1. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website or use an application. They help websites and apps remember your preferences, keep you logged in, and provide a personalized experience.

This Cookie Policy explains how Shouht ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website (Shouht.com) and mobile applications. This policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies (Required)

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually set in response to your actions, such as logging in, setting privacy preferences, or filling in forms.

2.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences and settings.

2.3 Analytics Cookies

On the web, Google Analytics 4 may use the _ga cookie and related first-party identifiers. In the mobile apps, Firebase Analytics uses an app-instance ID and similar device identifiers rather than browser cookies. These technologies measure sessions, page and screen views, feature interactions, device and app information, and approximate location so we can understand and improve Shouht.

Analytics is optional and may be enabled by default where permitted by law. You can turn Analytics Cookies off at any time in Settings → Privacy → Manage Cookie Preferences.

2.4 Advertising Cookies

These cookies are used by our advertising partners to show relevant advertisements on our platform. Personalized advertising cookies are only active if you have consented to advertising cookies and have not enabled Do Not Sell or Global Privacy Control.

Note: Premium subscribers do not see ad slots. If you disable advertising cookies or enable Do Not Sell, eligible non-premium ad slots use non-personalized/contextual ads instead of personalized ads.

3. Third-Party Cookies

We use services from third parties that may set their own cookies on your device:

Google (Authentication & Advertising)

If you sign in with Google OAuth, Google may set cookies to maintain your authentication state. Google AdSense/AdMob also uses cookies and mobile identifiers for advertising purposes. On the web, we use Google Consent Mode so Google ad storage, ad user data, ad personalization, and analytics storage default to denied before your preferences are known; analytics storage is granted only when you allow analytics cookies, and advertising signals are updated separately for ads. On mobile, we use Google's User Messaging Platform before requesting AdMob ads. For more information, visit Google's Privacy Policy.

Stripe (Payments)

When you make a payment, Stripe may set cookies to process transactions securely and prevent fraud. For more information, visit Stripe's Privacy Policy.

Firebase (Notifications & Authentication)

We use Firebase Cloud Messaging for push notifications and phone verification. Firebase may use identifiers stored on your device. For more information, visit Firebase's Privacy Policy.

X, Instagram, and Threads (User-Activated Social Content)

Shouht initially shows a static preview. No X or Meta cookie request is made merely because that preview is visible. A provider request begins only after you explicitly choose to load the embedded post.

After you choose to load a post, X or Meta may read or set their own cookies, local storage, or similar technologies, including when you are not logged in to that provider. This depends on the provider, browser or device, and your provider and device settings. Shouht cannot control those provider technologies inside the user-activated content.

Shouht's advertising-cookie preference, Do Not Sell setting, and Global Privacy Control handling govern Shouht's advertising practices; they do not control provider cookies inside a social post you choose to load. For more information, see X's cookie use and the Meta Cookies Policy.

4. Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use similar technologies:

• Local Storage: Used to store data locally on your browser for caching and performance. Data persists until cleared.
• Session Storage: Similar to local storage but cleared when you close your browser tab.
• Device Identifiers: On mobile apps, we may use device identifiers (like Advertising ID on Android) for advertising purposes, subject to your device settings and consent.

5. Managing Cookie Preferences

Cookie Preferences

Shouht does not show a first-visit cookie banner. If you create an account, you can manage analytics, functional, and advertising cookie preferences in Settings. You can also use browser settings, device ad settings, Do Not Sell, and Global Privacy Control where available.

Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can usually find these in the "Options" or "Preferences" menu of your browser. The following links provide information on how to modify cookie settings in common browsers:

• Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy
• Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions

Mobile Device Settings

On mobile devices, you can control advertising identifiers through your device settings:

• iOS: Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking (disable "Allow Apps to Request to Track")
• Android: Settings → Privacy → Ads → Opt out of Ads Personalization

Global Privacy Control

If your browser sends a Global Privacy Control signal, we treat it as a Do Not Sell opt-out on the web and use non-personalized or contextual ads for eligible non-premium ad placements.

Opt-Out Tools

You can opt out of interest-based advertising from participating companies through:

• Digital Advertising Alliance: https://optout.aboutads.info
• Network Advertising Initiative: https://optout.networkadvertising.org
• Google Ads Settings: https://adssettings.google.com

6. Impact of Disabling Cookies

If you choose to disable certain cookies, please be aware that some features of our service may not function properly:

• Essential Cookies Disabled: You will not be able to log in or use the service
• Functional Cookies Disabled: Your preferences may not be saved between visits
• Advertising Cookies Disabled: You may still see ads, but they will not be personalized to your interests

7. Do Not Track and Global Privacy Control

Some web browsers have a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want your online activity tracked. Currently, there is no universal standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals.

We respect your cookie preferences and your Global Privacy Control signal when available. If you disable advertising cookies, enable Do Not Sell, or send Global Privacy Control, we will not use cookies for cross-context behavioral advertising, regardless of DNT settings.

8. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, regulatory, or operational reasons. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy.

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about our use of cookies.

9. Contact Us

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

• Email: [email protected]
• Subject Line: Cookie Policy Inquiry