Cookie Policy

Effective Date: December 17, 2025
Last Updated: December 17, 2025

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Gestlat ThinkLab ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website (gestlatthinklab.com) and in our services.

By using our website, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time as explained below.

Related Policies:

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.

Types of Storage Technologies We Use:

• Cookies: Text files stored by your browser
• Local Storage: Data stored in your browser's local storage
• Session Storage: Temporary data stored during your browsing session
• Pixels and Beacons: Tiny graphics that help track user behavior
• JavaScript: Code that enables interactive features

3. Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies for several important reasons:

3.1 Essential Functionality

• Keep you logged in as you navigate our site
• Remember your language preferences
• Process e-commerce transactions
• Maintain shopping cart contents
• Enable security features

3.2 Performance and Analytics

• Understand how visitors use our website
• Identify popular content and features
• Measure website traffic and user behavior
• Improve website performance and load times
• Diagnose technical issues

3.3 Personalization

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Provide personalized content recommendations
• Customize your user experience
• Show relevant product suggestions

3.4 Marketing and Advertising

• Deliver relevant advertisements
• Measure ad campaign effectiveness
• Prevent showing the same ads repeatedly
• Understand which marketing channels are most effective

4. Types of Cookies We Use

4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

Purpose: Enable core website functionality
Can be disabled: No (required for site operation)
Duration: Session or up to 1 year

Legal Basis: These cookies are necessary to perform the contract with you or are required by law.

4.2 Functional Cookies

Purpose: Enhance website functionality and personalization
Can be disabled: Yes
Duration: Session to 2 years

Legal Basis: Legitimate interest in providing enhanced user experience; consent where required.

4.3 Analytics and Performance Cookies

Purpose: Help us understand website usage and improve performance
Can be disabled: Yes
Duration: Session to 2 years

Data Collected:

• Pages visited and time spent
• Click patterns and navigation paths
• Device type and browser information
• Geographic location (country/city level)
• Referral sources

Legal Basis: Legitimate interest in improving our services; consent where required by local law.

4.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies

Purpose: Deliver relevant ads and measure campaign effectiveness
Can be disabled: Yes
Duration: Up to 2 years

Data Collected:

• Ad impressions and clicks
• Conversion events
• User interests and behaviors
• Cross-site tracking data

Legal Basis: Consent (you can opt out at any time).

4.5 Social Media Cookies

Purpose: Enable social media sharing and integration
Can be disabled: Yes
Duration: Session to 2 years

5. Third-Party Cookies

We use third-party service providers who may set cookies on your device:

5.1 Analytics Providers

• Google Analytics: Website analytics and performance tracking
• Hotjar (if used): User behavior analysis and heatmaps

5.2 Advertising Networks

• Google Ads: Display advertising and remarketing
• Facebook Pixel: Social media advertising
• LinkedIn Ads: B2B advertising

5.3 Payment Processors

• Mobile Money Providers: Transaction processing
• Card Payment Gateways: Secure payment processing

5.4 Customer Support

• Live Chat Providers: Customer support functionality
• Help Desk Systems: Support ticket management

Note: Third-party cookies are governed by the respective providers' privacy policies. We do not control these cookies.

6. How to Manage Cookies

You have several options to control and manage cookies:

6.1 Cookie Consent Manager

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie banner allowing you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• Customize your preferences

Access Cookie Settings: Click the "Cookie Preferences" link in the footer at any time to update your choices.

6.2 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

Google Chrome

1. Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
2. Choose: Block all cookies, Block third-party cookies, or Allow all cookies

Mozilla Firefox

1. Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
2. Choose blocking options and exceptions

Safari

1. Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
2. Choose blocking options

Microsoft Edge

1. Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies and site data
2. Choose blocking options

Note: Blocking all cookies may affect website functionality.

