Effective Date: 31 January 2025 (Last Updated: 1 June 2025)
Applies to: www.spicewithoutborders.org and www.spicyawards.com

At Spice Without Borders (SWOB) and the Spicy Awards, we use cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience, ensure proper website functionality, and understand how visitors interact with our platforms. By continuing to use our websites, you consent to our use of cookies as described below.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They:

• Help websites function efficiently
• Improve your browsing experience
• Collect technical and usage information
  Cookies do not personally identify you.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Strictly Necessary (Essential) Cookies

• Required for core website functions such as page navigation, form submissions, and secure access to restricted areas
• Without these cookies, parts of the site may not work properly

2.2 Functional Cookies

• Remember your preferences (e.g., language, region, user-specific settings)
• Support interactive elements such as video playback, blog commenting, or forms
• Enhance personalization of your site experience

2.3 Performance & Analytics Cookies

• Help us understand how visitors use our websites
• Track page popularity, traffic patterns, and site performance
• Tools may include Google Analytics or Matomo (where applicable)
• All data is anonymized and used solely to improve the user experience

2.4 Targeting & Advertising Cookies

• Used to show relevant information or ads
• Track browsing activity across our websites and others
• Support campaigns for outreach, awareness, and engagement
• May be set by third-party services, such as social media sharing tools (Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) or embedded videos (YouTube, Vimeo)

3. How We Use Cookies

Cookies help us to:

• Ensure proper site functionality and security
• Save preferences and settings
• Enhance user experience and personalization
• Enable multimedia and interactive features
• Analyze site usage and traffic patterns
• Integrate social media features
• Provide secure login sessions

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are set by third-party services embedded on our websites. These include:

• Analytics platforms
• Email campaign tools
• Social media integrations
• Embedded videos or interactive tools

Each third party operates under its own privacy and cookie policies. We partner only with providers who meet privacy and data protection standards.

5. Managing or Disabling Cookies

You can manage, restrict, or delete cookies through your browser settings:

• Block all cookies or specific categories
• Delete existing cookies
• Set notifications before cookies are stored
• Use browser “Do Not Track” settings (where available)

Important:

• Disabling essential cookies may prevent parts of the websites from functioning correctly
• Some features (video playback, forms, personalized settings) may not work fully if cookies are disabled
• Preferences may need to be reset if cookies are deleted

For more guidance on managing cookies, visit: www.aboutcookies.org

6. How Long Cookies Last

Cookies remain on your device until:

• They expire automatically, or
• You delete them manually through your browser

Duration varies depending on cookie type and purpose.

7. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect:

• Changes in technology or website functionality
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• Improvements to services or user experience

Updated versions will be posted with a revised “Last Updated” date. Continued use of our websites signifies acceptance of the updated policy.

8. Contact Us

For questions about this Cookie Policy or your data rights:
📧 privacy@spicewithoutborders.org
📧 info@spicewithoutborders.org
🌐 www.spicewithoutborders.org
🌐 www.spicyawards.com