Cookie Policy

Maeum Story Last updated: May 14, 2026 Effective date: May 14, 2026

This Cookie Policy explains how Francesco Rugiati, operating as Maeum Story ("we," "us," "our"), uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit https://maeum-story.com or use the Service. It complements our Privacy Policy and has been prepared in compliance with the ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC), the Italian Privacy Code (D.Lgs. 196/2003, as amended), and the Garante per la protezione dei dati personali Cookie Guidelines (Provvedimento dell'8 gennaio 2015 and subsequent 2021 update).

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They allow the website to remember your preferences and actions over a period of time. Similar technologies include localStorage and sessionStorage, which store data directly in your browser without sending it to our servers.

2. Cookies We Use

We use a minimal set of cookies and browser storage. We do not use advertising cookies, tracking cookies, or third-party profiling technologies.

2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the Service to function and cannot be switched off. They do not require your consent under applicable law.

These cookies are set by our servers and are not shared with third parties.

2.2 Functional Storage (localStorage)

We use your browser's localStorage to store UI preferences such as theme (dark/light) and text size. This data is stored entirely on your device and is never transmitted to our servers or to third parties. No consent is required for this use.

2.3 Analytics Cookies

We have introduced analytics tracking with the following process:

1. This Cookie Policy was updated in advance of activation.
2. Registered users received an email notification 14 days before activation.
3. Explicit opt-in consent is obtained via a banner before any analytics tracking begins.

Analytics tracking covers aggregate page views, traffic attribution (UTM parameters and the HTTP Referer header read from the URL, not stored as cookies), country and city level geolocation derived from your IP address, and parsed user agent (device class, browser, operating system). No analytics tracking takes place until you grant your consent. You can withdraw consent or change your preferences at any time via Settings, Privacy.

2.4 Third-Party Cookies

We do not embed third-party content (e.g., social media widgets, advertising networks, or external video players) that would set cookies on your device.

3. Error Monitoring (Sentry)

We use Sentry (Functional Software Inc., USA) for error monitoring and performance tracking. Sentry may collect your IP address (anonymised where possible), browser type, and error context. This is not a cookie-based technology but a server-side monitoring service. Data processed by Sentry is subject to Standard Contractual Clauses and the Sentry Data Processing Agreement. See Section 9 of our Privacy Policy for details.

4. Your Choices

4.1 Browser Settings

You can configure your browser to block or delete cookies. Note that blocking strictly necessary cookies may prevent the Service from functioning correctly (for example, you may not be able to log in). Common browser settings:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data

4.2 localStorage

You can clear localStorage data through your browser's developer tools or by clearing your browser's site data. This will reset your UI preferences (theme, text size).

4.3 Opt-Out Rights

As strictly necessary cookies and functional localStorage are required for the Service to operate, they cannot be individually opted out of while using the Service. If you do not wish these technologies to be used, please discontinue use of the Service.

5. Consent Banner

A consent banner is displayed on first visit. The banner lets you grant or refuse consent for the Analytics level (Strictly necessary and Functional do not require consent, as explained above). You can review and modify your preferences at any time via Settings, Privacy.

Under current Italian and EU guidance (Garante Cookie Guidelines 2021 and ePrivacy Directive), the banner records: the categories you accepted or refused, the date and time of the choice, the policy version in force at that moment, and a technical identifier of the consent record. Consent records are retained for 5 years after the last update, in line with Italian Garante practice on consent audit trails. See the Privacy Policy, Section 7, for the retention table.

6. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. If we make material changes (in particular, if we introduce new cookie categories), we will notify you by email and update the "Last updated" date above at least 14 days before the changes take effect.

7. Contact

For any questions about this Cookie Policy:

Francesco Rugiati (Maeum Story) Email: legal@maeum-story.com Physical address: available upon request

For complaints regarding cookie use, you may also contact the Italian Data Protection Authority:

Garante per la protezione dei dati personali Piazza Venezia 11, 00187 Roma, Italia Web: www.garanteprivacy.it Tel: +39 06 69677 1

This Cookie Policy was drafted with reference to: ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC); D.Lgs. 196/2003 as amended; GDPR (Regulation (EU) 2016/679); and the Garante per la protezione dei dati personali Cookie Guidelines (2015, updated 2021).