Cookie Policy
This Cookie Policy explains how Stackflow Academy uses essential, analytics, marketing, and functional cookies, including third-party cookies used by Stripe and Google Analytics.
Last Updated: March 30, 2026
1. What This Policy Covers
Stackflow Academy uses cookies and similar technologies on our website, platform pages, and related checkout experiences. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, which categories we use, and how you can control them.
2. What Cookies Are
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help sites remember preferences, maintain secure sessions, measure usage, and support functionality across visits.
3. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies to keep the platform secure, remember your preferences, understand how visitors use the site, support checkout and account functions, and improve performance and marketing measurement where permitted.
4. Types of Cookies We Use
Essential cookies are required for security, authentication, and core website operation. Analytics cookies help us understand traffic and usage patterns. Marketing cookies help measure campaigns and support advertising attribution where consent is provided. Functional cookies remember preferences and convenience settings.
5. Specific Cookies in Use
The following table lists representative cookies and similar identifiers used on or in connection with our website and payment experience. Actual cookie sets may vary depending on the page, account state, or integrations active at the time of visit.
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| _sfa_session | Stackflow Academy | Maintains secure logged-in session state. | Session | Essential |
| _sfa_csrf | Stackflow Academy | Protects forms and account actions against forged requests. | Session | Essential |
| cookie_consent | Stackflow Academy | Stores cookie preference choices submitted through the banner. | 6 months | Functional |
| course_progress_hint | Stackflow Academy | Remembers recent course progress prompts for signed-in users. | 30 days | Functional |
| theme_pref | Stackflow Academy | Stores interface presentation preferences where applicable. | 12 months | Functional |
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes site visitors for analytics reporting. | 2 years | Analytics |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics | Persists session and engagement data for analytics properties. | 2 years | Analytics |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Tracks short-term visitor behavior for analytics insights. | 24 hours | Analytics |
| _gat | Google Analytics | Helps manage analytics request rates. | 1 minute | Analytics |
| __stripe_mid | Stripe | Supports fraud prevention and device recognition during payment flows. | 1 year | Essential |
| __stripe_sid | Stripe | Supports fraud prevention and secure checkout session handling. | 30 minutes | Essential |
| mkt_attribution | Stackflow Academy | Captures campaign source data for performance analysis. | 90 days | Marketing |
| retargeting_id | Advertising Partner | Supports ad measurement and audience retargeting where consent is given. | 90 days | Marketing |
6. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies are set by third parties we use to operate the business, including Stripe for payment processing and fraud prevention and Google Analytics for site usage measurement.
Third-party providers may collect information in accordance with their own policies. Stripe privacy details are available at stripe.com/privacy.
7. Consent Mechanism
When required, we present a cookie consent banner that allows you to accept, reject, or customize non-essential cookies. Essential cookies may still be used because they are necessary for the website and checkout flow to operate safely.
8. Browser Management Instructions
You can manage cookies in your browser settings. In Chrome, open Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data. In Firefox, open Settings > Privacy & Security. In Safari, open Settings > Privacy. In Microsoft Edge, open Settings > Cookies and site permissions.
Browser tools may let you clear existing cookies, block future cookies, or configure preferences for specific sites.
9. Impact of Disabling Cookies
If you disable certain cookies, parts of the site may not function properly. Login sessions, account access, saved preferences, checkout continuity, and some analytics or personalization features may be reduced or unavailable.
10. Contact Information
If you have questions about our use of cookies or privacy controls, contact us at privacy@stackflowacademy.org or dpo@stackflowacademy.org. Registered address: Unit 1603, 16/F, The L. Plaza, 367-375 Queen's Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.