Cookie Policy (TheFlashMate)
Effective date: 23/01/2026
This Cookie Policy explains how TheFlashMate ("we", "us", "our") uses cookies and similar technologies on our website and API to provide and secure the Service.
1) What cookies are
Cookies are small text files stored on your device by your browser. They are commonly used to make websites work, keep you signed in, and improve security and reliability.
2) What we use cookies for
TheFlashMate uses cookies primarily for essential purposes:
- Keeping you signed in (session management)
- Security (abuse prevention and protecting accounts)
- Reliability (basic operational functions such as request routing)
3) Cookies we set
A) Strictly necessary cookies Always on
These cookies are required for core functionality such as login sessions and security. Without them, the Service cannot function properly.
-
Session cookie (e.g.,
PHPSESSID) - keeps you logged in when you use account features. This is typically set by our API domain (for example,api.theflashmate.com) when you sign in. - Security-related cookies/tokens - may be used to protect against abuse and to help secure account actions.
These cookies are generally session cookies (they expire when you close your browser), although some security cookies may persist for a limited time.
B) Preference / functional cookies
At this time, we do not intentionally set separate preference cookies (for example, for remembering UI preferences). If we add optional preferences later, we will update this policy.
C) Analytics cookies
At this time, we do not use third-party analytics cookies (such as advertising-based tracking cookies) on the website. If we introduce analytics in the future, we will update this policy and, where required, request consent.
D) Marketing / advertising cookies
We do not use marketing/advertising cookies for targeting ads.
4) Third-party cookies
Some third parties may set cookies on their own domains when you use their services. In particular:
- Paddle - our payment partner (Merchant of Record). If you start checkout or manage billing through Paddle, Paddle may set cookies to run the checkout flow, process payments, prevent fraud, and provide billing functions. These cookies are controlled by Paddle under their own policies.
5) Similar technologies (local storage, desktop app)
In addition to cookies, the Service may use similar storage mechanisms:
- Browser storage (such as localStorage) may be used for simple UI behavior or non-sensitive settings if implemented in the future.
- Desktop app storage - the Windows desktop application may store local configuration and authentication state on your device to keep you signed in and operate the Service.
6) How to manage cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings (for example, blocking cookies or clearing stored data). Please note:
- Blocking strictly necessary cookies may prevent you from signing in and using account features.
- Clearing cookies may sign you out and require you to log in again.
7) Changes to this Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the Service or legal requirements. The updated version will be posted on this page with a new effective date.
8) Contact
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy, contact: support@theflashmate.com.