Cookie Policy

Storyon Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy explains how Syntelium B.V., located in Antwerp, Belgium (“Storyon”, “we”, “us”), uses cookies and similar technologies on storyon.net and related services (“the Platform”). This policy complies with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the ePrivacy Directive, and Belgian law, including the Act of 13 June 2005 on Electronic Communications.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They enable site functionality, remember preferences, improve performance, and personalize your experience.

Similar technologies we use include:

• local storage and session storage
• tracking pixels and web beacons
• server logs
• SDK-based identifiers (for mobile apps, if applicable)

All these technologies are collectively referred to as “cookies” in this policy.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

Storyon uses four categories of cookies. Some require your consent.

2.1. Strictly Necessary Cookies (No Consent Required)

These cookies are required for the Platform to function correctly.

They include:

• login/authentication cookies
• security and fraud prevention cookies
• load-balancing and server distribution cookies
• cookies required to save your cookie consent choices

You cannot disable these cookies through our cookie settings.

2.2. Preferences (Functional) Cookies (Consent Required)

These cookies store user preferences, such as:

• language
• display settings
• content filters
• reading mode and UI customizations

2.3. Performance & Analytics Cookies (Consent Required)

These cookies help us understand how Storyon is used and allow us to improve stability and performance.

They may include cookies from:

• Matomo (self-hosted analytics)
• Google Analytics 4 (with IP anonymization and no advertising features)

We never activate analytics cookies without your explicit opt-in consent.

2.4. Advertising & Marketing Cookies (Consent Required)

Used only if Storyon implements advertising features. These cookies:

• track activity across websites
• enable ad personalization
• measure ad performance

Storyon does not currently use third-party advertising cookies. If this changes, users will be notified and new consent will be requested.

3. Legal Basis for Using Cookies

Under GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive:

• Strictly necessary cookies rely on legitimate interest (Art. 6(1)(f)).
• All other cookies require prior opt-in consent (Art. 6(1)(a)).

You may withdraw consent at any time.

4. How We Obtain Your Consent

When you first visit Storyon, we display a cookie banner that allows you to:

• accept all cookies,
• reject all non-essential cookies,
• customize preferences category-by-category.

Consent is granular, recorded for compliance, and valid for 6 months unless withdrawn earlier.

5. Cookies Placed by Third Parties

Third parties may place cookies when you interact with embedded services.

Examples include:

• payment processors
• analytics providers
• social media embeds
• cloud hosting infrastructure

Storyon does not permit third-party advertising cookie placement without explicit consent.

6. Cookie Retention Periods

Cookies may be session-based or persistent.

7. Managing or Deleting Cookies

You may change or withdraw consent at any time using:

• the “Cookie Settings” link in the Storyon footer,
• your browser’s cookie management tools.

Disabling some cookies may affect your experience.

8. Does Storyon Use Cookies to Process Personal Data?

Some cookies may process personal data such as:

• IP addresses (possibly anonymized)
• browser and device identifiers
• session identifiers

All processing is governed by GDPR, our Privacy Policy, and additional safeguards. We do not sell personal data.

9. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this policy due to technological changes, legal updates, or feature modifications. Substantial changes will be announced on the Platform, and new consent will be requested when necessary.

10. Contact Us

For questions or requests related to cookies or personal data, contact:

Syntelium B.V.
Attn: StoryOn Data Protection Officer (DPO)
Antwerp, Belgium
Email: [email protected]

You may also file a complaint with the Belgian Data Protection Authority (GBA/APD).

Effective: November 25, 2025