What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that websites store on your device (computer, phone, or tablet) when you visit them. They help websites remember your preferences, keep you logged in, understand how you use the site, and deliver relevant content.
Think of cookies as the website's memory. Without them, you would have to log in every time you visit, your settings would reset, and the site would not know what language you prefer or which polls you have already voted on.
Similar Technologies: In addition to cookies, we use local storage, session storage, and device fingerprinting for security and fraud prevention. These work similarly to cookies but are stored differently on your device.
How We Use Cookies
We use cookies across four categories. Each serves a different purpose, and you can control which categories you accept (except strictly necessary cookies, which are essential for the platform to function).
Strictly Necessary
Essential for login, security, and core platform functions. Cannot be disabled.
Analytics & Performance
Help us understand how users interact with the platform so we can improve it.
Functional & Preferences
Remember your settings, language, accessibility options, and personalised features.
Advertising & Targeting
Used to show you relevant ads and measure ad performance on the platform.
Cookies We Use
Below is a detailed list of the cookies and similar technologies we use on I DEY VOTE, what they do, and how long they last.
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| idv_session | Necessary | Maintains your login session so you stay signed in as you navigate the platform | Session |
| idv_auth_token | Necessary | Secure authentication token used to verify your identity on each request | 7 days |
| idv_csrf | Necessary | Protects against cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks on forms and actions | Session |
| idv_consent | Necessary | Records your cookie consent preferences so we do not ask you again on every visit | 1 year |
| _ga | Analytics | Google Analytics — distinguishes unique users and tracks session activity | 2 years |
| _gid | Analytics | Google Analytics — identifies unique users within a 24-hour window | 24 hours |
| _gat | Analytics | Google Analytics — throttles request rate to prevent data overload | 1 minute |
| idv_prefs | Functional | Stores your accessibility settings (high contrast, font size, reduced motion, simple language) | 1 year |
| idv_lang | Functional | Remembers your selected language preference (English or Pidgin) | 1 year |
| idv_dark_mode | Functional | Remembers whether you prefer dark mode, light mode, or system default | 1 year |
| idv_ads_pref | Advertising | Records your ad personalisation preferences and opt-out status | 1 year |
| idv_campaign | Advertising | Tracks which advertising campaign brought you to the platform (for attribution) | 30 days |
Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on I DEY VOTE are placed by trusted third-party services we use to deliver functionality, analytics, and advertising. Here is who they are and what they do:
Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand how users navigate I DEY VOTE, which features are most popular, and where we can improve. Google Analytics collects anonymised data including your device type, browser, approximate location (city-level), and pages visited. It does not collect your name, email, or other personal identifiers.
- Opt-out: You can install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on to prevent Google Analytics from tracking you across all websites.
- Data sharing: We do not share analytics data with Google for advertising purposes. Your analytics data is used solely for platform improvement.
Google reCAPTCHA
We use reCAPTCHA on login, registration, and sensitive forms to prevent bot attacks and spam. reCAPTCHA may place cookies and analyse your browsing behaviour to determine whether you are human. This is a security measure required to protect the platform.
Payment Providers (Paystack)
When you purchase points or withdraw earnings, Paystack processes the transaction. Paystack may place cookies to prevent fraud and ensure payment security. These cookies are governed by Paystack's own privacy and cookie policies.
Social Media Integrations
If you share content from I DEY VOTE to Facebook, Twitter (X), WhatsApp, or other platforms, those platforms may place cookies on your device. We do not control these cookies. Please review the cookie policies of the respective platforms.
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You are in control of your cookies. Here is how you can manage them:
On I DEY VOTE
- Cookie Banner: When you first visit I DEY VOTE, you will see a cookie consent banner. You can accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customise your preferences by category.
- Settings Panel: At any time, go to Settings → Privacy & Cookies to review or change your cookie preferences. Changes take effect immediately.
- Withdraw Consent: You can withdraw your consent for non-essential cookies at any time without penalty. Strictly necessary cookies will remain active to keep the platform functional.
In Your Browser
- Block all cookies: Most browsers allow you to block all cookies. However, this will prevent you from logging in to I DEY VOTE and may break core functionality.
- Delete existing cookies: You can clear cookies from your browser settings at any time. This will log you out of I DEY VOTE and reset your preferences.
- Private / Incognito mode: Browsing in private mode prevents cookies from being stored permanently. Cookies placed during a private session are deleted when you close the window.
Important: If you disable necessary cookies, you will not be able to log in, vote in polls, report civic cases, or withdraw earnings. These cookies are essential for security and functionality and cannot be opted out of while using the platform.
Legal Basis for Cookies
Our use of cookies is governed by Nigerian and international data protection law:
- Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019: Requires transparent disclosure of data collection practices and user consent for non-essential processing.
- Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023: Strengthens user rights over personal data, including the right to object to processing based on cookies.
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): For users accessing I DEY VOTE from the European Economic Area, we comply with GDPR requirements for cookie consent and data subject rights.
- ePrivacy Directive (EU Cookie Law): Requires explicit consent before placing non-essential cookies on EU users' devices.
We obtain your consent for all non-essential cookies before they are placed. Necessary cookies are placed automatically based on our legitimate interest in platform security and functionality.
Data Retention
Cookie data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected:
- Session cookies: Deleted automatically when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies: Retained for the duration specified in the table above (ranging from 1 minute to 2 years).
- Analytics data: Google Analytics retains aggregated data for 26 months, after which it is automatically deleted.
- Server logs: IP addresses and request logs associated with cookie activity are retained for 90 days for security purposes, then anonymised or deleted.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookies Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, law, or our business practices. When we make material changes, we will:
- Update the "Last Updated" date at the bottom of this page.
- Notify all active users via email and in-app notification at least 14 days before the changes take effect.
- Display a fresh cookie consent banner if the changes affect the categories of cookies you have previously consented to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most cookies do not contain personally identifiable information like your name or email. They contain anonymous identifiers (random strings of letters and numbers) that help the platform recognise your device. However, when combined with your account data on our servers, cookies enable us to personalise your experience.
You can browse some public pages without cookies, but core features — logging in, voting, reporting cases, earning points, and withdrawing earnings — require necessary cookies. Without them, the platform cannot authenticate you or maintain your session securely.
First-party cookies are set by I DEY VOTE directly (e.g., idv_session, idv_prefs). Third-party cookies are set by external services we use (e.g., _ga by Google Analytics, Paystack cookies during checkout). First-party cookies are generally more privacy-friendly because the data stays within our control.
No. I DEY VOTE does not use tracking pixels, ad retargeting, or cross-site tracking cookies. Our advertising cookies (idv_ads_pref, idv_campaign) are used only to manage ads shown to you on the I DEY VOTE platform. We do not sell or share cookie data with external advertisers for cross-site tracking.
In most browsers, go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data, search for "ideyvote.com," and delete cookies for that specific site. This will log you out and reset your preferences without affecting other websites.
The platform will still work fully for all core features. You will miss out on personalised recommendations, analytics help us improve the platform less effectively, and ads shown to you may be less relevant. Your privacy is enhanced, and your experience is otherwise unchanged.
Cookie & Privacy Support
If you have questions about cookies, data collection, or your privacy rights on I DEY VOTE, our privacy team is here to help:
- Email: [email protected] (response within 24 hours)
- Data Protection Officer: [email protected]
- In-App: Settings → Privacy → Contact Privacy Team
- Phone: 0700-IDEY-PRIV (0700-4339-7748) — Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm WAT
Your Rights: Under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, you have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict processing of your personal data. To exercise these rights, email [email protected] with your request and verified User ID.
Last Updated: June 4, 2026 | Version: 1.0 | Effective Date: June 4, 2026
This policy is reviewed quarterly. Users will be notified of material changes at least 14 days in advance via email and in-app notification.