option in zk.im settings
• Developer Tools: Use browser developer tools to inspect and clear storage

Warning: Clearing local storage will remove encrypted data cached on your device. You may need to re-download data from ZKIM CAS, but your data is safe in the decentralized storage.