Overview

This Cookie Policy ("Policy") explains how Pretend Group LLC ("Pretend," "we," "us," "our," or "Company") uses cookies and similar technologies on our website www.gopretend.com and related services (the "Services").

Please read this policy together with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions for comprehensive information about how we collect and use data.

1. What Are Cookies?

A cookie is a small text file placed on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. Cookies contain information about your browsing activity and are transferred between your device and our servers.

Types of Cookies by Duration:

Session Cookies

• Temporary files deleted when you close your browser

• Used for short-term functionality (login, shopping cart, etc.)

• No lasting data stored

Persistent Cookies

• Remain on your device after you close your browser

• Can last from weeks to years

• Used for remembering preferences, login info, tracking

Similar Technologies:

In addition to cookies, we use similar technologies:

• Web Beacons (tracking pixels): Tiny transparent images that track when you view a page

• Local Storage: Browser data storage that persists like cookies

• Session Storage: Temporary storage cleared when you close your browser

• Device Identifiers: Unique codes assigned to your device (IDFA for iOS, Android ID for Android)

2. How We Use Cookies

2.1 Essential/Necessary Cookies

These cookies are required for basic website functionality and cannot be disabled without breaking the site.

Legal Basis: Contractual necessity; no consent required

2.2 Analytics and Performance Cookies

These cookies track how you use our website to help us improve performance and user experience.

Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

Data Collected:

• Pages visited

• Time on site

• Referrer (where you came from)

• Device type and browser

• Geographic location (approximate, from IP address)

• Events (button clicks, form submissions, video plays)

Purpose:

• Understand user behavior

• Measure page performance

• Identify popular content

• Troubleshoot technical issues

• Make data-driven improvements

Legal Basis: Legitimate interest (analytics and service improvement)

Google's Privacy Policy: Google Analytics Privacy

Opt-Out:

• Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-On

• Disable in your cookie preferences (below)

2.3 Marketing and Advertising Cookies

These cookies track your interests and behavior to deliver targeted advertisements. These are non-essential and require your consent.

 Facebook Pixel

Data Shared with Facebook:

• Your IP address

• Browser type

• Pages visited on Pretend

• Conversion events (account creation, purchase)

• Device information

Purpose:

• Show you relevant ads on Facebook/Instagram

• Measure campaign effectiveness

• Build audience insights

Legal Basis: Consent required

Facebook's Privacy Policy: Facebook Data Policy

Opt-Out:

• Facebook Ad Preferences

• Disable Facebook Pixel in your cookie preferences

 Google Ads (Google Tag Manager/Conversion Tracking)

Data Collected:

• Clicked ads

• Conversion events (sign-up, purchase)

• Device and browser info

Purpose:

• Track ad performance

• Attribute conversions to ad campaigns

• Optimize ad spending

Legal Basis: Consent required

Opt-Out:

• Google Ads Settings: Google Ad Settings

• Disable in your cookie preferences

2.4 Preference/Functionality Cookies

These cookies remember your choices to improve your experience.

Legal Basis: Legitimate interest (improving user experience)

2.5 Social Media Integration Cookies

If you interact with social media features (Share buttons, Follow buttons), these may place cookies:

Legal Basis: Third-party services; their privacy policies apply

3. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are placed by third parties (not Pretend). These include:

Third-Party Tracking Cookies:

• Google Analytics - Traffic analysis

• Facebook Pixel - Advertising and retargeting

• Google Ads - Conversion tracking

Third-Party Service Cookies:

• Payment Processors (Stripe, PayPal) - Transaction processing

• Email Service Providers (Mailchimp) - Email tracking

• Chat/Support Tools - Customer support

We do not control these third parties' cookies. Each has its own privacy policy. You should review:

• Google's Privacy Policy

• Facebook's Data Policy

• Stripe’s Privacy Policy

4. Cookie Consent and Management

4.1 Consent Banner

On your first visit, we may display a cookie consent banner with options:

Option 1: Accept All

• Allows all cookies (essential, analytics, marketing)

