1. Introduction & Scope
This Cookie & Storage Policy explains how Zed ("we", "us") utilizes cookies, HTML5 Web Storage, IndexedDB, and Service Worker caches across our public website and Progressive Web Application (PWA).
Zed does not deploy behavioral advertising retargeting networks, cross-site trackers, or marketing pixels. We utilize client-side storage mechanisms primarily to fulfill our core architectural directive: ensuring civil administrative playbooks, course notes, and requirement checklists remain 100% operational offline when Nigerian citizens are inside government capture basements with zero cellular connectivity.
2. PWA Low-Data Architecture & Offline Storage
The Zed platform is engineered as a mobile-first PWA built lightweight for weak networks. To accommodate patchy 3G and 4G networks (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile), Zed uses aggressive local caching:
Zero Data Waste
Core JSON playbooks are downloaded once and re-validated only when official fees update.
Basement Resiliency
Checklists and photo dimension audits run client-side in physical capture centers with zero signal.
Zero Cloud Tracking
Unsubmitted form drafts remain stored locally on your device rather than on remote servers.
3. Storage Technologies We Deploy
- HTTP Cookies: Encrypted text tokens placed on your device to maintain secure authentication sessions and verify CSRF tokens.
- HTML5 LocalStorage: Key-value browser storage used for persistent client preferences, such as your dark/light theme choice and cookie consent records.
- IndexedDB: A client-side transactional database used by Zed to cache complex step-by-step state machine guides, checklist states, and downloadable PDF summaries for offline access.
- Service Worker Cache: Background scripts that intercept network requests to instantly deliver cached application shells and static icons during internet outages.
4. Categories of Client-Side Storage
We classify our client-side storage technologies into three operational categories:
- Strictly Necessary Storage (Always Active): Essential for session authentication, CSRF protection, Cloudflare Turnstile anti-bot hardware verification, and offline PWA capability. These cannot be disabled.
- Functional & Preference Storage: Remembers your chosen theme mode, collapsed sidebar state, and active module filters.
- Performance & Diagnostic Telemetry (Optional): Measures load times and client error events to troubleshoot weak network performance across Nigerian telecommunications networks.
5. Comprehensive Storage Inventory Table
| Identifier | Type | Lifespan | Category | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| zed_session | HTTP Cookie | Session / 30 Days | Essential | Cryptographically authenticated user session token. |
| cf_clearance | HTTP Cookie | 1 Year | Essential | Cloudflare Turnstile token to verify genuine human activity and block bot mining. |
| zed_cookie_consent_v1 | LocalStorage | Persistent | Essential | Records your cookie choices so the banner does not repeatedly disrupt browsing. |
| zed_nav_cache | IndexedDB | Persistent | Essential | Stores procedural JSON playbooks for offline zero-connectivity navigation. |
| zed_theme | LocalStorage | Persistent | Functional | Maintains your light/dark user interface preference. |
| zed_flow_progress | LocalStorage | Persistent | Functional | Retains active checklist step positions on your device before cloud synchronization. |
6. Interactive Preference Controls & Cookie Settings
You can modify your cookie and local storage preferences at any time. You can choose to enable or disable functional preferences and anonymous telemetry without affecting your access to free civic playbooks.
7. Browser-Level Controls & Cache Management
In addition to our interactive settings, modern web browsers allow you to block cookies or clear local storage caches manually:
- Google Chrome & Edge: Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data > Cookies and Other Site Data.
- Mozilla Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data.
- Apple Safari: Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
Please note that clearing IndexedDB or blocking storage will remove offline playbooks from your device, requiring an internet connection to re-download the guides upon your next visit.
8. Updates to this Policy & Contact Information
We may update this Cookie & Storage Policy as new modules are deployed to the Zed platform. All modifications will be posted here with an updated effective date.