Cookie Policy
Last updated: March 2026
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by a website when you visit it. They allow the website to remember your actions and preferences over a period of time. OpenCareerAI also uses browser local storage (a similar mechanism built into modern browsers) for certain preferences and consent records.
This policy explains the cookies and local storage entries we use, why we use them, and how you can manage or disable them.
1. Essential Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary for the Service to function. You cannot use OpenCareerAI without them. They do not require your consent.
| Name / Key | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| access_token | HttpOnly Cookie | JWT authentication token. Identifies your session and authorises API requests. |
| refresh_token | HttpOnly Cookie | Long-lived token used to obtain new access tokens without requiring re-login. |
| __Host-next-auth.* | Session Cookie | Session state managed by Next.js for OAuth flows (Google, LinkedIn sign-in). |
Retention: Access tokens expire after 15 minutes. Refresh tokens expire after 7 days or upon sign-out, whichever comes first.
2. Preference & Functional Cookies
These entries are stored in your browser's local storage (not transmitted to servers as HTTP cookies) to remember your settings and improve your experience.
| Key | Storage | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| theme | Local Storage | Stores your colour theme preference (light / dark / system). |
| opencareerai_cookie_consent | Local Storage | Records whether you have accepted or declined optional cookies, so the banner is not shown repeatedly. |
| onboarding_dismissed | Local Storage | Remembers whether you have completed or dismissed the onboarding flow. |
| sidebar_collapsed | Local Storage | Stores your sidebar expanded / collapsed preference across sessions. |
3. Third-Party Cookies
Certain third-party services integrated into OpenCareerAI may set their own cookies on your device. We do not control these cookies.
Razorpay Checkout
When you initiate a payment, the Razorpay checkout script (loaded fromcheckout.razorpay.com) may set session cookies to manage the payment flow and fraud detection. These cookies are governed by Razorpay's Privacy Policy.
Google OAuth
If you sign in with Google, Google sets cookies to manage the OAuth authentication flow and maintain your Google session state. These are governed by Google's Privacy Policy.
LinkedIn OAuth
If you sign in with LinkedIn, LinkedIn sets cookies to manage the OAuth flow. These are governed by LinkedIn's Privacy Policy.
4. Analytics
OpenCareerAI currently does not use third-party analytics cookies (such as Google Analytics). Usage analytics are derived from server-side logs and are aggregated and anonymised. No personally identifiable information is shared with advertising networks or analytics providers.
5. How to Manage & Disable Cookies
Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can configure your browser to block cookies, delete existing cookies, or alert you when a cookie is set. Please note that blocking essential cookies will prevent you from signing in or using core features of OpenCareerAI.
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies
Local Storage
You can clear local storage entries through your browser's developer tools (Application tab → Local Storage). Clearing local storage will reset your theme preference and cookie consent record, causing the consent banner to reappear on your next visit.
Revoking Consent
To revoke your cookie consent, clear theopencareerai_cookie_consentkey from your browser's local storage. The consent banner will reappear on your next visit, allowing you to make a fresh choice.
6. Our Consent Approach
On your first visit, a cookie consent banner is shown at the bottom of the screen. You have the option to:
- Accept All: Consents to all cookies including essential, preference, and any applicable third-party cookies.
- Essential Only: Consents only to strictly necessary cookies required for the Service to function (authentication, session management).
Your choice is stored in local storage under the keyopencareerai_cookie_consent. The banner will not reappear until you clear this value. We do not load optional analytics or advertising scripts until you have accepted them.
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised "Last updated" date. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance.
8. Contact
For questions about our cookie practices, contact us at privacy@opencareerai.com.