Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy explains how FishMaster ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website. This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. Cookies are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.

Cookies allow a website to recognize your device and store some information about your preferences or past actions. They help us provide you with a better experience when you browse our website.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You cannot opt-out of these cookies as they are essential for the website to work.

2.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make (such as your username, language, or region) and provide enhanced, personalized features. They may also be used to provide services you have requested.

2.3 Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. We use Google Analytics cookies for this purpose.

2.4 Third-Party Cookies

These cookies are set by third-party services that appear on our pages, such as Google Maps and Google Analytics. We do not control the setting of these cookies, so please refer to the third-party websites for more information.

3. Cookies We Use

The following table details the cookies we use on our website:

Cookie Name	Type	Purpose	Duration
fishingPlatformData	Essential / LocalStorage	Stores user account data, FS points, game progress, and preferences	Persistent (until cleared)
_ga	Analytics (Google)	Distinguishes users for Google Analytics	2 years
_ga_*	Analytics (Google)	Stores session state for Google Analytics	2 years
_gid	Analytics (Google)	Distinguishes users for Google Analytics	24 hours
session_id	Essential	Maintains your session while browsing the website	Session

4. Google Analytics Cookies

We use Google Analytics to analyze website usage and improve our services. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect information about how visitors use our website. This information is used to compile reports and help us improve the site.

Google Analytics cookies collect information in an anonymous form, including:

• Number of visitors to the website
• Where visitors have come from
• Pages visited and time spent on each page
• Device and browser information

For more information about Google Analytics cookies, visit: Google Analytics Cookie Usage

You can opt-out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on: Google Analytics Opt-out

5. Google Maps Cookies

Our website uses Google Maps to display interactive maps on our contact page. When you view a page containing Google Maps, Google may set cookies on your device. These cookies are used to:

• Remember your map preferences
• Improve map performance
• Provide location-based services

For more information about how Google uses cookies in Google Maps, visit: Google Privacy Policy

6. LocalStorage and SessionStorage

In addition to cookies, we use browser storage technologies (LocalStorage and SessionStorage) to store information on your device. These technologies are similar to cookies but allow us to store larger amounts of data locally in your browser.

We use LocalStorage to store:

• Your FS points and game scores
• Game progress and achievements
• User preferences and settings
• Account information (if registered)

This data is stored locally on your device and is not transmitted to our servers unless you register an account. You can clear this data at any time through your browser settings.

7. Managing Cookies

7.1 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings preferences. You can set your browser to refuse cookies, delete cookies, or alert you when cookies are being sent. However, if you disable cookies, some parts of our website may not function properly.

Instructions for managing cookies in popular browsers:

• Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data

7.2 Third-Party Cookie Controls

To opt-out of Google Analytics cookies, you can use the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on .

7.3 Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want to have your online activity tracked. Currently, there is no standard for how DNT signals should be interpreted. We do not currently respond to DNT browser signals.

8. Your Consent

By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this Cookie Policy. If you do not consent to our use of cookies, you should disable cookies in your browser settings or refrain from using our website.

For cookies that require your consent under UK and EU law, we will obtain your consent before setting these cookies. You can withdraw your consent at any time by changing your browser settings or contacting us.

9. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Cookie Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.

We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.

10. Contact Information

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

11. Legal Basis

Our use of cookies is based on:

• Consent: For non-essential cookies, we obtain your consent before setting cookies
• Legitimate Interests: For essential cookies necessary for website functionality
• Legal Obligation: For cookies required to comply with legal obligations

12. Cookie Categories - Detailed Explanation

12.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)

These cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as:

• Setting your privacy preferences
• Logging into your account
• Maintaining session state
• Storing security tokens
• Enabling core functionality

You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work if you do so.

12.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us understand:

• Which pages are most and least popular
• How visitors move around the site
• How long users spend on different pages
• What content is most engaging
• Error messages and technical issues

All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies, we will not know when you have visited our site and will not be able to monitor its performance.

12.3 Functionality Cookies

These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. They allow us to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Remember your username and language selection
• Provide features like live chat support
• Show personalized content
• Remember your game progress and FS points

12.4 Targeting and Advertising Cookies

Currently, we do not use targeting or advertising cookies. If we introduce such cookies in the future, we will update this policy and obtain your consent before setting them.

13. Google Services - Detailed Cookie Information

13.1 Google Analytics Cookies - Complete List

We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4), which sets the following cookies:

Cookie Name	Duration	Purpose
_ga	2 years	Distinguishes unique users by assigning a randomly generated number as a client identifier
_ga_<container-id>	2 years	Used to persist session state
_gid	24 hours	Distinguishes unique users for 24 hours
_gat	1 minute	Used to throttle request rate (legacy cookie, may not appear in GA4)

Google Analytics uses these cookies to collect information about how visitors use our website. This data helps us understand user behavior and improve our services.

13.2 Google Maps Cookies

When you view our contact page with an embedded Google Map, Google may set the following cookies:

• NID: Used by Google to customize ads and remember preferences
• 1P_JAR: Used by Google to gather website statistics and track conversion rates
• CONSENT: Stores user consent preferences
• SOCS: Stores consent status for external content

These cookies are controlled by Google. We do not have access to the data collected by these cookies, and their use is subject to Google's Privacy Policy.

