Cookie Policy
Last Updated: 2024
1. Introduction and Scope
This Cookie Policy explains how Smelex Guide ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website focused on AI Laws for Small Businesses. As we operate and provide services in Kobe, Japan, this policy is designed to comply with the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) of Japan, as well as international standards such as the GDPR where applicable to global users.
By continuing to browse our site, you acknowledge our use of cookies as described in this policy. We are committed to transparency regarding how we collect data to help small businesses navigate copyright and data residency in the AI era.
2. What are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and supply information to the owners of the site. In the context of AI compliance and data residency, cookies help us understand how users interact with our legal guides and risk assessment tools.
3. Legal Basis for Processing
Under the Japanese APPI and the ePrivacy Directive standards, we require your informed consent for the use of cookies, except for those that are "strictly necessary" for the operation of the website.
- Necessary Cookies: Processed based on our legitimate interest in providing a functional website.
- Analytical/Marketing Cookies: Processed only after you have provided explicit consent via our cookie banner.
4. Categories of Cookies We Use
| Category | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary | Essential for site navigation, security, and AI tool accessibility. | Session to 1 year |
| Analytical | Help us understand which AI compliance guides are most read (e.g., Google Analytics). | 24 hours to 2 years |
| Functional | Remember your language preferences and regional settings for Kobe-specific laws. | Up to 1 year |
| Marketing | Used to track visitors across websites to display relevant AI integration services. | Up to 1 year |
5. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages, such as embedded videos or social media sharing buttons. These third parties (e.g., Google, LinkedIn, or specialized AI compliance software providers) may use cookies to track your activity. We do not control these cookies; please refer to the respective third party’s privacy policy for details.
6. Data Residency and Transfers
In line with our focus on Data Residency and Storage, please be aware that data collected via cookies may be transferred to and processed in countries outside of Japan. We ensure that such transfers comply with APPI requirements, utilizing Standard Contractual Clauses or ensuring the destination country has an adequacy decision from the Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC) of Japan.
Manage Your Preferences
You can change your cookie settings at any time. Note that disabling some cookies may affect the functionality of our AI risk evaluation tools.
7. Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow some control of most cookies through the browser settings. To find out more about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set, visit www.aboutcookies.org or www.allaboutcookies.org.
To opt out of being tracked by Google Analytics across all websites, visit: http://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
8. Contact Information
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or how we handle data residency for small businesses in Kobe, please contact our Data Protection Officer at:
Smelex Guide
Address: 2-4-15 Nakamachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0027
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +81 78 331 8121