Cookie Policy
Last updated: January 1, 2026
1. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer, tablet, or mobile device when you visit a website. Cookies allow the website to recognise your device and remember certain information about your visit, such as your preferences or actions on the site.
Cookies are widely used by website operators to make their websites function properly, to improve user experience, and to provide reporting information. They are generally categorised by their purpose and duration.
2. How We Use Cookies
Paulo Bastos uses cookies on the website paulobastos.ca for the following purposes:
- To ensure the website functions correctly and securely
- To remember your cookie consent preferences
- To understand how visitors interact with our website so we can improve the user experience
- To remember your preferences during and between visits
3. Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions you take, such as setting your privacy preferences, submitting forms, or navigating the site.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| cookie_consent | Stores your cookie consent preference | Persistent (1 year) |
| form_ok | Session flag for form submission confirmation | Session |
Analytics Cookies
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. If you do not allow these cookies, we will not know when you have visited our site.
If analytics services are implemented, they may set cookies such as those used by Google Analytics or similar platforms. These cookies collect information in an aggregated form and do not directly identify individual visitors.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Distinguishes unique visitors (if Google Analytics is used) | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Used to persist session state (if Google Analytics is used) | 2 years |
Preference Cookies
Preference cookies enable the website to remember information that changes the way the website behaves or looks, such as your preferred language or the region you are in. These cookies are used only to enhance your experience on the website and do not track your activity on other sites.
4. Cookie Consent
When you first visit our website, a cookie consent notice is displayed at the bottom of the page. You have the option to accept or decline non-essential cookies. Essential cookies cannot be declined as they are necessary for the basic operation of the website.
Your cookie preference is stored locally on your device using the cookie_consent key in your browser's local storage. This means your choice is remembered for future visits.
You may change your cookie preferences at any time by clearing your browser's local storage or by using the cookie management settings described in Section 6 below.
5. Third-Party Cookies
In some cases, we may use cookies provided by trusted third parties. The following section describes which third-party cookies you might encounter through this website.
- Analytics providers: If analytics services such as Google Analytics are enabled, they may place cookies on your device to help us understand website traffic patterns. These cookies collect data in an anonymised form.
- Form processing: Cookies may be set during secure form submission to help prevent spam and ensure the integrity of submitted data.
We do not use cookies for advertising, retargeting, or behavioural tracking purposes.
6. How to Manage and Delete Cookies
You can control and manage cookies in several ways. Please note that removing or blocking cookies may impact your user experience and parts of this website may no longer be fully accessible.
Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically find these settings in the "Options," "Settings," or "Preferences" menu of your browser. The following links provide instructions for commonly used browsers:
- Google Chrome: Navigate to Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Mozilla Firefox: Navigate to Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Apple Safari: Navigate to Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Microsoft Edge: Navigate to Settings → Cookies and Site Permissions → Cookies and site data
Clearing Local Storage
To reset your cookie consent preference on this website, you can clear your browser's local storage. This can usually be done through the browser's developer tools or by clearing all site data in your browser settings.
7. Session vs. Persistent Cookies
Session Cookies
Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. They are used to maintain the state of your browsing session, such as remembering form data during submission.
Persistent Cookies
Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period of time specified in the cookie. They are activated each time you visit the website that created the cookie. They are used to remember your preferences between visits.
8. Legal Basis for Using Cookies
Paulo Bastos is registered at Westbroekstraat 12, 1107 KB Amsterdam, Netherlands. As a Netherlands-based organisation, we process cookies in accordance with the following legal frameworks:
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – EU Regulation 2016/679: We collect consent for non-essential cookies before placing them on your device, in accordance with GDPR requirements.
- Dutch Telecommunications Act (Telecommunicatiewet): In accordance with Dutch law, we inform users about the use of cookies and obtain consent where required.
- ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC): We comply with the EU ePrivacy Directive regarding the storage of and access to information on a user's device.
Essential cookies are placed under the legal basis of legitimate interest, as they are strictly necessary for the operation of the website. Non-essential cookies (analytics and preference cookies) are placed only with your explicit consent.
9. Updates to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other operational reasons. When changes are made, the "Last updated" date at the top of this page will be revised.
We encourage you to review this page periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies. Continued use of the website after any changes to this Cookie Policy constitutes your acknowledgement of those changes.
10. Related Policies
For more information about how we handle your personal data, please refer to our related policies:
- Privacy Policy – Details about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.
- Terms of Use – The terms and conditions governing your use of this website.
11. Contact Information
If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, you may contact us using the following information:
Paulo Bastos