1. Who We Are

Cott Systems operates this website (https://cottsystems.com), providing software solutions and resources for our clients. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you interact with our website.

2. Information We Collect

  • Comments: When visitors leave comments, we collect the data entered in the comment form, the visitor’s IP address, and browser user agent string to assist with spam detection. An anonymized string (hash) of your email address may be shared with the Gravatar service to determine if you have a registered profile. The Gravatar service’s Privacy Policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. Approved comments and profile pictures (if linked via Gravatar) are publicly visible in the comment context.
  • Media Uploads: We advise against uploading images with embedded location data (e.g., EXIF GPS). Visitors can download and extract this data if it is present, so please ensure sensitive data is removed before uploading.
  • Cookies:
    • If you leave a comment, you may opt to save your name, email address, and website in cookies for your convenience. These cookies last for one year.
    • A temporary cookie is set on our login page to check if your browser accepts cookies, and it’s removed once you close your browser.
    • When logging in, cookies save your login information and display preferences. Login cookies last two days, while display preferences last one year. Selecting “Remember Me” extends login retention to two weeks.
    • An additional cookie is saved when you publish or edit content, which expires in one day and contains no personal data.
  • Embedded Content: Our website may include embedded content (e.g., videos, images, articles) from other websites. This content behaves as if you visited the external site, which may collect data, use cookies, and track your interactions if you are logged in to those sites.

3. How We Use Your Data

Your data is used to enhance site functionality, ensure security, and improve the user experience. Specifically:

  • Comments and Interactions: To manage and display comments, and prevent spam.
  • User Preferences: To remember your preferences, especially if you are a returning user.

4. Who We Share Your Data With

Your data is not shared with third parties except:

  • Password Reset Requests: Your IP address will be included in password reset emails.
  • Spam Detection: Visitor comments may be reviewed by an automated spam detection service.

5. Data Retention

  • Comments: Comments and their metadata are stored indefinitely to recognize and approve any follow-up comments automatically.
  • Registered Users: For registered users, personal data is stored within their profile. Users may view, edit, or delete their information (except for usernames). Administrators can also view and modify user data.

6. Your Rights Over Your Data

If you have an account or have left comments, you can request an export of your personal data, including any data provided to us. Additionally, you may request the deletion of your personal data, barring information we are legally required to retain for administrative or security purposes.

7. Where Your Data is Sent

Visitor comments may be checked through automated spam detection services.

8. Updates to Our Privacy Policy

Cott Systems reserves the right to amend this Privacy Policy. We will notify users of any significant changes via our website.

Contact Us

For questions or concerns regarding your privacy and data handling, please contact us at: information@cottsystems.com or via our contact form on the website.