Cookies and similar technologies
Last updated 9 September 2026
- We use cookies and browser storage to run the app and understand how you use it.
- Some are essential, some help us improve, and some support advertising.
- You can control them in your browser settings.
- Signing in with Google shares your email and name, never your password.
1What are cookies?
Cookies are small files stored on your device by websites you visit. Browser storage (like localStorage) works similarly. Both remember information between visits: your preferences, your login, what's in your cart.
We use both cookies and browser storage on HKSchoolPal.
2What do we store?
Essential for the app to work:
hkschoolpal.account: your sign-in information (stored in browser storage, not a cookie)- Session tokens: so you stay signed in
To remember your preferences:
hkschoolpal.sound: whether you want sound on when you save a school (localStorage)- Filter and search history: what stage, district, or filters you last used (localStorage)
Analytics, to understand how the app is used:
- Supabase Analytics: tracks which pages you visit and how long you spend on them, so we can fix broken things and improve the experience
Advertising (if we use it in future):
- Google Ads: may show HKSchoolPal ads on other websites you visit, based on your browsing on our site
3LocalStorage vs cookies: what's the difference?
localStorage is how modern web apps store data without the old cookie baggage. Both live on your device and survive page reloads. We use localStorage for most of our storage because it's cleaner and doesn't send data to the server every time you make a request.
Your saved schools and preferences stay on your device. Your sign-in information does too, unless you sign in, in which case it also syncs to our servers.
4What about Google Sign-in?
When you sign in with Google, we receive:
- Your email address
- Your display name
- Never your password
Google handles your password. We never see it. That's the whole point of signing in with Google: you trust Google with your password, not us.
5Can I control these?
Yes.
In your browser: Settings → Privacy → Cookies and site data. You can clear data for HKSchoolPal, or block cookies entirely (though this might break parts of the app).
Google Analytics and Ads: If we use them, you can opt out at adssettings.google.com.
6Do you track me across other websites?
No. We don't.
If we use Google Ads in future, Google might show you HKSchoolPal ads on other sites based on your activity here. That's Google's tracking, not ours. You can control it via Google Ads Settings (link above).
7Do third parties have access to this data?
Supabase (our database) can see technical information like your IP address and rough location. They're bound by a data processing agreement to only use it to operate the service.
Google can see analytics and ads data for the same reason.
Neither buys or sells this data. It's used only to run the app and show you relevant ads (if enabled).
8What about GDPR and Hong Kong privacy law?
We comply with Hong Kong's Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. See our Privacy Policy for full details about your rights under that law.
If you're in the EU and GDPR applies, we also comply with that.
9Do you use fingerprinting or tracking pixels?
No. We don't use fingerprinting (where invisible code on a site identifies you by your device characteristics). We don't use invisible pixels to track you across sites.
10What if I delete my account?
Your reviews stay published (under your pseudonym), but your personal data is deleted. Your saved schools are removed. Your account is gone.
Contact [email protected] and we'll process it.