1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how Bwangubwangu / Livingi Labs ("we", "us", "our"), operating the Sync School Management System ("Sync"), uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website at sync-christian.bwangubwangu.net or use our platform.
This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, phone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to:
- Make websites function correctly and securely
- Remember your preferences and login sessions
- Understand how visitors use the website (analytics)
- Provide relevant content and improve user experience
Cookies may be "session cookies" (deleted when you close your browser) or "persistent cookies" (remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted).
In addition to cookies, we may also use similar technologies such as local storage, session storage, and web beacons.
3. Legal Framework
Our use of cookies complies with the following legal frameworks:
🇿🇲 Zambian Law
- Data Protection Act No. 3 of 2021 — Requires consent for non-essential data collection and processing, including through cookies
- Electronic Communications and Transactions Act No. 21 of 2009 — Governs electronic communications and consent for data collection via electronic means
🌍 African & International Standards
- African Union Malabo Convention (2014) — Establishes principles for electronic transactions and personal data protection
- SADC Model Law on Data Protection — Recommends informed consent for all tracking technologies
- Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019 — Requires explicit consent for cookies (applicable where we serve Kenyan users)
- South Africa POPIA, 2013 — Requires justification for all processing of personal information via cookies
- Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, 2019 (NDPR) — Mandates cookie consent and transparency
- EU ePrivacy Directive & GDPR — Where our website is accessed from the EU/EEA, we comply with cookie consent requirements
4. Types of Cookies We Use
We categorise our cookies into the following groups:
| Category | Purpose | Consent Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Required for the Platform to function (login, security, routing) | No (strictly necessary) |
| Functional | Remember your preferences (language, theme, role settings) | Yes |
| Analytics | Understand usage patterns and improve the Service | Yes |
| Third-Party | Set by external services we integrate with | Yes |
5. Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)
These cookies are critical to the operation of Sync and cannot be disabled without breaking core functionality.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
sync_session |
Maintains your authenticated login session | Session (browser close) |
sync_csrf |
Protects against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks | Session |
sync_auth_token |
JWT authentication token for API requests | 24 hours |
sync_refresh_token |
Token for seamless session renewal | 30 days |
sync_role |
Stores the current user role for RBAC enforcement | Session |
These cookies are set under the legal basis of contractual necessity and legitimate interest (security), and do not require separate consent under Zambian law or the Malabo Convention.
6. Functional Cookies
These cookies enhance your experience by remembering your preferences. They are not strictly necessary but significantly improve usability.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
sync_theme |
Remembers your dark/light mode preference | 1 year |
sync_lang |
Stores language preference (English, Bemba, Nyanja, etc.) | 1 year |
sync_school_ctx |
Remembers the last selected school/branch for multi-branch users | 30 days |
sync_dash_layout |
Stores custom dashboard layout preferences | 90 days |
7. Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website and platform, enabling us to improve the user experience.
| Provider | Cookie(s) | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-hosted analytics | sync_analytics |
Anonymous page visit tracking, feature usage | 12 months |
| Error monitoring | sync_err_ctx |
Captures error context for debugging | Session |
8. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies are set by third-party services that we integrate with. We require all third-party providers to comply with applicable data protection laws.
| Third Party | Purpose | Privacy Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Google Fonts | Font delivery (no tracking cookies, but IP addresses are logged) | Google Privacy Policy |
We minimise the use of third-party cookies. If we add new third-party integrations that set cookies, we will update this policy and, where required, obtain your consent.
9. Local Storage & Similar Technologies
In addition to cookies, Sync may use the following browser storage mechanisms:
| Technology | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Local Storage | Stores UI preferences, cached data for offline functionality via Service Worker | Until manually cleared |
| Session Storage | Temporary data for the current browser tab (e.g., unsaved form data) | Tab session |
| Service Worker Cache | Caches static assets for faster loading and limited offline access | Until cache is updated or cleared |
These technologies are treated with the same level of care as cookies under this policy and the Zambia Data Protection Act.
10. Cookie Consent
In accordance with the Zambia Data Protection Act, 2021 and the Malabo Convention:
- Essential cookies are set without separate consent, as they are strictly necessary for the Service to function. This is permitted under the legitimate interest and contractual necessity legal bases
- Non-essential cookies (functional, analytics, third-party) require your informed consent before being set
- On your first visit, you will be presented with a cookie consent banner that allows you to accept or decline non-essential cookies by category
- Your consent preferences are stored in a cookie (
sync_cookie_consent) for 12 months - You may withdraw your consent at any time (see Section 11 below)
- Consent is recorded with a timestamp for compliance audit purposes
11. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
11.1 Via Our Platform
You can manage your cookie preferences at any time through the cookie settings accessible from the cookie banner or your account settings.
11.2 Via Browser Settings
You can also control cookies through your web browser. Instructions for popular browsers:
🌐 Desktop Browsers
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy → Cookies
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies
- Edge: Settings → Privacy → Cookies
📱 Mobile Browsers
- Chrome (Android): Settings → Site settings → Cookies
- Safari (iOS): Settings → Safari → Block All Cookies
- Samsung Internet: Settings → Privacy → Cookies
- Opera Mini: Settings → Privacy → Cookies
11.3 Opt-Out of Analytics
To opt out of analytics tracking specifically, you can:
- Decline analytics cookies via the cookie consent banner
- Enable "Do Not Track" (DNT) in your browser — Sync respects DNT signals
- Contact us at privacy@bwangubwangu.net to request manual opt-out
12. Impact of Disabling Cookies
If you choose to disable or block certain cookies, please be aware of the following impacts:
| Cookie Category | Impact If Disabled |
|---|---|
| Essential | The Platform will not function. You cannot log in or use any features. |
| Functional | Preferences (theme, language, branch context) will not be remembered between sessions. |
| Analytics | No impact on Platform functionality. We will have less data to improve the Service. |
| Third-Party | Some external fonts or integrations may not render correctly. |
13. Changes to This Cookie Policy
- We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law
- The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page will be revised
- If we introduce new categories of cookies or materially change how we use existing ones, we will reset your cookie consent preferences and ask for fresh consent
- Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy
14. Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or wish to exercise your rights regarding tracking technologies: