VA
Vision Africa

Research Services Since 1999

Cookie Policy

Last Updated: October 23, 2025

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Vision Africa Research Services (Pty) Ltd ("Vision Africa", "we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our market research platform. This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy.

By using our platform, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this Cookie Policy. If you do not agree to our use of cookies, you should adjust your browser settings accordingly or refrain from using our platform.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and provide information to website owners.

Cookies can be "persistent" (remain on your device until you delete them or they expire) or "session" (temporary, deleted when you close your browser).

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the platform to function properly and cannot be disabled in our systems.

Cookie NamePurposeDuration
accessTokenJWT authentication token for secure user sessions15 minutes
refreshTokenToken for refreshing expired access tokens7 days
sessionIdUnique identifier for your browsing sessionSession (deleted on browser close)
CSRF-TOKENProtection against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacksSession

3.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization.

Cookie NamePurposeDuration
language_preferenceStores your selected language (English/French)1 year
theme_preferenceStores your dark mode/light mode preference1 year
user_roleStores user role (Admin, Client, Respondent, Researcher) for UI customizationSession
survey_progressSaves survey completion progress to prevent data loss30 days

3.3 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how users interact with our platform, allowing us to improve performance and user experience.

Cookie NamePurposeDuration
_gaGoogle Analytics - distinguishes unique users2 years
_gidGoogle Analytics - distinguishes users24 hours
_gatGoogle Analytics - throttles request rate1 minute
platform_analyticsTracks page views, feature usage, and user flows90 days

3.4 Security Cookies

These cookies help detect and prevent fraudulent activity and protect user accounts.

Cookie NamePurposeDuration
login_attemptsTracks failed login attempts for rate limiting (max 5 per 15 min)15 minutes
device_fingerprintDetects unusual login patterns and device changes30 days
security_tokenValidates secure connections and prevents session hijackingSession

4. Third-Party Cookies

We may use third-party service providers who set cookies on our platform:

  • Google Analytics: Web analytics service to understand user behavior and improve our platform
  • AWS CloudFront: Content delivery network for faster file delivery
  • Socket.io: Real-time WebSocket connections for notifications and live updates

These third parties may use cookies to collect information about your online activities over time and across different websites. We do not control these third-party cookies and recommend reviewing their privacy policies.

5. Local Storage and Session Storage

In addition to cookies, we use HTML5 local storage and session storage:

  • Local Storage: Stores user preferences, theme settings, and non-sensitive configuration data (persists until manually cleared)
  • Session Storage: Temporarily stores survey draft responses and form data (cleared when browser tab is closed)

These storage mechanisms do not transmit data to our servers automatically and are used solely to enhance your user experience.

6. WebSocket Connections

Our platform uses Socket.io for real-time communication, which maintains persistent WebSocket connections. These connections:

  • Enable live notifications and real-time updates
  • Require authentication via JWT tokens
  • Automatically disconnect when you close your browser
  • Do not store personal data beyond your session

7. How to Manage Cookies

You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject cookies. You can exercise your cookie preferences through:

7.1 Browser Settings

Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can modify your browser settings to decline cookies:

  • Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
  • Mozilla Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
  • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
  • Microsoft Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies

7.2 Cookie consent banner

On your first visit you will see a cookie consent banner at the bottom of the page. You can accept all cookies (which enables anonymous analytics) or choose Essential only (which keeps only the cookies needed for the site to function — login session and language preference). Your choice is remembered for one year. To change your decision later, clear your browser cookies for this site and reload — the banner will reappear.

7.3 Opt-Out Links

⚠️ Important Notice

Blocking or deleting cookies may prevent you from using certain features of our platform, including logging in, completing surveys, and accessing your dashboard. Strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled as they are essential for security and basic functionality.

8. Mobile Devices

When accessing our platform via mobile browsers, you can manage cookies through your mobile device settings:

  • iOS (Safari): Settings → Safari → Block All Cookies
  • Android (Chrome): Chrome app → Settings → Site settings → Cookies

9. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers support "Do Not Track" (DNT) signals. Currently, there is no industry standard for interpreting DNT signals. We do not respond to DNT signals directly, but we respect your privacy choices through the cookie consent banner shown on your first visit and through your browser's cookie settings.

10. Cookie Lifespan

The lifespan of cookies varies:

  • Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
  • Short-term cookies: 15 minutes to 30 days
  • Long-term cookies: Up to 2 years for analytics and preferences

You can manually delete cookies at any time through your browser settings.

11. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our practices. We will notify you of significant changes by:

  • Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
  • Displaying a notification on our platform
  • Sending an email to registered users (for material changes)

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact:

Vision Africa Research Services

Klein Windhoek, Namibia

Email: privacy@vision-africa.com

Phone: +264 61 244 660

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