Cookie Policy

Last updated: June 13, 2026

This Cookie Policy explains how the Global Bhutanese Hindu Organization, Inc. ("GBHO," "we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website at gbho.org (the "Site"). It explains what these technologies are, why we use them, the categories we use, and the rights and choices you have.

This policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which provides full details about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make sites work, work more efficiently, and provide reporting information. "Similar technologies" include pixels, web beacons, software development kits (SDKs), local storage, and device identifiers that perform comparable functions. In this policy, we refer to all of these collectively as "cookies."

Cookies may be session cookies (which expire when you close your browser) or persistent cookies (which remain until they expire or you delete them). They may be set by us ("first-party cookies") or by third parties ("third-party cookies").

Your Consent

When you first visit our Site, we present a cookie consent banner that allows you to accept or reject non-essential cookies. Strictly necessary cookies do not require consent and are always active because the Site cannot function properly without them. For all other categories—preferences, analytics, and marketing—we will only place cookies on your device after you have given your consent, where required by applicable law.

You may withdraw or change your consent at any time by accessing our cookie settings through the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer of our Site. Withdrawing consent will not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out before withdrawal.

In regions where consent is required (such as the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom), non-essential cookies remain inactive until you opt in. In regions that operate on an opt-out basis (such as the United States), certain cookies may operate until you opt out.

Categories of Cookies We Use

1. Strictly Necessary Cookies (always active). These are essential for the Site to function and cannot be switched off. They enable core features such as account creation, secure login and session management, order and payment processing for our store and donations, form submissions (including membership and contact forms), and security. The legal basis for these cookies is our legitimate interest in operating a secure and functional website; they do not require consent.

2. Preference Cookies (consent required). These allow the Site to remember choices you make, such as your language and display settings, to provide a more personalized experience.

3. Analytics and Performance Cookies (consent required). These help us understand how visitors use our Site by collecting information such as pages visited and time spent, on an aggregated basis. This helps us measure and improve performance, design, and content. We may use third-party analytics services for this purpose.

4. Marketing and Advertising Cookies (consent required). These are used to understand visitor interests and deliver relevant programs, products, and services. They may be set by us or by advertising partners and may track your activity across websites.

We will make a detailed, up-to-date list of the specific cookies we use—including their names, providers, purpose, and duration—available within our cookie settings tool on the Site.

Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are placed by trusted third parties. Our Site includes social media features and plugins from platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok. When you interact with these features, the relevant platform may set cookies that it controls. We do not control these third-party cookies, and we encourage you to review each platform's own privacy and cookie policies. We may also use third-party providers for analytics and feature testing.

Legal Bases for Processing (EEA/UK – GDPR)

Where the EU or UK General Data Protection Regulation applies, our legal bases for using cookies are: your consent (for preference, analytics, and marketing cookies), which you may withdraw at any time; and our legitimate interests in operating, securing, and maintaining the Site (for strictly necessary cookies).

If you are located in the EEA or UK, you have the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict, or object to the processing of your personal data, the right to data portability, and the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

Your Rights in the United States (CCPA/CPRA and similar state laws)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to know what personal information we collect, to request access to or deletion of that information, to correct inaccurate information, and to opt out of the "sale" or "sharing" of personal information and of targeted advertising. We do not sell your personal information for money. Certain cookie-based data sharing for advertising may, however, be considered a "sale" or "sharing" under California law.

You may exercise your opt-out rights through our cookie settings tool, and we honor Global Privacy Control (GPC) browser signals as a valid opt-out request. We will not discriminate against you for exercising any of your privacy rights. Residents of other U.S. states with comparable laws (such as Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah) have similar rights, which they may exercise in the same way.

Your Rights in Other Regions

If you are located in Canada, Brazil, or other jurisdictions with applicable data protection laws (such as PIPEDA or the LGPD), you may have rights similar to those described above, including rights to access, correct, and delete your personal information and to withdraw consent. Please contact us using the details below to exercise these rights.

Managing and Disabling Cookies

In addition to our cookie settings tool, you can control cookies through your browser settings, which allow you to block or delete cookies. Please note that blocking strictly necessary cookies may affect the functionality of the Site. For instructions, consult your browser's Help section. You can also opt out of certain third-party advertising cookies through industry tools such as the Digital Advertising Alliance (optout.aboutads.info), the Network Advertising Initiative (optout.networkadvertising.org), and Your Online Choices (youronlinechoices.eu) in Europe.

Children's Privacy

Our Site is not directed to children under the age of 16, and we do not knowingly use cookies to collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.

International Data Transfers

Because GBHO is based in the United States, information collected through cookies may be processed in the United States or other countries that may have different data protection laws than your country of residence. Where required, we take appropriate safeguards for such transfers.

Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised "Last updated" date and, where appropriate, communicated to you directly. We encourage you to review this page regularly.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

Global Bhutanese Hindu Organization, Inc. 4270 State Route 309, Galion, OH 44833 Email: gbho@hamrogbho.org Phone: 419-955-8235 | 844-424-6365