Cookies, Tracking Technologies, Consent and Privacy Preferences
Last Updated: November 7, 2026
Website: https://helpme-online.com
Website Operator: HelpMe Inc.
Registered in: Québec, Canada
Contact Email: assistance@helpme-online.com
1. Introduction
Welcome to HelpMe Online (“HelpMe”, “the Platform”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), a digital platform owned and operated by HelpMe Inc., a company registered in Québec, Canada.
We respect the privacy of individuals who visit or use our Platform and are committed to providing clear information about cookies and similar tracking technologies.
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, why they may be used, how they operate, how consent is managed, and how Users can control their preferences.
It applies to visitors, registered members, customers, service providers, and other individuals accessing https://helpme-online.com.
This Policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy, Legal Notice, and Terms and Conditions.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that websites may place on a User’s device when the User accesses a website.
They can help websites remember information about a visit, maintain authentication sessions, save preferences, support security, and provide other functionality.
Cookies may be temporary or remain on a device for a specified period.
Session Cookies: Generally expire when the browsing session ends.
Persistent Cookies: Remain on the device until their configured expiration date or until deleted.
First-Party Cookies: Are set by the website the User is visiting.
Third-Party Cookies: Are set by another domain or service integrated into the website.
Not all tracking technologies operate through traditional cookies. Similar technologies may include local storage, session storage, pixels, tags, software development kits, and other device or browser identifiers.
The legal rules governing these technologies depend on their purposes, operation, and the applicable jurisdiction.
3. Why We Use Cookies
HelpMe Online may use cookies and similar technologies to support the operation of the Platform.
Their purposes may include:
- Maintaining secure login sessions.
- Authenticating registered members.
- Protecting accounts against unauthorized access.
- Supporting community and social networking features.
- Remembering language and interface preferences.
- Maintaining shopping carts and checkout sessions.
- Supporting payment and transaction security.
- Measuring website performance.
- Diagnosing technical errors.
- Improving navigation and usability.
- Supporting optional analytics and personalization.
- Providing advertising functionality, if implemented and lawfully authorized.
HelpMe Inc. will distinguish technologies that are strictly necessary to provide a requested service from those that require consent or another applicable legal authorization.
4. Categories of Cookies
4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly necessary cookies support essential website functions, such as authentication, security, session management, and the delivery of services expressly requested by Users.
Depending on the Platform’s configuration, these cookies may be used to:
- Maintain a logged-in session.
- Protect account access.
- Support secure forms.
- Maintain essential transaction functionality.
- Remember privacy consent choices.
- Prevent certain security threats.
These technologies may be used without prior consent where an applicable legal exemption permits it.
However, they remain subject to applicable transparency, security, and data protection obligations.
Disabling strictly necessary cookies may prevent certain parts of the Platform from functioning correctly.
4.2 Functional and Preference Cookies
Functional cookies may remember settings selected by Users, including:
- Preferred language.
- Interface preferences.
- Accessibility settings.
- Certain account display options.
- Optional personalization settings.
Where these technologies are not strictly necessary or otherwise exempt, HelpMe Inc. will obtain the consent required by applicable law.
4.3 Analytics and Performance Cookies
Analytics technologies may be used to understand how visitors interact with the Platform.
Depending on the services actually enabled, analytics may collect information concerning page visits, navigation patterns, session duration, errors, or feature usage.
Analytics information may help improve performance, identify technical issues, and evaluate the effectiveness of Platform features.
Where required by law, non-essential analytics will remain disabled until valid consent has been obtained.
The use of an analytics provider does not automatically make its cookies strictly necessary.
4.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies
Where advertising or marketing technologies are implemented, cookies or similar identifiers may be used to measure advertising effectiveness, limit repeated advertisements, or support personalized advertising.
Such technologies may involve third-party providers and cross-site tracking.
HelpMe Inc. will not activate non-essential advertising or cross-site tracking technologies before obtaining the consent required by applicable law.
Users will be provided with appropriate information and available controls.
If HelpMe Online does not use advertising cookies, this category will be identified as inactive in the published cookie inventory.
