Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how NeuroBreath uses cookies, local storage, and similar technologies on our website at https://neurobreath.co.uk.

By using our website, you consent to our use of essential cookies. For non-essential cookies and local storage, you can manage your preferences via our cookie consent banner or the "Cookie settings" link in our footer.

2. What Are Cookies and Local Storage?

2.1 Cookies

Cookies are small text files that websites place on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) to store information about your visit. Cookies help websites remember your preferences and provide a better user experience.

2.2 Local Storage

Local storage is a web browser feature that allows websites to store data directly on your device. Unlike cookies, local storage data is not sent to the server with every request. We use local storage primarily to save your progress and preferences locally on your device.

2.3 Session Storage

Session storage is similar to local storage but data is deleted when you close your browser tab. We use session storage sparingly for temporary state management.

3. Categories of Cookies and Storage We Use

We classify our use of cookies and storage into three categories:

3.1 Essential (Always Active)

Purpose: Required for the website to function properly. Cannot be disabled.

Cannot be disabled. These are necessary for the website to function properly and provide core features such as security, region selection, and session management.

Examples:

• nb_region (Cookie) — Stores your region preference (UK or US) to show relevant content
• nb_consent (Cookie) — Stores your cookie consent choices
• Session cookies (if logged in) — Maintains your logged-in session securely

Lawful basis: Legitimate interests (UK GDPR Article 6(1)(f)) — these cookies are strictly necessary for the functionality and security of our service.

Retention: Session cookies expire when you close your browser. Persistent cookies (nb_region, nb_consent) expire after 1 year.

3.2 Functional (Optional)

Purpose: Enable enhanced features like saving your progress locally.

You can disable these via cookie settings. Functional storage enhances your experience by remembering your progress, preferences, and settings.

Examples:

• nb_progress_v1 (localStorage) — Saves completed activities (e.g. techniques, lessons, quizzes) on this device
• nb_progress_consent (Cookie, HttpOnly) — Records whether you have opted in to progress saving/backups
• nb_device_id (Cookie, HttpOnly) — Random device identifier used to remember progress on this device (and to merge progress when you sign in)
• nb_guest_progress (localStorage) — Saves breathing session history, streaks, and badges locally (legacy)
• nb_device_profiles (localStorage) — Stores onboarding profiles and device-specific preferences
• nb_voice_prefs (localStorage) — Remembers your text-to-speech voice and speed preferences
• nb_analytics_local (localStorage) — Privacy-focused local analytics (does NOT send data to servers)

Lawful basis: Consent (UK GDPR Article 6(1)(a)) or Legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f)) for enhancing service functionality.

Retention: localStorage data persists until you clear your browser data or use our reset controls. If you opt in to server backup (via progress consent), we retain pseudonymous guest progress only as long as needed to provide the feature and may periodically purge stale guest device data.

3.3 Analytics (Optional — Currently Not Used)

Purpose: Help us understand how you use the site. Currently not used, but available for future use.

Current status: We do NOT currently use any external analytics services (no Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or similar trackers).

Our analytics are privacy-focused and local-only (stored in your browser's localStorage, no data sent to our servers). If we introduce server-side analytics in the future, we will:

• Request your explicit consent via the cookie banner
• Update this Cookie Policy
• Notify existing users
• Use privacy-friendly tools with IP anonymization and no cross-site tracking

Lawful basis (if implemented): Consent (UK GDPR Article 6(1)(a))

4. Third-Party Cookies

We do not use third-party tracking cookies from advertising networks, social media platforms, or analytics companies.

The only third-party service we use is:

• Cloudflare Turnstile — Anti-spam protection for our contact form. Turnstile may use cookies or browser fingerprinting to detect bots. See Cloudflare's Privacy Policy.

If you visit external links from our site (e.g., research sources), those third-party websites may set their own cookies. We do not control those cookies.

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

5.1 Via Our Cookie Banner

When you first visit NeuroBreath, you'll see a cookie consent banner with three options:

• Accept all — Allow all cookies and storage (Essential + Functional)
• Reject all — Allow only Essential cookies (Functional disabled)
• Manage preferences — Choose exactly which categories you want to enable

5.2 Via Cookie Settings Link

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie settings" link in our footer. This opens the preferences modal where you can enable or disable Functional and Analytics categories.

5.3 Via Your Browser

You can also control cookies directly through your web browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

• View and delete cookies
• Block all cookies (warning: this may break website functionality)
• Block third-party cookies only
• Set cookies to expire when you close the browser

Browser-specific instructions:

• Chrome: Manage cookies in Chrome
• Firefox: Manage cookies in Firefox
• Safari: Manage cookies in Safari
• Edge: Manage cookies in Edge

Note: Blocking essential cookies will prevent NeuroBreath from functioning properly (e.g., you won't be able to stay logged in or save region preferences).

5.4 Clearing Local Storage

To clear local storage data:

• Chrome/Edge: Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data → Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Clear Data → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Settings → Privacy → Manage Website Data → Remove All

Warning: Clearing local storage will delete your locally saved progress, badges, and preferences on NeuroBreath (unless you have an account and synced your data to our servers).

6. Do Not Track (DNT)

Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) setting. Because we do not use third-party tracking or behavioral advertising, DNT signals have minimal impact on NeuroBreath.

We respect your privacy by default: we do not track you across websites, we do not sell your data, and we do not serve personalized ads.

7. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. When we make significant changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date and notify you via a notice on our website or email (if you have an account).

Continued use of NeuroBreath after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Cookie Policy.

8. Contact Us

For questions about cookies or to exercise your privacy rights, contact us at:

Email: privacy@neurobreath.co.uk
Location: Southwark, London, United Kingdom

See our Privacy Policy for full details on how we process your personal data.

9. Summary Table