Cookie & Storage Policy
This Cookie & Browser Storage Policy ("Policy") explains how VerifyDeals ("VerifyDeals", "we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and browser-based storage technologies when you access or use the VerifyDeals platform at www.verifydeals.in ("Platform"). By continuing to use the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Policy. This Policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
1. What Are Cookies and Browser Storage?
A cookie is a small text file that a website places on your device when you visit it. In addition to cookies, modern websites use browser-based storage mechanisms managed entirely within your browser:
- localStorage — data stored persistently in your browser until you clear it or the website removes it.
- sessionStorage — data stored temporarily for a single browser session; automatically deleted when you close the tab or window.
VerifyDeals currently relies primarily on localStorage and sessionStorage rather than traditional server-set cookies, as described in detail below.
2. How VerifyDeals Uses Browser Storage
VerifyDeals uses browser storage technologies strictly to operate the Platform and provide you with a functional, personalised experience. We do not use advertising cookies, behavioural profiling cookies, or third-party tracking cookies of any kind. All storage items described in this Policy are first-party (set and controlled exclusively by VerifyDeals) unless expressly stated otherwise.
3. Storage Items We Use
3.1 Essential — Authentication & Session
These items are strictly necessary for you to access and use the Platform. Without them, core features such as logging in and accessing your cashback account cannot function.
| vd_auth_token | Type: localStorage Purpose: Stores your JSON Web Token (JWT) after login or Google OAuth. Attached to every API request as a Bearer token to verify your identity. Expiry: Managed by the JWT itself. Cleared when you log out. First-party: Yes |
| vd_user | Type: localStorage Purpose: Stores basic profile information (name, account status) to display personalised content without repeated server calls. Expiry: Cleared on logout or session termination. First-party: Yes |
| vd_session_id | Type: localStorage Purpose: Stores a unique session identifier for click attribution and deal tracking — this is how cashback is correctly linked to your account when you click an affiliate link. Expiry: Persists until cleared by you or the Platform. First-party: Yes |
| vd_session_interest_signal | Type: sessionStorage Purpose: Stores a short-lived signal capturing your browsing interest (e.g. deal categories viewed) to improve content relevance during the session. Expiry: 30 minutes from creation, or when the browser tab is closed — whichever is first. First-party: Yes |
3.2 Functional — Preferences & Wishlist
These items enhance your experience by remembering your saved items across visits. They are not strictly necessary but removing them would lose convenience features.
| vd_deals_wishlist | Type: localStorage Purpose: Stores deals you have saved to your wishlist for quick access across sessions. Expiry: Persists until you clear your wishlist or browser storage. First-party: Yes |
| vd_favorite_stores | Type: localStorage Purpose: Stores stores you have marked as favourites for quick access on return visits. Expiry: Persists until you remove favourites or clear browser storage. First-party: Yes |
3.3 Third-Party Assets
VerifyDeals loads the following third-party assets. These are static CSS/font files and do not set cookies or access browser storage on your device:
- Font Awesome (CDN) — icon library used across the Platform.
- Flatpickr (CDN) — date-picker styling used on profile-related pages.
We do not currently integrate Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Meta Pixel, Microsoft Clarity, Hotjar, reCAPTCHA, third-party chat widgets, or any advertising or tracking service. Should this change, this Policy will be updated before any such storage items are activated.
4. Why We Use localStorage Instead of Cookies
You may notice that VerifyDeals stores authentication tokens in localStorage rather than as HttpOnly cookies. This is a deliberate design choice in the current phase of development. We acknowledge that HttpOnly, Secure cookies are considered industry best practice for token storage and offer certain security advantages. We will evaluate migrating to a cookie-based authentication model in a future version of the Platform and will update this Policy accordingly.
In the meantime, we recommend you do not access your VerifyDeals account on shared or public computers to protect your stored tokens.
5. How Long Does Browser Storage Persist?
Retention periods for each storage item are set out in Section 3 above. In summary:
- localStorage items persist until you log out, clear your browser data, or the Platform explicitly removes them.
- sessionStorage items are automatically deleted when you close the browser tab or window, or after their specified timeout (30 minutes for session interest signals).
6. Your Choices and How to Control Storage
You have full control over browser storage at any time via your browser settings:
- Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Clear Browsing Data
- Mozilla Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data → Clear Data
- Apple Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Microsoft Edge: Settings → Privacy, Search and Services → Clear Browsing Data
Please note that clearing browser storage will log you out of the Platform and remove your locally saved wishlist and favourite stores. Your account data stored on our servers (cashback balance, transaction history, etc.) will not be affected.
7. Storage and Children
The Platform is intended for users aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 18 through browser storage or any other means. If you believe a child under 18 has used the Platform, please contact us at support@verifydeals.in and we will take appropriate steps to delete that data.
8. Changes to This Policy
VerifyDeals may update this Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or Platform operations. When material changes are made, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this Policy. Your continued use of the Platform after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Policy.
9. Contact and Grievance Officer
- Name: Vishal Rajesh Mulchandani
- Designation: Proprietor, VerifyDeals
- Email: support@verifydeals.in
- Subject Line: "Cookie Policy Query — [Your Name]"
All queries will be acknowledged within 48 hours and resolved within 30 days of receipt.