StartWithXM (“we”, “us”, “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies to operate this website, understand how it’s used, and improve your experience. This page explains what cookies are, which ones we use, how you can control them, and what happens if you change your choices.
Short version: We only set strictly necessary cookies by default. All other cookies are optional and require your consent via our cookie banner.
Last updated: 27.10.2025
1) What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device by your browser. They can be:
- First-party (set by our domain) or third-party (set by another domain, e.g., analytics or ad partners).
- Session (deleted when you close your browser) or persistent (remain until they expire or you delete them).
We also use related technologies:
- Local Storage / Session Storage (browser storage),
- Pixels / Tags (small snippets used for measurement),
- SDKs (for apps, if applicable).
We refer to all of these as “cookies” in this policy.
2) How we use cookies
We group cookies into the following categories. Only Necessary cookies are set without consent.
- Necessary (Always On)
Required for core site functions: security, load balancing, consent records, and basic preferences (e.g., your cookie choices).
Legal basis: Legitimate interests (GDPR Art. 6(1)(f)). - Preferences (Optional)
Remember your settings (e.g., language) to provide a more personal experience.
Legal basis: Consent (GDPR Art. 6(1)(a)). - Analytics (Optional)
Help us understand traffic, pages visited, and performance (aggregated, not used to identify you directly).
Legal basis: Consent. - Advertising & Affiliate (Optional)
Measure campaign performance, prevent fraud, and attribute referrals (e.g., affiliate programs, Bing Ads UET). May be used to show or measure ads on third-party sites.
Legal basis: Consent. - Functional / Performance (Optional)
Enhance features such as video embeds, forms, or content delivery optimization.
Legal basis: Consent.
If you decline a category, features relying on that category may be unavailable or behave differently.
3) Examples of cookies we may use
Your exact list depends on the pages you visit and your choices in the banner.
- Necessary:
- CookieConsent / consent_storage — remembers your cookie choices.
- wp* / security tokens — site security, load balancing, anti-abuse.
- Analytics (optional):
- Google Analytics (ga/_ga*) — aggregated traffic analytics.
- Microsoft Clarity (clarity) — anonymized session insights (if enabled).
- Advertising & Affiliate (optional):
- Microsoft Ads UET (MUID / _uetsid / _uetvid) — conversion and campaign measurement.
- Affiliate tracking cookies or parameters set by our partners to attribute sign-ups (e.g., via redirect URLs or scripts).
- Preferences / Functional (optional):
- Language or UI settings, media players, CDN optimization tokens.
Vendor links: review their policies for details on data handling and retention.
4) How long do cookies last?
- Session cookies: removed when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies: last from a few minutes to up to 24 months (typical analytics/ad attribution windows). Exact durations vary by cookie and vendor.
5) Your choices (consent banner)
On your first visit, you’ll see a banner allowing you to choose cookie categories. You can update your choices anytime.
Banner wording (example):
- Title: We use cookies
- Text: “We use cookies to make our site work and to improve your experience. You can accept all, reject non-essential, or customize by category.”
- Buttons: Accept all · Reject non-essential · Customize
- Category toggles inside “Customize”:
- Necessary — Always on (no toggle)
- Preferences — On/Off
- Analytics — On/Off
- Advertising & Affiliate — On/Off
- Functional/Performance — On/Off
- Link: Cookie Policy (this page)
How to change your choice now:
Use the “Cookie Settings” button/link in the footer (or [insert link]) to re-open the banner and adjust categories, or clear cookies in your browser.
6) “Do Not Sell or Share” (where applicable)
If you are in a region with “Do Not Sell or Share” rights (e.g., California), you can opt out of Advertising & Affiliate cookies in Cookie Settings. We will respect your choice and limit data flows used for cross-context behavioral advertising.
7) Legal bases & regions
- EEA/UK/CH: We set Necessary cookies under legitimate interests; all other cookies require consent.
- Other regions: We aim to apply the same consent standards where feasible, but local rules may differ.
8) Managing cookies in your browser
You can delete or block cookies via your browser settings. Blocking some cookies may affect site functionality. Helpful guides (external):
- Chrome · Firefox · Safari · Edge (search “clear cookies [browser]”)
9) Children
Our site is for adults. We do not knowingly set non-essential cookies for children. If you believe a child has interacted with optional cookies, contact us to help remove related data where possible.
10) Updates to this policy
We may revise this policy to reflect changes in technology, law, or our services. The “Last updated” date shows the latest version. Material changes will be signposted on this page and/or via the banner.
11) Contact
Questions about cookies or your choices? Email support@startwithxm.com.
Cookie Settings: [link or button to open the consent manager]