Hōkū Cookie Policy

Last updated: October 28, 2025

1. What Is a Cookie?

A cookie is a small text file stored on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) when you visit a website or use a mobile app. Cookies enable us to recognize your device, remember your preferences, and collect data about how you use our services.

There are different types of cookies:

• Session cookies: Deleted automatically when you close your browser.
• Persistent cookies: Remain stored for a set period unless deleted manually.
• First-party cookies: Set directly by Hōkū.
• Third-party cookies: Set by service providers (e.g., analytics tools).

2. How Hōkū Uses Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate, personalize, and improve your experience on Hōkū. Cookies help us:

• Keep you logged in
• Secure your session
• Measure usage patterns and performance
• Remember your settings and preferences
• Deliver personalized content and ads (if you opt in)

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)

These cookies are required for the platform to function properly. They cannot be disabled because they support critical functions such as:

• Logging in and session management
• Security and fraud prevention
• Remembering your cookie preferences
• Displaying the site in your selected language

3.2 Analytics Cookies (Performance)

These cookies help us understand how users interact with Hōkū, such as:

• Pages visited
• Listening behavior
• Errors encountered
• Device/browser usage

Example service: Google Analytics

3.3 Marketing Cookies (Advertising)

These cookies are used to show you relevant ads and promotional content, based on:

• Your interactions with the platform
• Your preferences and history

They help us:

• Measure ad effectiveness
• Avoid showing repetitive content
• Provide more targeted recommendations

3.4 Personalization Cookies (Functionality)

These cookies allow us to remember your preferences, such as:

• Language and interface settings
• Playback preferences
• Custom playlists or favorites

They help tailor your experience for a smoother and more personalized interaction with Hōkū.

3.5 Profiling Cookies (Recommendation Engine)

These cookies power our recommendation engine by analyzing your listening behavior and preferences. They help us:

• Understand your musical tastes and listening patterns
• Generate personalized content recommendations
• Improve discovery and curation

Profiling cookies require your explicit consent and can be disabled at any time via your Privacy Settings.

4. Third-Party Cookies

We partner with trusted providers who may set cookies on our behalf. These include:

• Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Payment services (e.g., Stripe)
• Authentication services (e.g., Google login)

Each third-party provider has its own privacy and cookie policies. We encourage you to review their terms directly.

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

5.1 Cookie Banner

Upon your first visit, a cookie banner allows you to accept, decline, or customize cookie preferences.

5.2 Privacy Center

You can change your cookie preferences at any time via the Privacy Settings section within the app or site.

5.3 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to block or delete cookies manually. However, doing so may affect how Hōkū functions. Refer to your browser's help section for details.

5.4 Opt-Out Tools

For marketing cookies, you may also use these industry-wide tools:

• DAA (US)
• Your Online Choices (EU)
• YourAdChoices.ca (Canada)

6. Cookie Duration

• Session cookies: Deleted when the browser closes
• Persistent cookies: Stored for a predefined time, generally no more than 13 months, depending on purpose and applicable law

7. International Data Transfers

Cookies may collect data that is transferred to countries outside your own (e.g., to the U.S. for Google Analytics). In such cases, Hōkū ensures appropriate safeguards are in place, including Standard Contractual Clauses or equivalent protections.

8. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. All changes will be posted here with an updated "last modified" date. Significant changes will be communicated via banner or notification.

9. Contact Us

For questions regarding this Cookie Policy, please contact us at support@hokusound.com.