Cookie Policy
Last updated: February 25, 2026
This Cookie Policy explains how Open University Inc. (“we,” “us,” or “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our platform. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, keep you signed in, and understand how you use the site. We also use similar technologies like local storage and session storage.
2. Cookie Categories
2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the platform to function. They cannot be disabled.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| __clerk_* | Authentication session management (Clerk) | Session / 7 days |
| __stripe_* | Payment fraud prevention (Stripe) | Session / 1 year |
| theme | Stores your light/dark mode preference | 1 year |
| sidebar-state | Remembers sidebar collapsed/expanded state | Persistent |
2.2 Functional Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we use.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| locale | Stores your language preference | 1 year |
| font-size | Stores your preferred font size | 1 year |
| onboarding-state | Tracks onboarding wizard progress | Session |
2.3 Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our platform. All data is aggregated and anonymized.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _plausible | Privacy-friendly analytics (no personal data collected) | Session |
We use Plausible Analytics, a privacy-focused analytics tool that does not use cookies for tracking, does not collect personal data, and is fully GDPR-compliant without requiring consent.
2.4 Marketing Cookies
We currently do not use marketing or advertising cookies. If this changes in the future, we will update this policy and request your consent before placing any marketing cookies.
3. How to Manage Cookies
3.1 Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically:
- View and delete existing cookies.
- Block all cookies or only third-party cookies.
- Set preferences for specific websites.
Please note that blocking essential cookies may prevent parts of the platform from functioning correctly.
3.2 Platform Settings
You can manage your cookie preferences in your account settings under the Privacy section. Changes take effect immediately.
4. Local Storage & Session Storage
In addition to cookies, we use browser local storage and session storage to save preferences and temporary data (such as sidebar state, draft form data, and theme selection). These follow the same retention and purpose categories as cookies described above.
5. Do Not Track
We respect Do Not Track (DNT) signals. When we detect a DNT signal, we disable any optional analytics tracking. Essential cookies necessary for the platform to function are not affected by DNT signals.
6. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via a notice on the platform. The “Last updated” date at the top of this page indicates when it was last revised.
7. Contact
For questions about our use of cookies, contact us at privacy@openuniversity.com.