The short version
- ✓ We do not use tracking cookies, advertising cookies or analytics.
- ✓ The only cookies are necessary for the service to operate (CDN security, payments, anti-bot).
- ✓ There is nothing to accept or reject - there are no optional cookies.
1. What are cookies
Cookies are small text files stored in your browser when you visit a website. They allow the website to "remember" certain information between visits or during a session.
Cookies fall into the following categories:
- - First-party cookies: Set directly by the website you are visiting (k1vpn.com).
- - Third-party cookies: Set by external services loaded on the website (e.g. Stripe for payments).
- - Session cookies: Deleted automatically when you close your browser.
- - Persistent cookies: Remain for a specific period or until you delete them.
2. Cookies on k1vpn.com
The k1vpn.com website does not set cookies via JavaScript. The only first-party cookie that may appear in your browser is set automatically by our CDN and security provider (Cloudflare) as part of the protection infrastructure:
| Cookie | Set by | Purpose | Duration | Pages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| __cf_bm | Cloudflare | Bot Management - protection against automated traffic. Set by the CDN/security provider of the website. | 30 minutes | All pages |
The __cf_bm cookie is used by Cloudflare to distinguish automated (bot) from human traffic, protecting the website from malicious automated activity. It is not used to track users or for advertising purposes.
3. Local storage (localStorage)
In addition to cookies, the website uses the browser's localStorage - a way of storing data locally on your device. Unlike cookies, localStorage data is not automatically sent to the server with every request.
| Key | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| k1vpn_ref | Affiliate code - stored if you visit the site via an affiliate link (?ref=...). Sent to the API during registration for commission attribution. Deleted after checkout completion. | Until registration or browser data cleared |
| k1_vpnips | Cache of VPN server IP list for the status bar at the top of the page. | 2 hours |
| k1_vpnips_ts | Timestamp of the above cache for expiry checking. | 2 hours |
| k1_netstatus | Cache of network status data for the /network-status/ page. | 1 hour |
| k1_netstatus_ts | Timestamp of the above cache for expiry checking. | 1 hour |
| k1_cookie_consent | Records that you have seen and dismissed the cookie notice. Not sent anywhere. | Permanent (until browser data cleared) |
localStorage data is not shared with third parties and is used exclusively for website functionality.
4. Third-party cookies
Certain pages load third-party scripts that may set cookies on their own domains. These appear only on the specific pages where the relevant service is used:
| Cookie | Domain | Purpose | Duration | Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| __stripe_mid | .stripe.com | Device identifier for secure payments and fraud prevention. | 1 year | /checkout/ only |
| __stripe_sid | .stripe.com | Session identifier for the payment flow. | 30 minutes | /checkout/ only |
| Challenge tokens | .cloudflare.com | Cloudflare Turnstile anti-bot challenge for contact form security. | Session | /contact/ only |
Stripe
Stripe cookies appear only when visiting the checkout page. They are used exclusively for the security and correct operation of the payment process. They are not used for tracking. Stripe privacy policy →
Cloudflare Turnstile
Used only on the contact form to verify that the submission comes from a human rather than a bot. It does not track your behaviour. Cloudflare privacy policy →
5. Managing and disabling cookies
Since the website uses exclusively necessary functional cookies, there is no "accept" or "reject" option - there are no optional cookies to manage.
You can manage or delete cookies and localStorage through your browser settings:
- - Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- - Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- - Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- - Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions
Note: Clearing localStorage will remove stored referral/cache data and the cookie notice banner will appear again.
6. Policy changes
We may update this policy when the technologies or providers we use change. The "Last updated" date at the top of the page indicates the most recent revision.
7. Contact
For questions about cookies or this policy, please reach out via our contact form.
K1VPN protects your privacy, not your bad decisions. Use it responsibly!