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cookie policy



Last updated: May 2025

For The Chef Network (TCN)
Operated by Matalino.ai

INTRODUCTION

This Cookie Policy explains how The Chef Network (TCN), operated by Matalino.ai, uses cookies and similar technologies to recognize you when you visit our website. It describes what these technologies are, why we use them, and your rights to control our use of them.

1. WHAT ARE COOKIES?
Cookies are small text files placed on your computer or device by websites you visit. They are widely used to make websites function, enhance usability, and provide analytics to site owners.

Plain English: Cookies are like short notes your browser keeps from websites so it remembers what you searched, whether you’re logged in, or that you prefer dark mode.

2. TYPES OF COOKIES WE USE
Cookie Type Purpose Example
Essential Required for basic site functionality Login sessions, spam filters
Performance Helps us measure and improve performance Load speed tests, bounce rates
Functional Remembers your settings and preferences Language choice, saved filters
Analytics Tracks user behavior for insights Google Analytics
Marketing Tailors ads and tracks ad engagement Meta Pixel, job promotion pixels
AI Activity Tracking Follows AI-powered interactions Suggested chefs, job match history

3. COOKIE LIFESPAN TABLE
Cookie Name Duration Type
PHPSESSID Session only Essential
_ga 2 years Analytics
_fbp 90 days Marketing
TCNConsent 6 months Consent Tracker

4. COOKIE SOURCE TABLE
Source Cookie Owner First or Third Party
thechef.network TCN First-party
google.com Google Analytics Third-party
facebook.com Meta Third-party
hotjar.com Hotjar Third-party

5. WHY WE USE COOKIES
  • To operate the site and services properly.
  • To understand visitor behavior.
  • To personalize content and save preferences.
  • To test features and improvements (A/B testing).
  • To track how users interact with AI-generated features.
  • To block bots and fraudulent behavior.

Real-World Example: If a freelance chef views multiple jobs in pastry, the next time they visit the site we may highlight similar roles. If a bot attempts to copy the chef directory rapidly, cookie data helps us detect and stop that behavior.

6. HOW WE HANDLE AI-RELATED TRACKING COOKIES
Some cookies monitor interactions with AI tools—like selecting chefs from automated suggestions or browsing auto-recommended job posts. These are marked internally as AIActivity and are anonymized. They help improve future suggestions by learning which features users actually interact with.

7. COOKIE CONSENT & CONTROL
  • You can reject all non-essential cookies when the banner first appears.
  • You can update preferences anytime using our Cookie Settings Dashboard.
  • You can also disable or delete cookies via your browser settings.

Consent Dashboard (Example):
  • Essential: Always on.
  • Analytics: [Toggle].
  • Marketing: [Toggle].
  • AI Activity Tracking: [Toggle].


8. HOW TO OPT OUT OF THIRD-PARTY TRACKING
To manage cookies and ads served by third parties, visit their preference settings:


9. BOT MITIGATION USING COOKIE DATA
To safeguard user data and platform integrity, we analyze cookie data to identify suspicious or automated behavior. For example, if a visitor loads 200 pages in a minute, this may indicate bot activity, and we can block the IP or limit access to protect the site.

10. HOW OFTEN DO WE REVIEW THIS POLICY?
We audit and review our cookie use every quarter. This policy is updated accordingly. Changes will be posted here and, when substantial, communicated directly to users.

11. CONTACT US
For questions, requests, or complaints about cookie use, contact:
Privacy Officer
privacy@thechef.network

TLDR – SUMMARY SIDEBAR (for Web Use Only)
  • We use cookies to make the site work, improve it, and personalize job results.
  • You control which cookies stay on. Change your preferences anytime.
  • Some cookies track AI features. Some detect bots.
  • We keep it minimal — just enough to run the site well.