In short
Cookies are small files that help our site work, remember your choices, and measure performance. Essential cookies are always on; everything else runs only with your consent.
You can change your choices any time on our Cookie Settings page.
Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how Alef uses cookies and similar technologies on alef.ink and within the Service. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy. By using non-essential cookies, you consent to them as described here; you can withdraw consent at any time.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They let the site recognise your device, remember your actions and preferences, and understand how the site is used. We also use similar technologies such as local storage, pixels, and tags - referred to together as “cookies” in this policy.
Why we use cookies
We use cookies to keep you signed in and secure, remember your settings (such as language and cookie choices), understand how the Service is used so we can improve it, and - only with your consent - to support marketing and measure campaigns.
Categories of cookies we use
| Category | Purpose | Consent |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly necessary | Core functions: signing in, security, load balancing, and remembering your cookie choices. The Service cannot work without these. | Always active |
| Performance & analytics | Help us understand traffic and how features are used (for example, page views and errors) so we can improve the Service. | Optional - on with consent |
| Functional | Remember preferences such as language and personalised settings to give you a smoother experience. | Optional - on with consent |
| Marketing | Measure and improve our campaigns and, where used, show relevant messages on other platforms. | Optional - on with consent |
Examples of cookies
| Cookie | Category | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| alef_session | Strictly necessary | Maintains your signed-in session | Session |
| alef_consent | Strictly necessary | Stores your cookie preferences | 6 months |
| alef_lang | Functional | Remembers your language (Arabic / English) | 1 year |
| Analytics cookies (when enabled) | Performance | Aggregated usage analytics | Up to 24 months |
Third-party cookies
Some cookies are set by third parties we use, such as analytics and (if enabled) advertising providers. These parties may process data under their own privacy policies. We enable non-essential third-party cookies only after you consent. Where we use Google Search Console as an Integration, that is account-based API access, not website cookies - see the Privacy Policy.
Managing your preferences
You can set or change your cookie choices at any time on our Cookie Settings page. You can also control cookies through your browser settings - including blocking or deleting them - though blocking strictly necessary cookies may stop parts of the Service from working. Most browsers explain how to manage cookies in their help section.
Do Not Track
Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” signal. There is no common industry standard for responding to it, so we currently do not respond to DNT signals. We instead give you direct control through our Cookie Settings.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Cookie Policy as our use of cookies changes or as the law requires. The “Last updated” date above shows the current version.