1. Summary
SD-LINK uses only the cookies and browser storage needed to run the service. We do not use advertising, profiling or cross-site tracking cookies. On your first visit nothing is stored until you sign in, make a choice, or use a feature that needs it. The only optional technology is privacy-friendly page-view and performance measurement (Vercel Web Analytics and Speed Insights), which is switched on only if you choose “Accept all” and which does not set cookies.
3. Essential cookies and storage (always on)
These are needed for the service to work or to remember a choice you made. They do not need your consent under POPIA, and they cannot be switched off in the Platform (you can block them in your browser, but parts of SD-LINK — such as signing in — will then not work).
| Name | Type | Purpose | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
CognitoIdentityServiceProvider.… (idToken, accessToken, refreshToken, signInDetails, clockDrift, LastAuthUser) | First-party cookies | Keep you securely signed in. Set by our sign-in provider (Amazon Cognito) through AWS Amplify after you sign in, and read by the site so protected pages can check your session. | Up to 12 months, or until you sign out |
sdlink_consent | First-party cookie | Remembers your cookie choice (“essential” or “all”) so we do not ask on every visit. | 180 days |
sidebar_state | First-party cookie | Remembers whether you collapsed the side menu in the signed-in dashboards. Set only when you toggle it. | 7 days |
theme | Local storage | Remembers your light/dark display choice. Set only when you pick one. | Until you clear it |
sdlink.advisor.anonCount | Local storage (marketplace) | Counts the free AI-advisor questions a signed-out visitor has used, to keep the service fair for everyone. | Until you clear it |
pendingConsent | Local storage | Holds the Terms/Privacy acceptance you ticked at sign-up for the few minutes until your email is confirmed and we can record it against your account. Removed once recorded. | Until sign-up completes |
sdlink.join | Session storage (student portal) | If you sign up through a training provider’s signup link, holds the link’s code, your email address and the provider’s name for the few minutes until your email is confirmed, so you are joined to the right provider afterwards, then the provider’s name for the “You’ve joined…” message. It never holds your password, phone number or ID number. Removed once you have seen that message. | Until you close the tab |
sdlink:cooldown:… | Session storage | Stops the “resend code” and similar buttons being pressed too quickly. | Until you close the tab |
4. Optional analytics (only if you accept)
If you choose Accept all, we load Vercel Web Analytics and Vercel Speed Insights. They tell us in aggregate which pages are visited and how fast they load, so we can improve SD-LINK.
- They do not set cookies or use local storage to follow you, and they do not build advertising profiles.
- Your browser does send a request to Vercel, so Vercel receives technical information such as the page address, browser type and approximate (country-level) location. Vercel acts as our operator.
- If you choose Decline optional (or make no choice) they are never loaded.
5. Third-party cookies
SD-LINK does not place third-party cookies. When you are sent to a payment page (Paystack) or follow a link to another website or meeting tool, that site is run by someone else and may set its own cookies under its own policy. Paystack’s checkout is governed by Paystack’s cookie and privacy notices.
6. Your choices
The first time you visit a site, a banner lets you accept or decline the optional analytics. You can change or withdraw your choice at any time with the button below, or by using “Cookie preferences” in the footer. Declining optional analytics does not affect your ability to use SD-LINK. Your choice is remembered per SD-LINK site (each portal is a separate website).
You can also delete or block cookies and site storage in your browser settings. If you delete the sign-in cookies you will be signed out.
Manage your preferences
7. Changes and contact
We may update this policy when we change what we store. The version date is at the top of the page. Questions? Email {{SUPPORT_EMAIL}}. See also our Privacy Notice.