14. LocalStorage and SessionStorage - Technical Details

14.1 LocalStorage

LocalStorage is a web storage technology that allows websites to store data locally in your browser. Unlike cookies, LocalStorage data:

• Has a larger storage capacity (typically 5-10 MB per domain)
• Is not sent to the server with every HTTP request
• Persists until explicitly cleared by the user or browser
• Is domain-specific (only accessible by the website that created it)

We use LocalStorage to store:

• User Account Data: Username, email (if registered), user preferences
• FS Points: Your current FS points balance and transaction history
• Game Progress: Scores, achievements, unlocked levels, game settings
• Preferences: Language settings, display preferences, notification settings
• Session Tokens: Authentication tokens (if applicable)

14.2 SessionStorage

SessionStorage is similar to LocalStorage but is cleared when you close your browser tab or window. We may use SessionStorage for:

• Temporary form data
• Current session state
• Temporary UI preferences
• Unsubmitted form data

14.3 Clearing LocalStorage and SessionStorage

You can clear LocalStorage and SessionStorage data through your browser settings:

• Chrome/Edge: Developer Tools > Application > Storage > Clear storage
• Firefox: Developer Tools > Storage > Clear All
• Safari: Developer > Empty Caches > Clear LocalStorage

Warning: Clearing LocalStorage will delete your FS points, game progress, and preferences. This action cannot be undone unless you have registered an account and we have a backup of your data.

15. Third-Party Cookies and Embedded Content

15.1 Embedded Services

Our website may contain embedded content from third-party services, such as:

• Google Maps: Interactive maps on our contact page
• Google Fonts: Web fonts for improved typography

These services may set their own cookies. We do not control these cookies, and their use is governed by the respective third-party privacy policies.

15.2 Google Fonts

We use Google Fonts to display custom fonts on our website. When you visit our site, Google Fonts may collect certain information, including:

• Your IP address
• Browser and device information
• Font requests

For more information, see Google's Privacy Policy and Google Fonts FAQ. You can prevent Google Fonts from collecting data by using a browser extension or by blocking requests to fonts.googleapis.com.

16. Cookie Consent Management

16.1 Obtaining Consent

For non-essential cookies, we obtain your consent before setting cookies. When you first visit our website, you may see a cookie consent banner that allows you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• Customize your cookie preferences
• Learn more about our cookie usage

16.2 Withdrawing Consent

You can withdraw your consent to non-essential cookies at any time by:

• Changing your browser cookie settings
• Using our cookie preference center (if available)
• Clearing your browser cookies
• Contacting us to request cookie deletion

Withdrawing consent will not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

17. Cookie Security

17.1 Security Measures

We implement security measures to protect cookie data, including:

• Secure Flags: Cookies are marked as "Secure" when transmitted over HTTPS
• HttpOnly Flags: Cookies are marked as "HttpOnly" to prevent access via JavaScript
• SameSite Attributes: Cookies use SameSite attributes to prevent CSRF attacks
• Encryption: Sensitive cookie data is encrypted
• Regular Updates: We regularly update our cookie practices to address security vulnerabilities

17.2 Cookie Theft Prevention

We use various techniques to prevent cookie theft and session hijacking, including:

• HTTPS encryption for all cookie transmissions
• Session timeouts to limit cookie validity
• Token rotation for sensitive cookies
• IP address validation (where appropriate)

18. Cookies and Mobile Devices

Our website may set and access cookies on mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. Cookie behavior on mobile devices is generally the same as on desktop computers, but there may be some differences:

• Mobile browsers may handle cookies differently
• Private browsing modes on mobile devices may restrict cookies
• Mobile apps may use different storage mechanisms
• Location data may be collected on mobile devices (with your consent)

You can manage cookies on mobile devices through your mobile browser settings, typically found in the browser's privacy or security settings.

19. Cookies Across Different Devices

Cookies are typically device and browser-specific. This means:

• Cookies set on your desktop computer will not be available on your mobile device
• Cookies set in one browser will not be available in another browser
• If you use multiple devices, you may need to set preferences on each device

However, if you log into your account on multiple devices, your account data (including FS points) may be synchronized across devices, depending on our account synchronization features.

20. Cookie Expiration and Removal

20.1 Cookie Lifespan

Cookies can be:

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a specified period or until you delete them

Each cookie in the table above includes its duration. Most cookies we use are persistent cookies with expiration dates ranging from 24 hours to 2 years.

20.2 Automatic Removal

Cookies are automatically removed from your device when they expire. However, you can also manually delete cookies at any time through your browser settings.

21. Impact of Disabling Cookies

If you choose to disable cookies, some features of our website may not function properly:

• You may not be able to log into your account
• Your FS points and game progress may not be saved
• Your preferences and settings may not be remembered
• Some interactive features may not work
• Personalization features may be unavailable

Essential cookies cannot be disabled without affecting core website functionality. We recommend allowing essential cookies for the best user experience.

22. Updates to Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our cookie practices, legal requirements, or website functionality. When we make significant changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify you via email (if you have an account)
• Display a notice on our website
• Request your consent again if required by law

We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy regularly to stay informed about how we use cookies.

23. Contact Information

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

23.1 Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

For more information about cookies and your rights regarding cookies, you can visit the Information Commissioner's Office website:

This Cookie Policy complies with UK GDPR, the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (PECR), and applicable UK data protection legislation. For more information about cookies and your rights, visit the ICO website.

Document Version: 2.0
Last Reviewed: November 2025
Next Review Date: November 2026