Last Updated: 27 February 2026 1. INTRODUCTION This Cookie Policy explains how Squids (“Squids”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you access or use: https://squids.co.za associated applications, mobile services, messaging features, artificial intelligence services, and related digital platforms (collectively, the “Platform”). This Cookie Policy must be read together with our: Terms of Service; and Privacy Policy. By continuing to use the Platform, you consent to the use of cookies as described herein, subject to your browser and consent preferences. 2. LEGAL FRAMEWORK (SOUTH AFRICA) This Cookie Policy is designed to comply with applicable South African legislation, including: Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (ECTA) Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (where applicable) Under POPIA, certain cookies may constitute processing of personal information where they identify or can reasonably identify a user. 3. WHAT ARE COOKIES? Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They allow websites to: recognise your device, remember preferences, maintain login sessions, improve performance, analyse usage, enable advertising, secure services. Cookies do not normally access files on your device, but may collect identifiers such as IP address, browser type, or device information. 4. TYPES OF TECHNOLOGIES WE USE Squids may use: 4.1 Cookies Small stored identifiers saved in your browser. 4.2 Local Storage Browser-based storage used to maintain session data. 4.3 Pixels and Tracking Tags Invisible images used to measure engagement and platform performance. 4.4 SDKs (Software Development Kits) Used within mobile applications for analytics and functionality. 5. TYPES OF COOKIES USED BY SQUIDS 5.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies These cookies are essential for platform operation and cannot be disabled without affecting functionality. Used for: account login authentication, session management, fraud prevention, security verification, load balancing. Legal basis: Legitimate interest and service necessity (POPIA). 5.2 Functional Cookies These cookies remember: language preferences, UI settings, accessibility options, saved preferences. Purpose: improve user experience. 5.3 Analytics Cookies Used to understand how users interact with Squids, including: pages visited, time spent, feature usage, error tracking. Analytics help improve stability and usability. Data is aggregated where reasonably possible. 5.4 Advertising and Affiliate Cookies Squids may use cookies to: display relevant advertisements, measure campaign performance, prevent advertising fraud, attribute affiliate referrals. These cookies may be placed by Squids or trusted advertising partners. Users acknowledge that advertisers and affiliates are independently responsible for their own data practices. 5.5 Artificial Intelligence Service Cookies Squids integrates AI features powered partly through Google AI Studio / Gemini technologies. When interacting with AI features: session identifiers may be used, prompts may generate temporary identifiers, interaction performance may be analysed. Relevant third-party policies include: Google Terms of Service: https://policies.google.com/terms Google Generative AI Terms: https://ai.google.dev/terms These providers may use cookies or similar technologies strictly for service delivery, safety monitoring, and system improvement. 6. THIRD-PARTY COOKIES Third parties may place cookies when you use Squids, including: analytics providers, cloud hosting services, AI providers, advertising networks, embedded media providers. Squids does not control third-party cookies once placed. Users should review third-party privacy policies directly. 7. INFORMATION COLLECTED VIA COOKIES Cookies may collect: IP address; browser type; operating system; device identifiers; interaction data; approximate location data; login session information. Where such data identifies a user, it is treated as personal information under POPIA. 8. PURPOSES OF COOKIE USE We use cookies to: Operate and secure the Platform; Authenticate users; Prevent fraud and abuse; Improve performance; Personalise experiences; Support AI functionality; Measure engagement; Support advertising and affiliates; Comply with legal obligations. 9. USER CONSENT Where legally required, Squids will request cookie consent through a banner or consent tool. You may: Accept all cookies, Reject non-essential cookies, Modify preferences at any time. Continued browsing after notice may constitute consent where permitted by law. 10. MANAGING COOKIES You may control cookies through your browser settings. Common browser resources: Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org Safari: https://support.apple.com Edge: https://support.microsoft.com Disabling cookies may result in: login failures, reduced functionality, AI features not working correctly. 11. DATA RETENTION Cookie lifespans vary: Session cookies: deleted when browser closes. Persistent cookies: stored for defined durations depending on purpose. We retain data only as long as necessary for operational or legal purposes. 12. SECURITY MEASURES Squids implements reasonable technical and organisational safeguards to prevent: unauthorised access, misuse, alteration, unlawful disclosure. No internet system is completely secure. 13. CHILDREN’S DATA Squids does not knowingly use cookies to profile children unlawfully. Parents or guardians may request deletion of associated data where applicable. 14. AFFILIATE AND PARTNER PROTECTION Users acknowledge: affiliates and advertising partners rely on cookies for legitimate business purposes; Squids shall not be liable for independent partner cookie practices; users interact with third-party services at their own discretion. 15. POLICY UPDATES We may update this Cookie Policy periodically. Changes become effective upon publication on: https://squids.co.za Continued use of the Platform indicates acceptance of updates.