Cookie Policy
Last Updated: January 2024. This policy explains how Fairroot uses cookies and similar technologies to provide, improve, and protect our student debt management resources in Ottawa.
1. Introduction & Jurisdiction
Fairroot ("we", "us", or "our") operates from Ottawa, Ontario, and is committed to protecting the privacy of students using our financial literacy and debt management tools. This Cookie Policy is designed to comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) of Canada and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) where applicable in Ontario.
As we serve students who may be international residents, we also align our practices with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) to ensure a global standard of data sovereignty.
3. Cookie Categories We Use
| Category | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary | Required for technical operation, security, and accessing secure areas of the site (e.g., student debt calculators). | Session |
| Analytical / Performance | Helps us understand how visitors from Ottawa and across Canada interact with our "Federal and Provincial Loans" pages. | 2 years |
| Functional | Remembering your language preferences and local Ottawa resource selections. | 1 year |
| Marketing | Tracking your interest in specific repayment plans to provide relevant educational content via third-party platforms. | Variable |
4. Legal Basis for Processing
Under Canadian law (PIPEDA) and international standards (GDPR Article 6), Fairroot processes cookies based on the following grounds:
- Consent: For non-essential cookies (Marketing, Analytics), we obtain your explicit consent via our cookie banner upon your first visit.
- Legitimate Interest: For strictly necessary cookies that ensure the security and functionality of the student debt management platform.
5. Managing Your Preferences
You have the right to choose whether or not to accept cookies. However, please note that blocking essential cookies may prevent you from using certain parts of our debt management tools.
Browser Controls
Most browsers allow you to manage cookies through their settings. You can find instructions for popular browsers below:
- Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies
- Apple Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Block all cookies
- Mozilla Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies
- Microsoft Edge: Settings > Site permissions > Cookies
Contact Fairroot
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or how we handle student data in Ottawa, please contact our Data Protection Officer: