Cookie Policy
Last Updated: 19 August 2025
The Soft Engine (“we,” “our,” or “us”) uses cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience, analyze traffic, and personalize content. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and the choices you have regarding their use.
By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of cookies as described in this policy. If you do not agree, you should adjust your browser settings or stop using our site.
Table of Contents
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, such as login details, preferences, or browsing behavior.
Cookies can be:
- Session cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted once you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies: Stored on your device for a set period and used when you return.
- First-party cookies: Set by the website you’re visiting (The Soft Engine).
- Third-party cookies: Set by other domains, such as analytics or advertising providers.
2. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies for the following purposes:
- Essential Cookies – Required for site functionality, such as remembering your login details or ensuring security features work properly. Without them, the site may not function correctly.
- Performance & Analytics Cookies – These help us understand how visitors interact with our site by collecting data on traffic, popular pages, and user behavior. For example, we may use Google Analytics.
- Functional Cookies – These remember your preferences (like language or region) to provide a more personalized experience.
- Advertising & Marketing Cookies – These track browsing habits to deliver relevant ads and measure the effectiveness of campaigns. For example, if we use Google Ads or social media pixels.
- Social Media Cookies – These enable sharing of content on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, and may collect data on your interactions.
3. Cookies We Use
Examples of cookies that may be active on The Soft Engine include:
- Google Analytics (Analytics) – Tracks site usage and helps us improve performance.
- Meta Pixel (Advertising/Remarketing) – Allows targeted ads on Facebook and Instagram.
- Functional Cookies – Save your preferences, such as dark mode or article categories.
- Session Cookies – Keep you logged in securely during a session.
(The specific cookies may change depending on updates to our site and tools. We will update this policy if we add or remove significant cookies.)
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies are placed by third-party services we use, such as analytics providers, advertising partners, or embedded content (like YouTube videos). These third parties may collect information about your browsing across multiple websites.
We do not control third-party cookies. Please refer to their policies for more details:
5. Your Choices: Managing Cookies
You have several options for managing cookies:
- Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. Check your browser’s “Help” or “Settings” section for instructions.
- Opt-Out Tools: You can opt out of targeted advertising through services like:
- Consent Tools: If our site uses a cookie banner or pop-up, you can adjust your preferences directly there.
Please note: blocking cookies may impact your ability to use certain features of our site.
6. International Users
The Soft Engine is based in South Africa, but we welcome visitors worldwide. If you access our website from outside South Africa, note that cookie regulations vary by country:
- GDPR (European Union): We rely on user consent for non-essential cookies.
- CCPA (California, USA): California residents have the right to opt out of the sale of personal information, which may include cookie data.
- POPIA (South Africa): We comply with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act when processing personal data.
By using our site internationally, you acknowledge these differences and accept responsibility for compliance in your jurisdiction.
7. Updates to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, law, or our practices. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date.
8. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, you can contact us at:
The Soft Engine
Email: connect@thesoftengine.com
For more information, visit our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy pages.
