Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how we use cookies and similar technologies in connection with community spaces hosted on the Swarm platform at app.swarm.to (the “Platform”). It should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which explains how we handle personal data more generally.​

By using the Platform, you agree that we can use cookies as described in this policy, unless you disable them via your browser or device settings.

2. What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are downloaded to your device when you visit a website or web application. They are widely used to make websites work, to keep them secure, to remember your preferences, and to provide analytics and advertising information.​

We also use similar technologies such as local storage and session storage, which store information in your browser for similar purposes.​

3. Who sets the cookies?

Cookies used on the Platform fall into two types:

• First‑party cookies: set by us or by Swarm in connection with the Platform you are accessing.

• Third‑party cookies: set by other providers such as analytics services or embedded content providers, where used.​

Some cookies are set at the level of the main Swarm marketing site (swarm.to), others only within the logged‑in app (app.swarm.to).​

4. Cookies used on this space

The following cookies are currently used in connection with our space on app.swarm.to.

4.1 Payment and fraud prevention (Stripe)

We use Stripe to process certain payments on the Platform. Stripe sets cookies to help detect and prevent fraud and to recognise your browser between visits.​

• __stripe_mid (app.swarm.to, expiry: about 1 year)
  Purpose: Identifies the browser and helps Stripe distinguish users to detect and prevent fraudulent activity.
  Type: Third‑party payment / security cookie.
  Essential: Yes – required for secure payment processing.

• __stripe_sid (app.swarm.to, expiry: around 30 minutes)
  Purpose: A temporary session identifier used by Stripe for the same security and fraud‑prevention purposes during a single visit.
  Type: Third‑party payment / security cookie.
  Essential: Yes – required for secure payment processing.

For more details on Stripe’s use of cookies, see Stripe’s own privacy and cookie information on their website.​

4.2 Customer support and messaging (Intercom)

Swarm uses Intercom to provide product support and in‑app messaging. Intercom cookies help identify your device and usage activity.​

• intercom-device-id-[id] (swarm.to, expiry: up to 9–12 months)
  Purpose: Assigns a unique identifier to your device so Intercom can recognise returning visitors.
  Type: Third‑party functionality cookie.
  Essential: No – but it improves support experience.

• intercom-session-[id] (swarm.to, short‑term expiry, typically days)
  Purpose: Maintains your active Intercom session.
  Type: Third‑party functionality cookie.
  Essential: No – but required for a seamless support session.

If you block Intercom cookies, you may still be able to use the Platform, but support tools and messages may not work as intended.​

5. Legal basis for use of cookies

Where cookies are strictly necessary for the operation of the Platform (essential cookies), our legal basis is our legitimate interest in providing a secure and functional service. For non‑essential cookies (such as analytics, functional or advertising cookies where used), we rely on your consent where required by applicable law.

Depending on your jurisdiction, Swarm may also present a cookie banner on its main site (swarm.to) explaining cookie use and linking to its own Cookie Policy.​

6. How to control cookies

You can control and manage cookies in various ways:

• Browser settings: Most web browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies through their settings. How you do this depends on the browser and device you use.

• Device settings: Your device or operating system may provide additional cookie and tracking controls.

• Third‑party opt‑outs: Where cookies are set by third‑party services (for example, analytics or social media), you may also be able to manage your choices directly with those providers.

If you disable certain cookies, some features of the Platform may not function correctly or may become unavailable.​

7. Cookies used by Swarm as platform provider

Our community is hosted on the Swarm platform, which may set its own cookies and use similar technologies to operate, secure and improve the service. Swarm’s use of cookies is governed by Swarm’s own legal documentation, including its Privacy Policy and Cookie notices, which you can find on https://swarm.to and associated legal pages.

Where Swarm acts as an independent controller, it determines its own purposes and means for cookie use; where Swarm processes data on our behalf, it does so in accordance with the agreement between Swarm and us as the community host.​

8. Updates to this Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time, for example to reflect changes in the cookies we use or for other operational, legal or regulatory reasons. When we make changes, we will update the “Last updated” date below and, where appropriate, notify community members via the Platform or by email.​

Last updated: [add date]

9. Contact

If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies in the community:

• Contact us at: [your contact email]

• Or write to: [your postal address]

For questions specifically about Swarm’s own use of cookies and personal data, please refer to Swarm’s Privacy Policy and Terms.