4.5 Social Media and Embedded Content
The Platform may include social media links, embedded content, external videos, or other third-party integrations.
Depending on the integration, these services may use cookies or other identifiers.
Where legally required, non-essential third-party technologies will not be loaded until the User has provided the appropriate consent.
Users should also review the privacy and cookie policies of the relevant third-party providers.
5. Cookies Associated with WordPress
HelpMe Online operates in a WordPress environment.
WordPress may use cookies to support authentication, administration, and certain user preferences.
Examples of cookies that may be present include:
wordpress_logged_in_* — May identify an authenticated WordPress session.
wordpress_sec_* — May support secure authentication.
wordpress_test_cookie — May be used to determine whether the browser accepts cookies.
wp-settings-* and wp-settings-time-* — May remember certain WordPress user interface preferences.
The presence, exact name, purpose, and retention period of each cookie depend on the installed WordPress version and configuration.
These examples do not constitute a verified inventory of all cookies used by HelpMe Online.
6. Cookies Associated with BuddyBoss
HelpMe Online uses BuddyBoss functionality to support its community environment.
Depending on the enabled features, BuddyBoss and associated components may use cookies or browser storage to support:
- Member authentication and sessions.
- Community navigation.
- User preferences.
- Activity and interaction functionality.
- Group participation.
- Notifications and interface behavior.
- Other community features.
The exact technologies used must be identified through a technical cookie and storage audit.
HelpMe Inc. will classify these technologies according to their actual purpose rather than treating all community-related cookies as automatically essential.
7. Messaging and Communication Technologies
Where messaging functionality is enabled, the Platform may use session information or other technical identifiers to support message delivery, authentication, and communication features.
These technologies may be associated with the messaging components or external communication providers used by HelpMe Online.
Their operation, purposes, retention periods, and applicable consent requirements will be evaluated according to the actual implementation.
Message contents and related personal information are addressed separately in the Privacy Policy.
8. E-Commerce and Payment Cookies
Where the Platform offers paid services, purchases, subscriptions, or other transactions, cookies may be used to maintain checkout sessions and support payment security.
These may include technologies used to:
- Maintain a shopping cart.
- Remember checkout progress.
- Prevent duplicate transactions.
- Detect suspicious payment activity.
- Support payment authentication.
- Maintain secure transaction sessions.
Third-party payment providers may process additional technical information under their own applicable policies.
HelpMe Inc. will disclose relevant providers and processing activities where required.
Payment-related cookies will be classified according to their actual purposes and applicable legal exemptions.
9. Cookie Inventory
HelpMe Inc. intends to maintain an accurate inventory of cookies and similar technologies used on the Website.
The inventory should identify the relevant technology, provider, purpose, category, and retention period.
The following table is illustrative and must be verified before publication.
| Cookie or Technology | Purpose | Category |
|---|---|---|
| WordPress authentication cookies | Maintain authenticated sessions | Necessary |
| WordPress preference cookies | Store applicable interface preferences | Necessary or Functional |
| BuddyBoss session technologies | Support community functionality | Purpose-dependent |
| Messaging-related identifiers | Support messaging features | Purpose-dependent |
| Checkout session cookies | Support purchases and transactions | Necessary where applicable |
| Analytics cookies | Measure usage and performance | Analytics |
| Advertising identifiers | Support advertising, if enabled | Marketing |
| Consent preference storage | Remember privacy choices | Necessary |
Verified Cookie Inventory: [Insert the complete list following a technical audit.]
Cookie Expiration Periods: [Insert actual session durations or expiration periods.]
Third-Party Providers: [Insert verified providers and their privacy policy links.]
HelpMe Inc. will review this inventory when material changes are made to the Website or its integrations.
10. Cookie Consent
Where required by applicable law, HelpMe Online will request valid consent before placing or accessing non-essential cookies or similar tracking technologies.
Consent will be obtained through a clear and accessible mechanism.
Where consent is required, the mechanism will be designed so that:
- Consent is freely given.