• Analytics and marketing cookies are enabled

• Choice is saved for 12 months

Option 2: Reject Non-Essential

• Only essential cookies are used

• Analytics and marketing cookies are blocked

• Choice is saved for 12 months

Option 3: Customize Preferences

• Choose which cookie categories to allow

• See details about each cookie type

• Fine-tuned control

4.2 Changing Your Cookie Preferences

After your initial choice, you can change preferences anytime:

In Your Browser:

• Most browsers allow you to view, modify, or delete cookies

• See Section 5 (Browser Controls) below

4.3 Cookie Preference Duration

Your consent choice is saved for:

• 12 months (persistent cookies)

• After which, you'll see the banner again

• You can update preferences anytime

4.4 What Happens if You Don't Consent?

If you reject non-essential cookies:

• Only essential cookies are used

• Site functionality is fully available

• Analytics and marketing features work without tracking

• You may see less relevant ads

We will NOT:

• Degrade site experience as punishment

• Restrict access to our Services

• Charge you for opting out

• Discriminate based on your choice

5. Browser Cookie Controls

5.1 Disabling Cookies in Your Browser

Most browsers allow you to disable cookies entirely or block specific types. Here's how:

 Google Chrome

1. Click Menu (three dots) > Settings

2. Go to Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data

3. Choose:

• "Allow all cookies"

• "Block third-party cookies"

• "Block all cookies"

4. To manage cookies for specific sites: Click "Manage all site data and permissions"

 Firefox

5. Click Menu (three lines) > Settings

6. Go to Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data

7. Choose:

• "Allow all cookies from websites" (default)

• "Block cookies and site data" (most restrictive)

• "Block third-party tracking cookies"

8. Click "Manage Exceptions" to allow/block specific sites

 Safari (Mac)

9. Safari Menu > Settings > Privacy

10. Uncheck "Block all cookies" (default is checked)

11. Options:

• "Always allow" - allows all cookies

• "Only from sites I visit" - default

• "Never" - blocks all cookies

 Safari (iOS)

12. Settings > Safari > Privacy & Security

13. Toggle "Prevent cross-site tracking"

14. Scroll to "Cookies and Website Data"

 Microsoft Edge

15. Click Menu (three dots) > Settings

16. Go to Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data

17. Click "Cookies and other site data"

18. Manage cookie preferences

 Internet Explorer (deprecated)

19. Click Gear icon > Internet Options

20. Go to Privacy tab

21. Use the slider to adjust cookie settings

22. Click Default, Low, Medium, or High

5.2 Clearing Cookies

To delete cookies already stored on your device:

Chrome:

• Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data > Cookies and other site data > Clear data

Firefox:

• Settings > Privacy > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data

Safari (Mac):

• Safari > Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All

Edge:

• Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data > Cookies and other site data > Clear now

5.3 Do Not Track (DNT)

Many browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal. Currently, there is no universal standard for how websites should respond to DNT.

Our DNT Policy:

• We recognize DNT signals

• Analytics cookies may still be deployed (DNT is not legally binding)

• Marketing cookies can be disabled in your preferences

• Essential cookies are not affected

6. GDPR and International Compliance

6.1 GDPR Compliance (EU, UK, EEA)

If you are located in the European Union, United Kingdom, or European Economic Area, GDPR applies.

Our Approach:

• Legitimate Interest: Analytics cookies are used based on legitimate interest (service improvement)

• Consent Required: Marketing/advertising cookies require your explicit consent

• Transparent: This policy clearly explains what cookies do

• Right to Withdraw: You can withdraw consent anytime via preferences

• No Penalties: Withdrawing consent does not affect site access

Your GDPR Rights:

• Right to know what cookies we use

• Right to consent or refuse (except essential)

• Right to withdraw consent anytime

• Right to access/delete data collected by cookies

• Right to lodge a complaint with your Data Protection Authority

6.2 CCPA Compliance (California)

For California residents, CCPA defines cookies as "personal information" and requires:

Our Approach:

• Cookies are treated as personal information

• Analytics cookies are based on legitimate business interest

• Marketing cookies require consent

• You have the right to opt-out of "selling" your information

• We don't sell information, but tracking for ads is disclosed

• You can opt-out via California Consumer Privacy Request

Your CCPA Rights:

• Right to know what cookies are used

• Right to delete cookies/data

• Right to opt-out of targeted advertising

• Right to not be discriminated against

California Resident Request: [admin@gopretend.com]

6.3 UK GDPR Compliance

UK GDPR applies if you are in the United Kingdom.

