This Cookie Policy (the “Policy”) applies to the WF Education Website (the “Website”) and Mobile App (the “App”), operated by the World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Communities (KSIMC) (“TWF”, “we”, “us”, “our”). The Website is accessible by our donors, university students and management team, including office bearers and administrators. The App is accessible by our donors and management team. We use cookies and similar tools across the Website and the App to enhance your user experience and improve our platforms’ performance and security. This Policy explains how we do that.

1. General Information on Cookies and Similar Technologies

   Cookies are small text files which a website or app may put on your computer or mobile device when you first visit a site or use an app. The cookie will help the website or app, or another website or app, to recognise your device the next time you visit. Web beacons or other similar files can also do the same thing. We use the term “cookies” in this Policy to refer to all files or technologies that collect information in this way, including cookies on the Website and similar technologies in the App.

   There are many functions cookies serve. For example, they can help remember your username and preferences, analyse how well the website or app is performing, or even allow the operator to recommend content it believes will be most relevant to you. Consent is required for non-essential cookies, such as those used for analytics and personalisation, but not for essential cookies that are necessary for the basic operation of the website or app.

   Certain cookies contain personal information – for example, if you click to “Remember Me” when logging in, a cookie will store your username. Most cookies won’t collect information that identifies you and will instead collect more general information such as how users arrive at and use a website or app, or a user’s general location.

2. Cookies Used by TWF

   On our Website and the App, our cookies perform up to three different functions:

   1. Essential cookies

      Some cookies are essential for the operation of our Website and App. For example, these cookies allow us to manage user sessions and enhance session affinity by ensuring that users are routed to the same server during their browsing session. User consent is not required for these cookies, as they are necessary for the basic functionality of the Website and App. However, if a user opts to disable these cookies, they may not be able to access all the features or content that they are entitled to.

   2. Functionality Cookies

      We use functionality cookies to remember your log in credentials for your return visits to the Website or the App. For example, cookies save you the trouble of typing in your log in information every time you access the Website. These cookies also enable us to retain your session when you open multiple tabs in your browser. We also use cookies to remember your consent preferences when you use the cookie banner, ensuring that we remember your choice regarding cookies.

   3. Security and Anti-Fraud Cookies

      We use security and anti-fraud cookies to enhance the security of our platforms, and prevent malicious activities from happening. For instance, we use cookies to ensure that any data submitted through forms is genuine and originates from an authenticated user, as well as cookies that confirm human interactions by enabling CAPTCHA functionality. This helps protect the Website and App against automated bots and spam submissions.

3. Using Cookies to Retain Your Login Information

   We collect cookies to remember your credentials, but only under these conditions:

   1. The user must first click “Accept” to give consent for cookies to be placed on their device.

   2. Then, the user must check the “Remember Me” box when logging in.

   If the user:

   1. Clicks “Accept” but does not check “Remember Me”, credentials won’t be saved.

   2. Checks “Remember Me” but does not click “Accept”, credentials also won’t be saved.

   These measures ensure that your credentials are stored only with your consent. If you initially choose not to save your credentials, you can change your mind at any time. The cookie banner will appear regularly, allowing you to update your preferences.

4. Can a User Block Cookies?

   As we’ve explained above, cookies help you to get the most out of the Website and App by enhancing functionality and improving your experience.

   The first time you access the Website or the App, you will see a cookie banner which explains that by continuing to access our site or App, you are consenting to the use of cookies as outlined in this Policy. While user consent is not required for essential cookies, we will ask for your consent before using any non-essential cookies. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time through your browser settings or the cookie banner that will appear regularly on the Website or App.

   Please remember that if you choose to disable cookies, some features of the Website or App may not work properly, as you may experience limited functionality.

5. Cookie Retention

   Cookies are stored on your device for varying periods depending on their type and purpose. Some cookies, such as session cookies, are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. Other cookies, such as persistent cookies, remain on your device for a set period, even after you close your browser, to help remember your login details for future visits. You can manage cookies through your browser settings or the cookie banner that will be displayed regularly on the Website and the App. This allows you to control your cookie preferences and delete cookies at any time.

6. Mobile App and Similar Technologies

   In addition to cookies on the Website, we also use similar technologies in the App to improve user experience and the App’s functionality and security. These technologies may include device identifiers or local storage mechanisms, which help us to remember your login credentials, similar to the use of cookies on the Website. As with cookies on the Website, we ask for your consent to place non-essential cookies or similar technologies on your device when you first access the App. You can manage your preferences through the cookie banner that will be displayed regularly. We ensure that your personal data is handled in accordance with the UK GDPR and data protection laws.

7. Changes to this Policy

   We may update this Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the types of cookies we use or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Any updates will be posted on this page, and we will notify you when you next use the Website or the App.

8. Contact Us

   If you have any questions or concerns regarding our use of cookies, please contact us at: education@world-federation.org.