- Information is presented clearly.
- Choices are specific and informed.
- Users can reject non-essential technologies.
- Users can select relevant categories where appropriate.
- Consent is expressed through an affirmative action.
- Consent is not inferred solely from continued browsing.
- Users can withdraw consent without unnecessary difficulty.
Strictly necessary technologies may remain active where permitted by law.
Non-essential cookies will not be activated merely because a User has not yet made a selection.
11. Cookie Consent Banner
Where a consent banner is required, HelpMe Online will provide appropriate information and choices.
The banner may include the following controls:
Accept All: Authorize the optional cookie categories presented.
Reject Non-Essential: Decline optional cookies while allowing strictly necessary technologies.
Customize Preferences: Review and select optional categories individually.
The banner will link to this Cookie Policy and the Privacy Policy.
The design will avoid misleading language or interface practices that improperly influence privacy choices.
Where required, rejecting optional cookies will be as accessible as accepting them.
12. Managing Cookie Preferences
Users may change their cookie preferences through the Website’s consent management interface, where available.
Cookie Settings: [Insert the functional link or button that opens the cookie preference manager.]
Users may be able to:
- Review cookie categories.
- Enable or disable optional categories.
- Withdraw previously granted consent.
- Review third-party providers.
- Access additional information about tracking technologies.
Changes will be applied in accordance with the technical capabilities of the relevant technologies and applicable law.
Withdrawal of consent will prevent further processing based solely on that consent, subject to any other valid legal basis.
Previously collected information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Policy and applicable legal requirements.
13. Browser Cookie Controls
Most browsers provide settings that allow Users to manage cookies.
Depending on the browser, Users may be able to:
- View stored cookies.
- Delete individual cookies.
- Clear browsing data.
- Block third-party cookies.
- Restrict certain tracking technologies.
- Configure privacy preferences.
Users may consult their browser’s official documentation for instructions.
Disabling essential cookies may affect authentication, account access, and other Platform functionality.
Browser settings are an additional privacy control and do not replace any consent management obligations imposed on HelpMe Inc.
14. Global Privacy Control and Browser Signals
Certain browsers and privacy tools may communicate privacy preferences through technical signals, including Global Privacy Control (GPC).
Where applicable law requires recognition of such signals, HelpMe Inc. will process them in accordance with the relevant legal requirements.
The effect of a signal may depend on the User’s jurisdiction, the nature of the processing, and the legal obligations applicable to HelpMe Inc.
Implementation Status: [Confirm whether GPC and other legally required opt-out signals are recognized by the Platform.]
Where required, recognized opt-out signals will be applied to the relevant sale, sharing, or targeted advertising activities.
15. Cookie Retention Periods
Cookies and similar technologies may have different retention periods depending on their purpose.
Session cookies generally expire at the end of the relevant session.
Persistent cookies remain until their configured expiration or deletion.
HelpMe Inc. will apply retention periods that are proportionate to the relevant purposes and compliant with applicable law.
Where applicable, consent choices may be retained for a period necessary to respect the User’s preferences and demonstrate compliance.
Actual Cookie Retention Periods: [Insert verified periods from the cookie inventory.]
Consent Record Retention: [Insert the verified retention period or applicable criteria.]
The Platform will not use an arbitrary universal expiration period where different technologies require different treatment.
16. International Privacy and Cookie Regulations
HelpMe Online may be accessed by individuals in different countries and regions.
The legal requirements applicable to cookies and similar technologies depend on the User’s location, the Platform’s activities, and the territorial scope of relevant legislation.
16.1 Québec and Canada
HelpMe Inc. is registered in Québec and must comply with applicable Québec and Canadian privacy legislation.
Québec’s Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector, as amended by Law 25, establishes requirements concerning the collection and use of personal information, transparency, consent, and certain technologies used to identify, locate, or profile individuals.
Where applicable, HelpMe Inc. will provide the required notices and obtain the appropriate consent before activating technologies subject to those requirements.
Canadian federal privacy and electronic communications requirements may also apply depending on the processing activity.
