Cookie Policy

Last Updated: May 3, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to almaZINE (almazine.org). This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them on our website, the types of cookies we use, the information we collect using cookies, how that information is used, and how you can control your cookie preferences.  

This policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy page. Our website is operated from Norway, and we comply with relevant data protection regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Norwegian ekomloven (ยง 2-7b).

What are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, like your preferences, and can make the site easier to use and more relevant to you. Cookies can be “persistent” (staying on your device for a set period) or “session” (deleted when you close your browser). They can also be “first-party” (set by the website you are visiting, i.e., almazine.org) or “third-party” (set by a domain other than the one you are visiting, e.g., Google, HubSpot, Stripe).  

2. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for several purposes:

  • Essential Functionality: To ensure our website works correctly, including processing payments securely and remembering your cookie consent choices.
  • Analytics: To understand how visitors interact with our website, which content is popular, and how we can improve user experience. This involves collecting anonymous or pseudonymous data.
  • Forms and Interaction: To enable you to use forms for downloads or contact, and to manage these interactions effectively.

We require your consent to use non-essential cookies (Analytics, Preference, Targeting). Necessary cookies are used based on our legitimate interest in providing a functional and secure website or based on contractual necessity (e.g., processing payments you initiate).

3. Types of Cookies We Use

We use the following categories of cookies on almazine.org:

a) Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for you to browse the website and use its features, such as accessing secure areas or processing payments. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. They do not store personally identifiable information and are generally not subject to consent requirements, but we list them for transparency.  

  • Name:wordpress_test_cookie
    • Provider: almazine.org (WordPress)
    • Purpose: Checks if your browser accepts cookies.
    • Duration: Session
  • Name: pressidium_cookie_consent
    • Provider: almazine.org (Pressidium Cookie Consent)
    • Purpose: Stores your cookie consent preferences for this website.
    • Duration: Typically 12 months
  • Name:__stripe_mid
    • Provider: Stripe (.stripe.com)
    • Purpose: Essential for payment processing; security and fraud prevention.
    • Duration: 1 year
  • Name:__stripe_sid
    • Provider: Stripe (.stripe.com)
    • Purpose: Essential for payment processing; security and fraud prevention during session.
    • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Name:m
    • Provider: Stripe (.stripe.com)
    • Purpose: Used by Stripe for payment processing, security, and device recognition.
    • Duration: 2 years

b) Preference Cookies

These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make (such as language) to provide enhanced, more personal features. Currently, almazine.org does not use preference cookies by default, but this section will be updated if that changes.

c) Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously or pseudonymously. We use this data to improve our site and content. These cookies require your consent.  

  • Name:_ga
    • Provider: Google Analytics (.almazine.org)
    • Purpose: Distinguishes unique users for statistical purposes.
    • Duration: 2 years
  • Name:__hstc
    • Provider: HubSpot (.almazine.org)
    • Purpose: Main HubSpot cookie for tracking visitors over time (domain, user token, timestamps, session counts).
    • Duration: 6 months
  • Name:__hssc
    • Provider: HubSpot (.almazine.org)
    • Purpose: Tracks sessions for HubSpot analytics; determines if session counts need incrementing.
    • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Name:hubspotutk
    • Provider: HubSpot (.almazine.org)
    • Purpose: Tracks a visitor’s identity; associated with contacts upon form submission for analytics and deduplication.
    • Duration: 6 months

d) Targeting Cookies

These cookies are used to track visitors across websites. The intention is to display ads that are relevant and engaging for the individual user. Currently, almazine.org does not intentionally use targeting cookies for third-party advertising, but some HubSpot features might involve related tracking if enabled. This section will be updated if targeting cookies are actively employed.  

4. Your Choices & Managing Cookies

You have control over your cookie preferences.

  • Cookie Consent Tool: When you first visit almazine.org, you will see a cookie banner asking for your consent for non-essential cookies. You can accept all, reject all non-essential cookies, or customize your preferences. You can change your settings at any time by clicking on the cookie icon on the left hand down side on any of the following pages: “about”, “zine”, “podcast” or “services”.
  • Browser Settings: Most web browsers allow some control of most cookies through the browser settings. You can set your browser to block cookies or alert you when cookies are being sent. Find out how to manage cookies on popular browsers:

Please note that if you disable necessary cookies, some parts of our website may not function properly. Disabling analytics cookies will prevent us from collecting data to improve your experience but will not affect site functionality.

5. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies used on our website are set by third-party services that appear on our pages. These include Google (for analytics), HubSpot (for forms and analytics), and Stripe (for payment processing). These third parties have their own cookie and privacy policies:

We do not control the placement or policies of these third-party cookies. Please review their policies for more information.

6. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. The “Last Updated” date at the top indicates when it was last revised.  

7. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us at: contact@almazine.org