VowChat uses several cookies to provide functionality across different parts of the platform. Understanding these cookies helps you maintain compliance with privacy regulations and inform your customers appropriately.
Chat Widget Cookies
When you embed the VowChat widget on your website, it uses the following cookies:
1. cw_conversation
Purpose: Persists conversation state when a contact navigates or revisits your website.
Details:
- Stores the conversation ID
- Allows customers to continue existing conversations
- Prevents creating duplicate conversations
- Expires when the browser session ends or conversation is resolved
Example Use Case: A customer starts a conversation, navigates to another page, then returns. The cw_conversation cookie ensures they can continue the same conversation.
2. cw_user_{identifier}
Purpose: Caches contact details when a user is identified via the SDK method.
Details:
- Stores user identification information
- Set when you use
window.$vowchat.setUser()method - Helps personalize the chat experience
- Reduces need to re-identify users on each page
Example Use Case: When a logged-in customer visits your website, you identify them using the SDK. This cookie stores their information so they don't need to re-enter details.
Agent Dashboard Cookies
When your team members access the VowChat dashboard, these cookies are used:
1. _vowchat_session
Purpose: Persists user session in the VowChat admin panel.
Details:
- Maintains agent login state
- Stores session authentication
- Expires after logout or session timeout
- Essential for dashboard functionality
Security: This is a secure, HTTP-only cookie that cannot be accessed via JavaScript.
2. cw_d_session_info
Purpose: Stores logged-in user's session information in the Agent Dashboard.
Details:
- Contains non-sensitive session metadata
- Helps maintain dashboard state
- Improves user experience across page refreshes
- Expires with browser session
Cookie Categories
Strictly Necessary Cookies
All VowChat cookies fall under the "Strictly Necessary" category:
- Cannot be disabled: These cookies are essential for the service to function
- No consent required: Under most privacy regulations, strictly necessary cookies don't require explicit consent
- Functional purpose: Each cookie serves a specific technical function
No Tracking or Analytics
VowChat cookies:
- Do not track users across websites
- Do not collect analytics or behavioral data
- Do not share data with third parties
- Are not used for advertising or marketing
Privacy Compliance
GDPR Compliance
For websites serving EU visitors:
- VowChat cookies are strictly necessary for service functionality
- You should still mention cookies in your privacy policy
- Include VowChat cookie information in your cookie notice
- No separate consent banner required for these specific cookies
CCPA Compliance
For California residents:
- VowChat cookies do not sell or share personal information
- Cookies are used solely for service functionality
- Include cookie information in your privacy policy
Cookie Policy Template
Here's example text you can adapt for your privacy policy:
Our website uses VowChat for customer support chat functionality.
VowChat uses the following strictly necessary cookies:
- cw_conversation: Maintains your chat conversation across page visits
- cw_user_[identifier]: Remembers your information when you're logged in
These cookies are essential for the chat functionality to work and
do not track you across websites or collect analytics data.
Managing Cookies
For Website Visitors
Visitors can manage cookies through their browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions
Note: Blocking VowChat cookies will prevent the chat widget from functioning properly.
For Developers
If you need to clear VowChat cookies programmatically:
// Clear conversation cookie
document.cookie = 'cw_conversation=; expires=Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 UTC; path=/;';
// Reset widget
window.$vowchat.reset();
Cookie Lifespan
| Cookie | Lifespan | Storage Type |
|---|---|---|
| cw_conversation | Session or until conversation resolved | Browser cookie |
| cw_user_{identifier} | Persistent (until cleared) | Browser cookie |
| _vowchat_session | Session or until logout | Secure HTTP-only |
| cw_d_session_info | Session | Browser cookie |
Data Stored in Cookies
What IS Stored
- Conversation identifiers
- User identifiers (if set via SDK)
- Session tokens
- Basic session metadata
What is NOT Stored
- Personal conversations or messages
- Sensitive personal information
- Payment or financial data
- Tracking or analytics data
- Cross-site identifiers
Third-Party Cookies
VowChat does not set third-party cookies. All cookies are first-party cookies set by:
- Your website domain (for widget cookies)
- VowChat domain (for dashboard cookies)
Questions and Transparency
For more information about VowChat's data practices:
- Privacy Policy: vowchat.ai/privacy
- Data Processing Agreement: Available to enterprise customers
- Support: Contact support@vowchat.ai with privacy questions
Updates to Cookie Usage
VowChat may update cookie usage to:
- Improve functionality
- Enhance security
- Comply with regulations
Significant changes will be communicated via:
- Product updates in the dashboard
- Email notifications to account administrators
- Updates to the privacy policy
Summary
VowChat uses minimal, strictly necessary cookies to:
✅ Maintain conversation continuity ✅ Remember identified users ✅ Keep agents logged in ✅ Provide essential functionality
❌ Not used for tracking ❌ Not used for analytics ❌ Not shared with third parties ❌ Not used for advertising