6.3 Opt-Out Links

You can opt out of specific third-party cookies:

• Google Analytics: Google Analytics Opt-out
• Google Ads: Ad Settings
• Facebook: Ad Preferences
• Network Advertising Initiative: NAI Opt-out
• Digital Advertising Alliance: DAA Opt-out

6.4 Mobile Device Settings

On mobile devices, you can limit ad tracking:

iOS (iPhone/iPad):

• Settings → Privacy → Tracking → Disable "Allow Apps to Request to Track"

Android:

• Settings → Google → Ads → Opt out of Ads Personalization

7. Impact of Disabling Cookies

Disabling certain cookies may affect your experience:

Essential Cookies Disabled:

• ❌ Cannot log in to your account
• ❌ Shopping cart won't work
• ❌ Cannot process purchases
• ❌ Security features may not function

Functional Cookies Disabled:

• ⚠️ Preferences not remembered
• ⚠️ Language resets each visit
• ⚠️ Limited personalization

Analytics Cookies Disabled:

• ✅ Website still fully functional
• ℹ️ We can't improve user experience as effectively

Marketing Cookies Disabled:

• ✅ Website still fully functional
• ℹ️ You may see less relevant ads
• ℹ️ You may see the same ads repeatedly

8. Cookie Lifespan

Cookies have different lifespans:

Session Cookies

• Temporary cookies deleted when you close your browser
• Used for: Login sessions, shopping carts, temporary preferences

Persistent Cookies

• Remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted
• Duration: From 24 hours up to 2 years
• Used for: Analytics, preferences, marketing

We regularly review and minimize cookie durations to respect your privacy.

9. Data Collected Through Cookies

Cookies may collect:

Technical Information

• IP address (anonymized where possible)
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Device type (desktop, mobile, tablet)
• Screen resolution

Behavioral Information

• Pages visited
• Time spent on pages
• Click patterns
• Search queries on our site
• Products viewed or purchased

Identifiers

• Unique device identifiers
• Session IDs
• User account IDs (if logged in)

We do not collect sensitive personal data through cookies without explicit consent.

10. International Data Transfers

Some of our third-party cookie providers are based outside East Africa, including in:

• United States (Google, Facebook)
• European Union (various analytics providers)

When data is transferred internationally, we ensure:

• Appropriate safeguards are in place
• Standard contractual clauses are used
• Privacy Shield or equivalent frameworks apply
• You have consented where required

11. Your Rights

Under East African data protection laws, you have rights regarding cookie data:

Right to Access

Request information about cookies and data collected

Right to Erasure

Request deletion of cookie data (some may be recreated on next visit)

Right to Object

Object to marketing cookies and profiling

Right to Withdraw Consent

Change your cookie preferences at any time

Exercise Your Rights: Contact [email protected]

12. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed at children under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from children through cookies.

If you believe a child has provided data through cookies, contact us immediately: [email protected]

13. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:

• Changes in cookie usage
• New technologies
• Legal requirements
• Service improvements

When We Update:

• Updated "Last Updated" date
• Notification via website banner (for material changes)
• Email notification to registered users (for significant changes)

Previous versions available upon request.

14. Cookies and Security

While cookies enhance security, be aware:

Security Measures

• ✅ Cookies encrypted where possible
• ✅ Secure (HTTPS) transmission
• ✅ HttpOnly flags to prevent JavaScript access
• ✅ SameSite attributes to prevent CSRF attacks

Your Responsibility

• Use up-to-date browsers
• Use secure connections (avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities)
• Log out when using shared computers
• Clear cookies on shared devices

15. Contact Us

For questions about this Cookie Policy or to manage your preferences:

Privacy Team

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +256 763 414937
• Address: Kampala, Kampala, Uganda

Cookie Preference Center: [Link to Cookie Settings]

Response Time: Within 5 business days

16. Additional Resources

Learn more about cookies:

• All About Cookies: www.allaboutcookies.org
• Your Online Choices: www.youronlinechoices.com
• Network Advertising Initiative: www.networkadvertising.org

Summary Table: Cookie Categories

Acknowledgment

By continuing to use our website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Cookie Policy and consent to our use of cookies as described.

Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Effective Date: December 17, 2025
Version: 1.0

This Cookie Policy is available in English, French (Français), and Arabic (العربية). The English version is authoritative in case of discrepancies.