This Cookie Notice describes how journalwave.life ("Journal Wave", "we", "us") uses cookies and similar browser storage technologies. We aim for transparency proportionate to a small static blog: one consent cookie, one localStorage mirror, optional Google Maps embeds, and no advertising trackers.

1. What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. localStorage is a related browser mechanism that stores data locally without automatic expiry unless programmed. Both can remember preferences between visits. Some cookies are set by us (first-party); others by embedded services (third-party). We minimise third-party cookies unless you consent to functional map embeds.

2. How we use cookies and storage

We group technologies into categories below. Only essential and functional categories apply to this site.

2.1 Essential

Essential storage remembers your cookie consent decision so we do not ask on every page view. Without it, the consent banner would reappear constantly, which would be tedious for everyone involved.

  • Name: sg_blog_consent (HTTP cookie)
  • Mirror: cookie_consent_v1 (localStorage JSON)
  • Purpose: stores your choice (accepted, rejected, or customised), whether functional map embeds are allowed, and a timestamp
  • Retention: 180 days from the moment you choose
  • Provider: first-party, journalwave.life

2.2 Functional (optional)

If you accept functional cookies — either via Accept or via Customise with maps enabled — we record your preference for embedded Google Maps. Google may set its own cookies or use similar technologies subject to Google's policies.

Google Maps embeds are visible on every page at neighbourhood scale. Your cookie choice records consent for transparency; maps remain available regardless of your selection.

2.3 Analytics

We do not operate first-party or third-party analytics cookies on journalwave.life. The Customise panel lists analytics as disabled and non-applicable. If this changes in a future revision, we will update this notice and request consent before activation.

3. Consent banner choices

On your first visit — or after consent expires — a banner offers three actions:

  • Accept: enables functional map embeds and stores consent for 180 days.
  • Reject: records functional consent as off; maps remain visible; consent stored for 180 days.
  • Customise: opens a panel where you can toggle functional maps. Analytics remains off. Saving stores your customised choice for 180 days.

Essential consent storage is always written when you select any option, because we must remember that you decided.

4. Manage cookies button

You may reopen preferences at any time using the button below or by clearing site data in your browser and revisiting.

Browser controls also allow deletion of cookies and localStorage. Consult your browser help documentation for instructions. Deleting essential consent will cause the banner to reappear on your next visit.

5. Cookie and storage table summary

  • sg_blog_consent — essential/functional gate — 180 days — first-party
  • cookie_consent_v1 — essential mirror — 180 days — first-party localStorage
  • Google cookies — functional maps only if consented — governed by Google — third-party

6. Relationship to the Privacy Notice

Personal data implications of cookies are described further in our Privacy Notice. Consent records contain preference data, not your name, unless you separately email us. Combined with server logs held by our host, technical identifiers such as IP addresses may exist independently of our cookie choices.

7. Changes

We may update this Cookie Notice when site features change. The effective date above will reflect revisions. Material changes will be explained here in plain language.

8. Contact

Questions about cookies or consent may be sent to [email protected] or Blk 88 Dawson Road #07-13, Singapore 142088. Telephone: +65 6389 4172.

9. Browser-specific guidance

Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Third-party cookies / Site data. Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data. Safari: Settings → Privacy → Manage Website Data. Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions. Mobile browsers provide similar controls under privacy menus. Exact labels vary by version.

10. Expiry and re-consent

After 180 days your stored choice expires. The banner returns on your next visit. This interval balances convenience against the PDPA principle that consent should not be assumed indefinitely. If you preferred rejection, rejection remains the default until you actively accept again.

11. Technical implementation notes

JavaScript writes the sg_blog_consent cookie and cookie_consent_v1 localStorage entry synchronously when you choose an option. Google Maps iframes load on every content page; your consent record reflects your preference for functional third-party embeds.

12. Frequently asked questions

Can I use the site without cookies? Yes — reading does not require consent. Does rejection block the site? No. Maps remain on every page. Who should I contact about consent? Hazel at [email protected].

We prefer a small honest ledger to a sprawling tracking apparatus. Your choice is stored, respected, and forgotten after 180 days — at which point we ask again, politely.