Cookie Policy
Learn how we use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience and provide our services.
Effective Date: January 1, 2025 | Last Updated: January 1, 2025
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our website. Under GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive, we must obtain your prior consent before setting non-essential cookies. We use cookies to provide essential functionality, and with your consent, to analyze usage and improve our services.
GDPR Compliance & Prior Consent
Legal Requirement (2025)
Under GDPR Article 6 and ePrivacy Directive Article 5(3), we must block non-essential cookies until you provide explicit consent. Essential cookies load immediately as they are necessary for website function.
- •Essential cookies load automatically (authentication, security)
- •Analytics cookies blocked until you opt-in
- •Functional cookies require your explicit consent
- •Marketing cookies blocked unless you specifically allow them
Types of Cookies We Use
We categorize cookies based on their purpose and functionality
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility.
Legal Basis:
Article 6(1)(f) GDPR - Legitimate Interest
Examples:
- • Authentication and session tokens (authio_session)
- • CSRF protection tokens (csrf_token)
- • Load balancer cookies (lb_session)
- • Security preferences (security_prefs)
- • Cookie consent choices (cookie_consent)
Retention Period:
Session cookies deleted on browser close, persistent cookies up to 1 year
Performance & Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information about how visitors use our website, such as which pages are visited most often. This helps us improve website performance and user experience.
Legal Basis:
Article 6(1)(a) GDPR - Consent (opt-in required)
Examples:
- • Google Analytics cookies (_ga, _ga_*, _gid)
- • Page view and session tracking
- • User journey and conversion tracking
- • Performance metrics and error monitoring
- • A/B testing and optimization data
Retention Period:
Google Analytics: 14 months (configured), First-party analytics: 13 months maximum
These cookies are blocked until you explicitly opt-in
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization features that improve your user experience but are not essential for basic website operation.
Legal Basis:
Article 6(1)(a) GDPR - Consent (opt-in required)
Examples:
- • Language and locale preferences (lang_pref)
- • Theme and display settings (theme_settings)
- • Dashboard layout customization (dash_layout)
- • Feature preferences and onboarding state
- • Notification preferences (notif_prefs)
Retention Period:
Up to 12 months, user can delete anytime
These cookies are blocked until you explicitly opt-in
Marketing & Advertising Cookies
These cookies track your browsing habits to deliver personalized advertisements and measure advertising effectiveness. They may be set by our advertising partners.
Legal Basis:
Article 6(1)(a) GDPR - Consent (explicit opt-in required)
Examples:
- • Advertising campaign tracking pixels
- • Conversion and attribution tracking
- • Cross-site tracking for remarketing
- • Social media advertising cookies
- • Third-party advertising network cookies
Retention Period:
Varies by provider: typically 30 days to 2 years
These cookies are blocked until you explicitly opt-in
Third-Party Cookies
We also use cookies from trusted third-party services
| Provider | Purpose | Legal Basis | Cookies | Retention | Consent Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics 4 | Website analytics and user behavior tracking for performance optimization | Consent (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR) | _ga_ga_*_gid_gat_gtag_* | 14 months (configured shorter than default 26 months for privacy) | Required |
| Stripe | Secure payment processing, fraud prevention, and PCI DSS compliance | Legitimate Interest (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR) - Essential for payment security | __stripe_mid__stripe_sidm | __stripe_mid: 1 year, __stripe_sid: 30 minutes, m: 2 years | Not Required |
| Sentry (Error Monitoring) | Application error tracking and performance monitoring for service reliability | Legitimate Interest (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR) - Essential for service stability | sentry-sc | 90 days maximum | Not Required |
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
Browser Settings
You can control cookies through your browser settings, but note that blocking essential cookies may affect website functionality. Most browsers allow you to:
- • Block all cookies
- • Block third-party cookies
- • Delete existing cookies
- • Get notified when cookies are set
Cookie Consent
Under GDPR, you have full control over non-essential cookies. Our consent banner provides:
- • Accept All - Consent to all cookie categories
- • Reject All - Block all non-essential cookies (equally prominent button)
- • Manage Preferences - Granular control per category
- • Easy withdrawal - Change consent anytime via settings
Questions About Cookies?
If you have questions about our use of cookies, your rights under GDPR, or this policy, please contact us
Privacy Team
privacy@fwdmusic.com
Response within 48 hours
Forward Digital SAS
13 Avenue des Fruitiers
93210 Saint-Denis, France
SIREN: 835 311 176