Cookie Policy
Last Updated: March 6, 2026
This Cookie Policy explains how the STO Foundation (“Foundation,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on sto.foundation and related services (collectively, the “Site”).
By using the Site, you agree that we may store and access cookies as described in this policy.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit a website.
They help websites function, enhance the user experience, and provide analytical insights.
Cookies may be:
- Session cookies (deleted when you close your browser)
- Persistent cookies (stored until they expire or are deleted)
- First-party cookies (set by our Site)
- Third-party cookies (set by external providers)
2. How We Use Cookies
The STO Foundation uses cookies for the following purposes:
a. Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the Site to function properly.
They enable:
- Page navigation
- Secure access to certain areas
- Form submissions
- Basic site operations
Without these cookies, the Site may not work correctly.
Example cookies may include:
- Session identifiers
- Security token cookies
- Load balancing cookies
b. Performance & Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with the Site.
They allow us to measure:
- Page views
- Traffic sources
- User behavior patterns
- Popular content
We use this data to improve the Site’s performance and user experience.
Examples (if used):
- Google Analytics
- Privacy-focused analytics tools (Matomo, Plausible, etc.)
- Analytics cookies do not identify individual users directly.
c. Functionality Cookies
These cookies enhance your experience by remembering:
- Language or region preferences
- Display settings
- User choices or prior interactions
They make the Site more personalized and convenient.
d. Third-Party Cookies
Certain Site features may rely on third-party providers, which may set their own cookies.
These may include:
- Embedded videos
- Webinar hosting tools
- Authentication providers
- Social media integrations
Third-party cookies are governed by the providers’ own privacy policies.
3. What Cookies Do We Use?
Below is a general overview of potential cookies used on the Site. Actual usage may vary depending on the Foundation’s tools and integrations.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Cookies | ||
| PHPSESSID / Session ID | Maintains session state | Session |
| csrf_token | Security and form validation | Session |
| cookie_consent_status | Remembers cookie preferences | 6–12 months |
| Analytics Cookies | ||
| _ga, _gid (if Google Analytics is used) | Tracks visitor behavior | 24 hours to 2 years |
| analytics_session | Measures site performance | Session or persistent |
| Functionality Cookies | ||
| language_preference | Saves user language selection | 1 year |
| remember_user | Saves login preferences | Persistent |
Third-Party Cookies
May include:
- YouTube/Vimeo embed cookies
- Event registration tools
- Social sharing buttons
Check those services’ policies for more details.
4. How You Can Control Cookies
You have several options for managing cookies:
a. Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to:
- Block cookies
- Delete cookies
- Limit cookie types
- Receive alerts when cookies are used
Instructions can be found in your browser’s help section.
b. Cookie Consent Banner
If the Site uses a cookie banner, you may:
- Accept all cookies
- Reject non-essential cookies
- Customize your preferences
Your selection will be stored via a preference cookie.
c. Opt-Out Tools
For analytics tools such as Google Analytics, opt-out options may be available.
Note: Blocking certain cookies may impact Site functionality.
5. Do Not Track (DNT) Signals
Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” feature.
At this time, the STO Foundation does not respond to DNT signals due to the lack of an industry-wide standard.
We may revisit this as standards evolve.
6. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this policy periodically to reflect changes in:
- Technology
- Legal requirements
- Site functionality
When updates occur, the “Last Updated” date will be revised.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this policy, please contact:
STO Foundation — Privacy Team
privacy@sto.foundation