Cookie Policy
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how ResearchArk, operated by Mycel UG (haftungsbeschränkt), uses cookies and similar technologies on our platform. This policy complements our Privacy Policy and should be read alongside it.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently and to provide information to website operators. We use cookies for essential platform functionality and — only with your explicit consent — for privacy-preserving first-party analytics.
3. Cookies We Use
3.1 Essential Cookies (Always Active)
These cookies are strictly necessary for the platform to function. They cannot be disabled.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
arkid_access | Authentication access token for secure login sessions | Session | Authentication |
arkid_refresh | Token used to refresh authentication without re-login | 30 days | Authentication |
arkid_access_expires | Tracks when the access token expires for automatic refresh | Session | Authentication |
arkid_id | Stores the authenticated user identifier | 30 days | Authentication |
NEXT_LOCALE | Stores your preferred language (en, de, es, fr, it) | 1 year | Functional |
cookie_consent | Stores your cookie preference choices | 1 year | Functional |
3.2 Analytics (Optional, Off by Default)
With your explicit consent, we collect first-party analytics to understand how the platform is used and how it performs. No third-party analytics providers are involved, and no analytics data is shared with or sold to third parties.
When you enable analytics, we collect:
- Page analytics: pages visited, time on page, the previous page within our site, device type (desktop/tablet/mobile), operating system family, country (derived from your IP address, which is used transiently and never stored), approximate screen width (rounded to the nearest 100 pixels), user category (e.g. anonymous, beta, free, admin), campaign parameters (
utm_source,utm_medium,utm_campaign), and the referring website when you arrive from another site. Visits are grouped using a random session identifier stored in your browser's sessionStorage for the duration of the tab session — it is not a persistent identifier and cannot recognise you across visits. Page analytics data is retained for a maximum of 12 months. - Performance metrics (Web Vitals): technical loading measurements (e.g. LCP, INP, CLS), the page address without any query parameters, and device type. We do not store your IP address or browser user-agent string with these metrics. Performance data is retained for a maximum of 90 days.
- Product events: a small, pre-defined set of interaction events (e.g. viewing the pricing page, completing onboarding) together with the same session identifier, retained for a maximum of 12 months.
Analytics is only activated after you opt in via the cookie banner or Cookie Settings, and you can withdraw your consent at any time.
3.3 Marketing Cookies (Optional, Off by Default)
We do not currently use marketing or advertising cookies. If we introduce marketing cookies in the future, they will only be activated with your explicit consent.
4. Third-Party Cookies
We do not use third-party tracking cookies, advertising cookies, or social media tracking pixels. Our platform does not embed third-party content that sets cookies on your device.
5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You can manage your cookie preferences at any time by:
- Clicking the Cookie Settings link in our website footer
- Using your browser settings to view, manage, or delete cookies
Please note that disabling essential cookies may prevent the platform from functioning properly.
Browser Cookie Settings
Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings:
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies
- Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies
- Edge: Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services > Cookies
6. Legal Basis
Under the German Telecommunications-Telemedia Data Protection Act (TTDSG) and the ePrivacy Directive, essential cookies do not require consent as they are strictly necessary for the service you have requested. Optional cookies (analytics, marketing) require your explicit opt-in consent before being set.
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date.
8. Contact
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us at info@researchark.eu or our Data Protection Officer at dpo@researchark.eu.
ResearchArk is a product of Mycel UG (haftungsbeschränkt), Kollwitzstraße 76, 10435 Berlin, Germany.
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