Legal
Cookie & Storage Policy
Last updated: 15 June 2026
Sardine Spotter takes a minimalist approach: we use the smallest amount of browser storage needed to run the app, and we do not use third-party advertising or tracking cookies of any kind. This page lists everything we store on your device.
What we store on your device
We don't actually set traditional HTTP cookies. Instead we use localStorage and the Service Worker cache — both of which sit on your device and are never transmitted to third parties.
| Name | Purpose | Type | Expires |
|---|---|---|---|
| ss_token | Keeps you signed in across visits. JWT issued by our server. | Essential | On logout |
| theme | Remembers your light/dark mode preference. | Functional | Until cleared |
| ss_cookies_ack | Records that you've seen the cookie notice so we don't pester you on every page. | Functional | Until cleared |
| Service Worker cache | Stores the offline page, app icon, and previously visited pages so the app keeps working when your connection drops. | Essential | Until cleared or app uninstalled |
| Push subscription | If you opt in to push notifications, the browser stores your subscription endpoint to receive notifications. Removed automatically when you toggle off notifications. | Functional (opt-in) | On unsubscribe |
Third-party storage
When you load the map, Google Maps may set its own cookies in your browser to render map tiles. Those cookies are not under our control and are governed by Google's cookie policy.
We do not use advertising, marketing, analytics, social-share or any other third-party tracking cookies. No Google Analytics. No Facebook pixel. No retargeting.
Why we don't ask for cookie consent
Under POPIA and the ePrivacy norms, consent is required only for storage that is not strictly necessary to deliver the service the user requested. Everything we store is either:
- Essential — without it the app simply doesn't work (you can't stay logged in, the app can't serve you offline), or
- Functional and user-opted — you actively turn it on (dark mode, push notifications).
We still show you a one-time notice so you know what's happening on your device — see the banner at the bottom of the screen the first time you visit.
Clearing what we've stored
You can clear all our local storage at any time:
- In the app: Settings → Log out (clears the auth token).
- In your browser: open the site settings (the padlock icon next to the URL → “Site settings” / “Permissions”) and clear data for sardinespotter.com.
- On your phone: if you've added the app to your home screen, uninstalling it removes all stored data.
Contact
Questions about what we store? Contact our Information Officer.