16.2 European Union and European Economic Area
Where applicable, HelpMe Inc. will comply with the GDPR and the relevant national laws implementing the ePrivacy framework.
Under the applicable rules, storing information on or accessing information from a User’s device generally requires prior consent unless a valid legal exemption applies.
Consent must satisfy the applicable requirements concerning freedom of choice, specificity, information, and affirmative action.
Users must be able to withdraw consent in accordance with applicable law.
16.3 United Kingdom
Where applicable, HelpMe Inc. will comply with the UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).
Non-essential cookies and similar technologies will be subject to the applicable consent requirements.
Users will receive appropriate information and controls.
16.4 United States
Depending on the applicable state laws and statutory thresholds, Users may have rights relating to the sale or sharing of personal information, targeted advertising, profiling, and tracking technologies.
Where legally required, HelpMe Inc. will provide the relevant notices, opt-out mechanisms, and recognition of applicable preference signals.
16.5 Latin America and the Caribbean
Where applicable, HelpMe Inc. will comply with relevant national data protection and electronic communications laws, including requirements concerning transparency, consent, tracking, and the exercise of privacy rights.
16.6 Africa
Where applicable, HelpMe Inc. will comply with relevant national privacy and data protection requirements, including those governing electronic identifiers, online tracking, consent, and personal information processing.
16.7 Asia and the Pacific
Where applicable, HelpMe Inc. will observe relevant national requirements concerning tracking technologies, online identifiers, personal information processing, consent, and cross-border disclosures.
International access to the Platform does not mean that the same legal requirements apply identically in every country.
HelpMe Inc. will evaluate applicable obligations according to its actual activities and the markets in which it operates.
17. International Transfers and Third-Party Processing
Certain cookies and tracking technologies may involve third-party providers operating in countries different from the User’s country of residence.
Where personal information is transferred internationally, HelpMe Inc. will apply the relevant legal requirements and appropriate safeguards.
These may include contractual protections, privacy impact assessments, recognized transfer mechanisms, or other legally required measures.
Further information about international transfers is provided in the Privacy Policy.
18. Children’s Privacy and Tracking
HelpMe Online recognizes that children’s personal information may require heightened protection.
Where the Platform is accessible to minors, applicable age restrictions, parental authorization requirements, and privacy protections will be implemented.
HelpMe Inc. will not knowingly deploy tracking technologies involving children’s personal information in violation of applicable law.
Where legally required, advertising or profiling technologies will be restricted or disabled for affected minors.
The Platform’s minimum age and eligibility rules are addressed in the applicable Terms and Conditions.
19. Security of Cookie-Related Information
HelpMe Inc. will implement appropriate security measures for information collected or processed through cookies and similar technologies.
These may include secure session handling, appropriate cookie attributes, access restrictions, and protections against unauthorized access.
Where technically appropriate, authentication cookies will use security attributes such as Secure, HttpOnly, and appropriate SameSite settings.
Cookie-related personal information will be processed in accordance with the Privacy Policy and applicable security obligations.
20. Updates to This Cookie Policy
HelpMe Inc. may update this Cookie Policy when the Platform’s technologies, service providers, purposes of processing, or legal obligations change.
The latest version will be published on the Website with an updated revision date.
Where a material change requires renewed consent, HelpMe Inc. will obtain that consent before initiating the relevant processing.
Users are encouraged to review this Policy periodically.
21. Contact and Privacy Requests
For questions about cookies, consent, tracking technologies, or privacy preferences, please contact:
HelpMe Inc.
HelpMe Online
Québec, Canada
Email: assistance@helpme-online.com
Website: https://helpme-online.com
Privacy Officer: [Insert designated privacy officer’s title and contact details]
Suggested Email Subject: Cookie Preferences / Privacy Inquiry
Requests will be reviewed and handled in accordance with applicable privacy legislation.
© 2026 HelpMe Inc. All rights reserved.
This Cookie Policy forms part of HelpMe Online’s privacy and legal documentation and should be read together with the Privacy Policy, Legal Notice, and applicable Terms and Conditions.