Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

PokeXGuides ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar technologies to provide and improve our services. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and your choices regarding their use.

By using our website, you consent to the use of essential cookies. For advertising cookies, we require your explicit consent through our cookie banner.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They help websites remember your actions and preferences over time, making your browsing experience more efficient and personalized.

Types of Storage Technologies We Use:

Cookies: Small files stored by your browser
Local Storage: Browser storage for preferences and game data
Session Storage: Temporary storage cleared when you close your browser

3. Types of Cookies We Use

✅ Essential Cookies (Always Active)

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be disabled. They enable core functionality such as security, authentication, and network management.

Authentication Cookies

Purpose: Keep you logged in securely
Data Stored: Secure session token (httpOnly, encrypted)
Duration: 30 days or until logout
Deletable: No (required for service)

Security Cookies

Purpose: Protect against attacks (CSRF, XSS)
Data Stored: Security tokens and validation data
Duration: Session-based
Deletable: No (security critical)

Game Progress (Local Storage)

Purpose: Save your game progress locally
Data Stored: Completed tasks, caught Pokémon, profile data
Duration: Until cleared or account created
Deletable: Yes (through browser settings)

Preference Cookies

Purpose: Remember your theme (dark/light mode) and language
Data Stored: Theme preference, language selection
Duration: Persistent (no expiration)
Deletable: Yes (resets to default)

Legal Basis (GDPR): Legitimate Interest & Contract — These cookies are necessary to provide the service you requested.

📢 Advertising Cookies (Requires Consent)

These cookies are used to display relevant advertisements that keep our service free for all users.

Google AdSense

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our website.

Provider: Google LLC

Purpose: Display contextual advertisements, measure ad performance, personalize ad content

Data Collected:

Pages you visit on our site
Click behavior on ads
Device information (browser type, OS, screen size)
Approximate location (country/region based on IP)
Browsing behavior across Google partner sites

Duration: Up to 2 years

Your Control: You can opt-out through our cookie banner or Google's Ad Settings

💎 Premium Members: Enjoy an ad-free experience. Premium accounts do not receive advertising cookies and see no ads.

Legal Basis (GDPR): Consent — We only load advertising cookies after you explicitly accept them through our cookie banner.

Learn more about Google's Advertising Policies →

4. Your Choices & Control

Free Users: Two Options

1

Accept Cookies & Continue Free

Access all content for free with advertisements. Your consent allows us to keep PokeXGuides free for everyone.

2

Upgrade to Premium

Enjoy an ad-free experience without advertising cookies. Premium members also get exclusive features and support the site directly.

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

Through Our Website

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by:

Clearing your browser cookies
Visiting our site again (cookie banner will reappear)
Making your new choice

Through Your Browser

Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies
Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and Website Data
Edge: Settings → Privacy, Search, and Services → Cookies

⚠️ Note: Blocking essential cookies may affect website functionality.

Google Ad Personalization

You can opt-out of personalized Google ads:

5. Data Processing & International Transfers

Google AdSense (US-Based)

When you consent to advertising cookies, your data is processed by Google LLC in the United States.

Data Transferred: Browsing behavior, device information, approximate location

Legal Mechanism: Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) for EU-US transfers

Your Rights: You can withdraw consent at any time

Read Google's Privacy Policy →

🔒 We Do NOT Sell Your Data

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. Advertising cookies are managed directly by Google AdSense under their terms.

6. Cookie Duration & Retention

Cookie Type	Duration	Description
Authentication	30 days	Keeps you logged in until explicit logout
Security (CSRF)	Session	Deleted when browser closes
Theme Preference	Persistent	Remembers your dark/light mode choice
Cookie Consent	Persistent	Remembers your cookie choice
Google AdSense	Up to 2 years	Ad personalization and measurement
Game Progress (Local)	Until cleared	Migrated to database upon account creation

7. Your Privacy Rights (GDPR & CCPA)

🇪🇺 EU/UK Users (GDPR)

Right to Access: Request information about cookies stored
Right to Erasure: Delete your data and cookies
Right to Object: Object to advertising cookies
Right to Withdraw Consent: Change your cookie preferences anytime
Right to Lodge Complaint: Contact your local data protection authority

🇺🇸 California Users (CCPA)

Right to Know: What information is collected via cookies
Right to Delete: Request deletion of cookie data
Right to Opt-Out: Opt-out of data sale (we do not sell)
Right to Non-Discrimination: Equal service regardless of privacy choices

To exercise your rights, contact us at:
pokexguides@outlook.com

We respond to all legitimate requests within 30 days.

8. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal/regulatory reasons. When we make changes:

We will post the updated policy on this page
The "Effective Date" at the top will be updated
For material changes, we will display a prominent notice on our website
Registered users may receive email notifications for significant updates

We recommend checking this page periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy, how we use cookies, or want to exercise your privacy rights:

Email: pokexguides@outlook.com

Website: www.pokexguides.com

Related Policies: Privacy Policy