Cookie Policy
Last Updated: December 2024
The Really Short Version
We use one cookie to remember if you picked dark mode. That's it.
What's a Cookie?
A cookie is a small text file stored in your browser. Websites use them to remember things about you.
Some cookies track you across the entire internet. Ours doesn't do that.
What Cookies We Use
Theme Preference (localStorage)
Name: theme
Purpose: Remembers whether you selected dark mode or light mode
Type: Actually localStorage, not technically a cookie, but same idea
Duration: Permanent (until you clear your browser data)
Data stored: Either "dark" or empty string
Third party?: No, it's purely local to your browser
What We DON'T Use
We don't use:
- Google Analytics cookies
- Facebook Pixel
- Advertising cookies
- Tracking cookies
- Third-party cookies of any kind
- Cookies that track you across websites
Session Data
When you use ZapFile, your browser temporarily stores:
- The room code you created or joined (sessionStorage)
- File information during active transfers (in memory)
This data is automatically cleared when you close the tab or when the transfer completes. It never leaves your browser.
Do You Need to Accept Cookies?
Technically no, because we're only using localStorage for theme preference.
If you disable localStorage in your browser, ZapFile will still work fine. You just won't be able to save your dark mode preference - it'll reset to light mode each time you visit.
That's why we don't have one of those annoying cookie banners. There's nothing to consent to.
How to Clear Our Data
Want to clear the theme preference? Here's how:
- Chrome/Edge: Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data → Select "Cookies and other site data"
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Clear Data → Select "Cookies and Site Data"
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data → Remove zapfile.ai
Or just use your browser's developer tools: open Console and type localStorage.clear()
Changes to Cookie Usage
If we ever start using actual cookies for something else, we'll:
- Update this page
- Put a notice on the homepage
- Give you a way to opt out (if required by law)
But honestly, we don't plan to. The whole point is to keep things simple and privacy-focused.
EU Cookie Law / GDPR
The EU requires websites to get consent for non-essential cookies.
Our theme preference cookie is arguably "essential" for user experience, but even if it's not, it:
- Doesn't track you
- Doesn't collect personal data
- Never leaves your device
- Can't be used to identify you
So we're comfortable not having a consent banner. If an EU regulator disagrees, please email us and we'll sort it out.
Questions?
If you have questions about our cookie usage (or lack thereof), email us at [email protected]