This Cookie Policy explains how Raleigh-Durham.chat uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website. This policy applies to all visitors regardless of location, and includes specific provisions for users protected under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other applicable privacy laws.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They help the site remember your preferences, understand how you use the site, and improve your experience. Cookies may be set by the site you are visiting (first-party cookies) or by third-party services that appear on the page.

Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary for the website to function. They enable core features like security, session management, and accessibility. These cookies do not require your consent and cannot be disabled.

Session cookies — maintain your session while browsing
Security cookies — protect against cross-site request forgery
Cookie consent — stores your cookie preference choices

Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This helps us improve site performance and content relevance.

Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your weather location preference, saved settings, and preferred content categories.

Marketing Cookies

These cookies may be set by our advertising partners to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other sites. They do not directly store personal information but uniquely identify your browser and device.

Your Rights Under GDPR (EU/EEA Visitors)

If you are located in the European Union or European Economic Area, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) grants you specific rights regarding your personal data:

Consent — Non-essential cookies will not be placed until you provide explicit consent
Right to withdraw — You may withdraw consent at any time via the cookie preferences panel
Right to access — You may request a copy of the data we hold about you
Right to erasure — You may request deletion of your personal data
Right to object — You may object to processing based on legitimate interests

Our legal basis for processing personal data through cookies is your consent (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR) for non-essential cookies, and legitimate interest (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR) for essential cookies required to operate the service.

Your Rights Under CCPA (California Residents)

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) provides you with additional rights:

Right to know — You have the right to know what personal information is collected, used, and shared
Right to delete — You may request deletion of your personal information
Right to opt out — You may opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information
Non-discrimination — We will not discriminate against you for exercising your CCPA rights

To exercise your CCPA rights, use the cookie preferences panel on this site or contact us at the email address below.

US Visitors (General)

While there is no single comprehensive federal cookie law in the United States, we respect your privacy choices. You may manage your cookie preferences at any time using the preferences panel available on every page of this site.

Managing Your Preferences

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Preferences" link in the footer of any page. You can also manage cookies through your browser settings:

Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies
Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies
Safari: Preferences > Privacy
Edge: Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions

Third-Party Services

Our site may use the following third-party services that set their own cookies:

Weather.gov — National Weather Service weather widget (US government service)
News feeds — Local news content via RSS integration
OpenAI — Powers the AI chat feature

Data Retention

Cookie consent preferences are stored for 365 days. Session cookies expire when you close your browser. Analytics and marketing cookies typically expire within 1-2 years, depending on the provider.

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this policy, contact us at: privacy@raleigh-durham.chat

Last updated: March 2026