Cookie Policy

KATEapp Research Project ("we," "our," or "the research team") is committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we use cookies and similar technologies on our research platform.

This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and how you can manage your cookie preferences as part of our social connection research study.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit our website. They help the website remember your preferences and actions over time, making your next visit easier and the site more useful to you.

Research Purpose and Legal Basis

As a research project studying authentic human connection, we use cookies to:

• Understand how participants interact with our platform
• Improve the research experience and platform functionality
• Ensure the security and proper functioning of our research tools
• Analyze participation patterns to enhance our research methodology

Types of Cookies We Use

Required Cookies (Essential)

These cookies are necessary for the research platform to function properly and cannot be switched off. They are set in response to your actions as a research participant.

Analytical Cookies (Research Insights)

These cookies help us understand how research participants use our platform, which features are most engaging, and how we can improve the research experience.

Functionality Cookies

These cookies enable the platform to provide enhanced features and personalization for your research participation experience.

Third-Party Cookies

We use trusted third-party services that may set their own cookies:

• Google Analytics: Helps us understand platform usage patterns for research optimization
• For more information, see Google's Privacy Policy

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

As a research participant, you can:

• Change your cookie preferences at any time using our cookie consent tool
• Withdraw from non-essential cookies while maintaining access to core research features
• Use your browser settings to manage or delete cookies

Research Data Protection

All data collected through cookies is:

• Used solely for research purposes
• Anonymized where possible
• Protected with appropriate security measures
• Handled in accordance with research ethics guidelines