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Cookie Policy

Last Updated: November 4, 2025

Introduction

Hi, I'm Chris Wilson, and this is my personal portfolio website. I believe in transparency, so this policy explains exactly how and why I use cookies on chriswilson.ai. This isn't a corporate site with complex tracking—just a straightforward explanation of what happens when you visit my portfolio.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that websites store on your device (computer, phone, or tablet) when you visit them. They help websites remember things about your visit, like your preferences or whether you've visited before.

Think of them like bookmarks—they help the website recognize you next time and provide a better experience. Cookies don't contain viruses and can't access other files on your device.

How I Use Cookies on This Site

I use minimal cookies on this site, and I only collect data to understand how visitors use my portfolio. Here's everything this site uses:

1. Essential Cookies (Always Active)

These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They don't collect personal information and I can't turn them off without breaking the site.

Cookie Name: cookie-consent
Purpose: Remembers your cookie preference (Accept/Reject) so I don't ask you again every time you visit
Duration: 1 year
Type: LocalStorage (not a traditional cookie)

2. Analytics Cookies (Only with Your Consent)

These cookies help me understand how visitors interact with my portfolio. I use this information to improve the site and make it more useful. These cookies only load if you click "Accept" on the cookie banner.

Google Analytics Cookies:
  • _ga: Distinguishes unique visitors (2 years)
  • _ga_*: Stores session information (2 years)
  • _gid: Distinguishes users (24 hours)
What I Learn:
  • • How many people visit my site
  • • Which pages are most popular
  • • How long people spend reading content
  • • What devices and browsers visitors use
  • • General geographic location (city/state level, not precise address)
What I Don't Collect:
  • • Your name or email address
  • • Your exact location
  • • Anything you type in forms (until you submit them)
  • • Personal information that can identify you

3. Security & Anti-Spam (Essential)

I use Cloudflare Turnstile to protect the contact form from spam and bots. This is necessary for security and doesn't require consent.

Purpose: Verifies you're a real person, not a spam bot
Provider: Cloudflare
Privacy: More privacy-friendly than reCAPTCHA (doesn't track users)

Third-Party Services

I use a couple of third-party services that may set their own cookies:

  • Google Analytics: Helps me understand site traffic (only loads if you accept cookies). View Google's Privacy Policy
  • Cloudflare: Provides security and content delivery. View Cloudflare's Privacy Policy

Your Rights and Choices

You have complete control over cookies on this site:

✓ Accept or Reject Cookies

When you first visit, you'll see a banner asking for your cookie preference. Choose "Accept" to allow analytics, or "Reject" to block them. Essential cookies (like remembering your choice) will still work.

✓ Change Your Mind Anytime

Click the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer of any page to change your preference. You can switch between Accept and Reject whenever you want.

✓ Delete Cookies Through Your Browser

You can also delete cookies directly through your browser settings:

  • • Chrome
  • • Firefox
  • • Safari
  • • Edge

✓ Opt Out of Google Analytics

Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on to prevent Google Analytics from tracking you across all websites.

Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature. While I respect privacy, most analytics tools (including Google Analytics) don't respond to DNT signals. The best way to prevent tracking on this site is to click "Reject" on the cookie banner or use the Google Analytics opt-out add-on mentioned above.

My Privacy Commitment

As someone who works in information security and AI implementation, I take privacy seriously. Here's my commitment to you:

  • ✓ No Selling Your Data: I will never sell, rent, or share your information with third parties for their marketing purposes.
  • ✓ Minimal Collection: I only collect what's necessary to understand how people use my site and make it better.
  • ✓ Your Control: You can reject cookies, change your mind later, or delete everything through your browser.
  • ✓ Transparency: This policy explains everything in plain English—no legal jargon or hidden clauses.
  • ✓ Security: Any data collected is protected with industry-standard security measures.

Changes to This Policy

I may update this cookie policy occasionally to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or how I operate the site. When I make significant changes, I'll update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. I recommend checking this page periodically if you're concerned about your privacy.

Questions or Concerns?

If you have questions about this cookie policy or how I handle your data, I'm happy to help. You can reach me at:

Email: chris@chriswilson.ai

Contact Form: chriswilson.ai/#contact

Legal Information

GDPR (European Visitors)

If you're visiting from the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This includes the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict processing of your personal data. Since this site only collects minimal analytics data (if you consent), there's typically nothing to delete beyond cookies—which you can clear through your browser or by clicking "Reject" on the banner.

CCPA (California Visitors)

If you're visiting from California, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). This site doesn't sell personal information, and the analytics data I collect doesn't identify you personally. You can opt out of analytics by clicking "Reject" on the cookie banner.

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