- Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how Waterpipetest (“we”, “us”, or “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on www.waterpipetest.com (the “Website”). This policy is designed to comply with applicable data protection frameworks, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) of Canada and the Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation – GDPR) of the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA).
By accessing or using our Website, you acknowledge our data collection practices as outlined in this policy. In compliance with European and Canadian regulatory requirements, non-essential cookies and tracking technologies are deployed only after you provide explicit, affirmative consent via our Cookie Banner by clicking the “Accept” button.
- What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites function efficiently, enhance user experience, and provide analytical data to website operators.
Cookies set by the website owner (in this case, Waterpipetest) are called “first-party cookies”. Cookies set by parties other than the website owner are called “third-party cookies”. Third-party cookies enable third-party features or functionality to be provided on or through the Website.
- Categories of Cookies We Use
To operate our on-site service booking and deposit processing platform efficiently, we categorize cookies into the following groups:
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the operation of the Website. They enable core functionalities such as page navigation, session management, secure login access, and the handling of appointment deposits. Without these cookies, the Website cannot function properly. You cannot disable these cookies through our consent banner, as they do not store personally identifiable data beyond session parameters.
3.2 Analytical and Performance Cookies
These cookies collect information about how visitors use our Website, such as which pages are visited most often or if users encounter error messages. This data helps us improve Website performance and navigation. These cookies are activated only with your explicit prior consent.
3.3 Functional Cookies
Functional cookies allow the Website to remember choices you make (such as your preferred language or region) and provide enhanced, personalized features. These cookies require your explicit prior consent.
3.4 Third-Party Cookies (Payment Processing)
We utilize Stripe as our third-party payment gateway to process appointment booking deposits securely. When you initiate a transaction on our Website, Stripe may set cookies and utilize similar scripts to process payments, prevent fraudulent activity, detect financial risk, and comply with international banking regulations.
Data Controller & Processor Relationship: Stripe operates as an independent service provider and data processor regarding transaction data. Third-party cookies associated with Stripe are governed by Stripe’s respective privacy and cookie policies. These cookies are deployed strictly to facilitate secure financial transactions upon your engagement with our booking services.
- Cookie Retention Periods
In accordance with PIPEDA, the GDPR, and data minimization principles, cookies stored on your device have specific lifespans categorized by their duration:
Session Cookies: These are temporary cookies that expire and are automatically deleted as soon as you close your web browser. They support core browsing functionality during your active visit.
Persistent Cookies: These cookies remain on your device for a pre-defined period specified in the cookie parameters, or until you manually delete them via your browser settings.
Analytical and Functional Cookies: Retained for a maximum period of 12 months from your last date of interaction, or until consent is withdrawn.
Third-Party Payment Cookies (Stripe): Retention periods are determined by Stripe’s security protocols, regulatory mandates, and fraud prevention requirements, typically ranging from session duration up to 24 months for security recognition tokens.
- Your Consent and Control
5.1 Consent Management
Upon your initial visit to www.waterpipetest.com, a prominent Cookie Banner will appear, offering you clear choices regarding cookie deployment.
Non-essential cookies, analytical cookies, and functional cookies will not be placed on your device unless you actively click the “Accept” button on our Cookie Banner.
Strictly necessary cookies remain active to ensure core site functionality.
5.2 Withdrawing Consent
You retain the right to withdraw your consent at any time. You can modify your browser settings to block, delete, or alert you to the presence of cookies. Please note that blocking essential or payment-related cookies may restrict your ability to complete appointment bookings or access specific features of our Website.
Instructions for managing cookies on major web browsers can be found via the following resources:
Google Chrome: Manage cookies in Chrome settings
Mozilla Firefox: Enhanced Tracking Protection and cookie settings in Firefox
Apple Safari: Manage cookies and website data in Safari
Microsoft Edge: Delete and manage cookies in Edge
- Business Identification and Contact Information
This Website and its associated cookie practices are operated and maintained by Waterpipetest, an independent entity registered and located in Canada, providing specialized on-site services for clients across Europe.
If you have any questions, inquiries, or formal requests regarding this Cookie Policy or our data protection practices, please contact us using the details below:
Registered Address: 3351 Luxton Rd #502, Victoria, BC V9C 0P2, Canada
Contact Phone: +1 2502171844
Contact Email: [email protected]