Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how NearU Pte. Ltd. (UEN: 202550492M) ("NearU", "we", "us" or "our") uses cookies and similar technologies on www.nearu.community, including the merchant registration and Merchant Portal pages at www.nearu.community/merchant (collectively, the "Website").

This Policy should be read together with NearU's Website Privacy Policy (NEARU-SG-WEB-PP-001). It does not govern cookies placed on websites operated independently by third parties, including any external payment page operated by HitPay.

2. What Cookies and Similar Technologies Are

Cookies are small text files stored on your browser or device when you visit a website. They may allow a website to recognise your browser, maintain a secure session, remember your choices, measure how the website is used, or support advertising and marketing activities.

NearU may also use similar technologies, including pixels, tags, scripts, local storage, session storage and device or browser identifiers. References to "cookies" in this Policy include these similar technologies where appropriate.

3. Categories of Cookies We Use

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are required for the Website and Merchant Portal to operate securely and cannot be switched off through NearU's cookie preference tool. They may be used for:

• website and Merchant Portal security;
• user authentication, login and session management;
• fraud prevention and protection against malicious requests;
• maintaining form progress and transmitting information requested by the user; and
• recording cookie choices so that the Website can honour them.

3.2 Analytics Cookies

With your consent, NearU uses Google Analytics and related analytics technologies to understand how visitors use the Website, measure traffic and performance, identify errors and improve the user experience. Analytics information may include pages viewed, interactions, approximate location derived from network information, browser or device information and referral sources.

3.3 Advertising and Marketing Cookies

With your consent, NearU may use Google Ads, Meta Pixel and related advertising technologies to measure campaign performance, understand whether advertisements result in visits or enquiries, create audiences and display more relevant advertising on third-party platforms. These technologies may recognise your browser or device across websites and services operated by other organisations.

3.4 Functionality Cookies

With your consent where required, functionality cookies may remember optional preferences or support additional functions such as live chat. NearU may introduce a live-chat service in the future. The cookie inventory and preference controls will be updated before any such non-essential technology is activated.

4. Cookie Consent and Preference Management

When you first visit the Website, NearU will display a cookie banner that allows you to:

• accept all cookies;
• reject non-essential cookies; or
• manage your preferences by category.

Strictly necessary cookies remain active because they are required to provide requested functionality and maintain security. Analytics, advertising and other non-essential cookies will not be activated unless the relevant preference has been selected, subject to the technical operation of the Website and applicable law.

You may change or withdraw your choices at any time by selecting the "Cookie Settings" link in the Website footer. Withdrawing consent does not affect processing that occurred before withdrawal. Your updated preference will apply to future use, although previously stored cookies may need to be removed through your browser settings.

NearU may retain records of your cookie preferences, including the selected categories, date and time, browser or device information and policy version, for the purpose of honouring your choices and demonstrating compliance.

5. Cookies and Technologies Currently Used

The following table describes the main cookies and technologies expected to be used at launch. Exact cookie names and durations may vary according to the deployed configuration, browser, consent choices and updates made by the relevant provider. NearU will periodically review and update this inventory.

6. Google Consent Controls

NearU intends to configure its consent management mechanism so that consent choices are communicated to Google services through an appropriate consent configuration. The implementation must prevent non-essential analytics and advertising technologies from operating before the corresponding consent is obtained, to the extent technically supported and required.

7. Third-Party Services

7.1 Google and Meta

Google and Meta may process information collected through their technologies in accordance with their own privacy and cookie policies. Depending on your settings and whether you are logged in to their services, they may combine Website activity with information obtained through other services. NearU does not control the independent processing undertaken by these providers.

7.2 Zoho Bigin

NearU uses Zoho Bigin for lead management behind enquiry and merchant-interest forms. Information entered into a NearU form may be transferred to Zoho Bigin for follow-up and account administration. The use of cookies will depend on whether the deployed form is hosted directly by NearU, embedded from Zoho, or connected through an application programming interface.

7.3 HitPay

NearU may direct Merchants to external pages operated by HitPay for payment-account setup, payment processing, merchant verification and related payment-provider services. HitPay may use cookies and similar technologies under its own policies. NearU does not control cookies or similar technologies used after a Merchant leaves the NearU Website and enters HitPay's independently operated environment.

8. Managing Cookies Through Your Browser

Most browsers allow you to view, block or delete cookies. Browser controls vary and may not prevent all similar technologies. Blocking strictly necessary cookies may prevent parts of the Website or Merchant Portal from functioning correctly. Browser-level deletion may also remove the cookie that stores your NearU preferences, in which case the cookie banner may be shown again.

9. International Processing

Some technology providers may process cookie-related information outside Singapore. Where NearU transfers personal data overseas under its control, NearU will take reasonable steps to ensure that the transferred data receives a standard of protection comparable to that required under Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act 2012, including through appropriate contractual or other safeguards.

10. Changes to This Policy

NearU may update this Policy to reflect changes in technology, provider configurations, legal requirements or Website functionality. Material changes will be reflected by updating the version and effective date and, where appropriate, by displaying a new notice or requesting refreshed cookie preferences.

11. Contact