Cookie Policy

Last Updated: November 15, 2025

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how DefiShard ("we", "our", or "us") uses cookies and similar technologies on our website and in our browser extension. By using our Service, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy.

2. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website or use an application. We also use similar technologies including:

  • Local Storage: Browser storage for larger amounts of data
  • Session Storage: Temporary storage that clears when you close the browser
  • IndexedDB: Database storage for structured data
  • Web Beacons/Pixels: Tiny images used to track page visits (we do NOT use these for advertising)

These technologies help us provide functionality, improve performance, and understand how users interact with our Service.

2A. Compliance with Cookie Laws

This Cookie Policy complies with applicable cookie and tracking regulations, including:

EU ePrivacy Directive (Cookie Law)

For EU/EEA users, we obtain consent before using non-essential cookies, as required by the ePrivacy Directive and GDPR Article 5(3).

  • Essential cookies: No consent required
  • Non-essential cookies: Consent required before placement
  • Right to withdraw consent at any time

UK PECR (Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations)

UK users have the same rights as EU users under PECR. We follow ICO guidance on cookie compliance.

CCPA (California)

California residents: Cookies may be considered "personal information" under CCPA. We do NOT sell data collected via cookies.

✓ Do Not Sell My Personal Information: We honor this right by default—we never sell your data.

Other Jurisdictions

We comply with local cookie and privacy laws in all jurisdictions where we operate, including Canada (PIPEDA), Australia (Privacy Act), and Brazil (LGPD).

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies

Purpose: Required for the Service to function properly

Examples:

  • Authentication and session management
  • Security features and fraud prevention
  • Remembering your wallet connection preferences

These cookies cannot be disabled as they are essential for the Service to work.

3.2 Functional Cookies

Purpose: Enhance functionality and user experience

Examples:

  • Language and region preferences
  • Theme settings (dark/light mode)
  • Recently viewed transactions

You can control these cookies through your browser settings.

3.3 Analytics Cookies

Purpose: Help us understand how users interact with our Service

Information Collected:

  • Pages visited and features used (anonymized)
  • Time spent on the Service
  • Error messages and performance metrics
  • Device type and browser information

✓ All analytics data is anonymized and does not contain personal information or wallet data.

4. What We Do NOT Track

Your Privacy is Protected

DefiShard does NOT use cookies to track:

  • Your private keys or key shares
  • Your wallet addresses or transaction details (beyond what's necessary for the Service)
  • Your browsing activity outside of DefiShard
  • Personal identification information for advertising purposes

We do NOT sell or share your data with third-party advertisers.

5. Local Storage

In addition to cookies, our browser extension uses browser local storage to securely store:

  • Your encrypted key share (never leaves your device)
  • Wallet configuration and preferences
  • Transaction history cache

This data is encrypted and stored locally on your device. It is never transmitted to our servers.

6. Third-Party Cookies

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

  • Analytics providers: For anonymized usage statistics
  • RPC providers: For blockchain network connections
  • CDN services: For faster content delivery

These third parties have their own privacy policies. We choose partners with strong privacy commitments.

7. Managing Cookies

7.1 Browser Settings

Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

  • Block all cookies
  • Accept only first-party cookies
  • Delete cookies after each session
  • View and delete individual cookies

7.2 Browser-Specific Instructions

  • Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies
  • Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
  • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and Website Data
  • Edge: Settings → Privacy → Cookies and Site Permissions
  • Brave: Settings → Shields → Cookies

⚠️ Note: Blocking essential cookies may prevent the Service from functioning properly.

8. Mobile Application

Our mobile application does not use traditional browser cookies but may use similar technologies:

  • Device identifiers for authentication
  • Local encrypted storage for your key share
  • Session tokens for secure communication

You can manage these permissions through your device's settings.

9. Cookie Retention

Different types of cookies have different lifespans:

  • Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
  • Persistent cookies: Remain until expiration date or manual deletion
  • Essential cookies: May last up to 1 year
  • Analytics cookies: Typically expire after 13 months

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting a notice on our website or through the Service. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Your Consent

By using DefiShard, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy. If you do not agree with our use of cookies, you should disable them through your browser settings or discontinue use of the Service.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us at:

Email: info@defishard.com

Our Commitment to Privacy

At DefiShard, we believe in transparency and user control. We use cookies and similar technologies responsibly to provide and improve our Service while respecting your privacy. Your cryptographic keys and wallet data are always under your exclusive control and are never exposed through cookies or tracking technologies.