Our Approach:

• Same as GDPR (outlined above)

• Your Data Protection Authority: ICO (Information Commissioner's Office)

7. Cookie-Free Alternatives

We respect your privacy. If you prefer not to use cookies:

Use Our Services Without Cookies:

23. Disable cookies in your browser (see Section 5)

24. Clear browsing data before each visit

25. Use private/incognito mode (cookies deleted when window closes)

26. Contact us for alternative access methods: [admin@gopretend.com]

Limitations Without Cookies:

• You must re-login each time (no persistent login)

• Your preferences aren't saved (reset to defaults)

• Some features may not work optimally

• However, all core functionality remains available

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are cookies safe?

A: Cookies cannot carry viruses or malware. They're small text files that can't execute code. However, cookies can track behavior, which raises privacy concerns. Always manage your cookie preferences.

Q: Can I block all cookies?

A: Yes, but this will disable essential cookies needed for login and security. We recommend allowing essential cookies while blocking marketing cookies for the best experience.

Q: Does Pretend sell my data from cookies?

A: No, we do not sell your data. Tracking information is used only for analytics (improving our Services) and marketing (showing you relevant ads). See our Privacy Policy for details.

Q: How do I opt out of personalized ads?

A:

• Google Ads: Google Ad Settings

• Facebook Ads: Facebook Ad Preferences

• LinkedIn: LinkedIn Ad Targeting

• All networks: Disable marketing cookies in our cookie preferences

Q: What is a "cookie wall"?

A: A cookie wall is forcing you to accept all cookies to use a site. We don't have a cookie wall—you can fully use Pretend while blocking non-essential cookies.

Q: Do you use cookies for tracking across websites?

A: We use tracking pixels (Facebook Pixel, Google Ads) on our site, which track your activity on Pretend. These are disclosed in this policy. Once you leave Pretend, we don't track you on other sites—however, Facebook and Google may track you across the web for ad purposes (see their policies).

Q: How often do you update this policy?

A: We update this policy as needed. Changes to essential sections (consent, required disclosures) are communicated via email. Minor updates are reflected in the "Last Updated" date.

Q: Can I request that you don't use cookies?

A: Yes, email [privacy@gopretend.com] with "Cookie Restrictions Request." We'll work with you to find alternatives, though some features may be limited.

9. Third-Party Links

Pretend's website may contain links to third-party websites. This Cookie Policy applies only to www.gopretend.com. Third-party sites have their own cookie policies, which you should review before providing personal information or accepting cookies.

We're not responsible for third-party cookie practices.

10. Updates to This Policy

10.1 When We Update This Policy

• We update this policy as technology, law, and our practices evolve

• Significant changes are communicated via email

• You'll see "Last Updated" date at the top

10.2 Your Acceptance

• Continued use of our Services after updates constitutes acceptance

• For material changes, we may require new consent

10.3 Previous Versions

[Historical versions available upon request: admin@gopretend.com]

11. Contact Us

Questions About Cookies?

Email: [admin@gopretend.com]

Mailing Address:

Pretend Group LLC

630 Alta Vista Dr, Suite 106

Vista, CA 92084

Data Protection Officer:

[admin@gopretend.com] (for GDPR users)

Privacy Request:

Submit requests via email [admin@gopretend.com]

12. Cookie Inventory (Detailed)

Essential Cookies (Required - No Consent Needed)

Analytics Cookies (Consent Required)

Marketing/Advertising Cookies (Consent Required)

Preference Cookies (Legitimate Interest)

End of Cookie Policy