This Cookie Protocol explains how SCHEMA ("we," "us," "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website (schema.network or its subdomains) and interact with the SCHEMA Network. It complements our main Privacy Protocol.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device by websites that you visit. They are widely used to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site. Cookies can be "persistent" (remaining on your device for a set period or until you delete them) or "session" (deleted when you close your browser).
Similar technologies include local storage, web beacons, pixels, and device identifiers, which may also be used by SCHEMA for the purposes outlined below.
2. How SCHEMA Uses Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies for several purposes, integral to providing a secure, functional, and evolving network experience:
- Essential Operations: Some cookies are strictly necessary for the SCHEMA Network to function correctly. These enable core functionalities such as Node authentication, session management, security (e.g., CSRF protection), and network stability. You cannot opt-out of these essential cookies if you wish to use the core services.
- Performance and Analytics: We use cookies to collect anonymized information about how Nodes interact with our website and services. This helps us understand usage patterns, identify popular features, troubleshoot issues, and improve the overall performance and user experience of SCHEMA. We strive to use privacy-respecting analytics tools.
- Functionality and Preferences: These cookies allow SCHEMA to remember choices you make (such as your preferred language, theme settings, or regional preferences) and provide enhanced, more personalized features.
- Targeting and Advertising (Limited Use): SCHEMA aims to minimize the use of tracking cookies for external advertising. However, for specific outreach campaigns to inform potential new Nodes about SCHEMA, we might utilize third-party advertising platform cookies (e.g., from social media platforms). The use of such cookies will be clearly indicated, and opt-out mechanisms will be provided where possible. We do not use these cookies to track your activity across unrelated third-party websites.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
Below is a summary of the types of cookies that may be used on the SCHEMA Network. This list will be updated as our services evolve. For precise details, please refer to our cookie consent management tool (if available) or your browser settings.
Essential Cookies
| Cookie Name/Provider | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| session_id_schema SCHEMA (First-Party) | To maintain your logged-in session and ensure secure navigation across the Network. | Session (expires when browser closes) | HTTP Cookie |
| csrf_token_schema SCHEMA (First-Party) | To protect against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks on forms and actions. | Session | HTTP Cookie |
Performance analytics Cookies
| Cookie Name/Provider | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga, _gid, _gat (Example) Google Analytics (Third-Party) | To collect anonymized information about how Nodes interact with the SCHEMA website, helping us understand usage patterns and improve the platform. IP anonymization is enabled. Opt-out → | Persistent (Up to 2 years for _ga) | HTTP Cookie |
Functionality Cookies
| Cookie Name/Provider | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| theme_preference_schema SCHEMA (First-Party) | To remember your preferred theme (e.g., light/dark mode) across sessions. | Persistent (1 year) | Local Storage / HTTP Cookie |
| language_preference_schema SCHEMA (First-Party) | To remember your selected language for the SCHEMA interface. | Persistent (1 year) | Local Storage / HTTP Cookie |
Note: The specific names and providers of cookies may change over time as we update and improve our services. The purposes will remain consistent with this protocol.
4. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You have several options to control or limit how SCHEMA and third parties use cookies:
- SCHEMA Cookie Consent Tool: When you first visit SCHEMA, or via a persistent link/icon (typically in the footer), you may be presented with a cookie consent management tool. This tool allows you to customize your preferences for non-essential cookies.
- Browser Settings: Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings preferences. You can usually find these settings in the "options" or "preferences" menu of your browser. You can set your browser to block all cookies, accept only first-party cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. However, if you block essential cookies, some parts of the SCHEMA Network may not function properly.
- Third-Party Opt-Outs: For some third-party analytics or advertising cookies, you may be able to opt-out directly via their provided links (see table above or visit industry opt-out pages like those provided by the Network Advertising Initiative or Digital Advertising Alliance).
Please note that disabling certain cookies may impact your experience and the functionality available on the SCHEMA Network.
5. Third-Party Services & Cookies
SCHEMA may utilize certain third-party services that set their own cookies (e.g., embedded content providers, analytics services as listed above). These third parties have their own privacy and cookie policies, and SCHEMA does not control their use of cookies. We encourage you to review the policies of these third parties.
6. Changes to This Cookie Protocol
We may update this Cookie Protocol from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about our use of cookies or this Cookie Protocol, please contact us at: privacy@schema.network, or refer to our main Contact Interface page.