All about cookies…
Law
A law on cookies demands that you, as a website user, are given the opportunity to understand how cookies are used on our website and consent to cookies being stored on your computer, laptop, mobile or tablet.
What are cookies?
A cookie is a small text file, typically of letters and numbers, downloaded to your computer when you access websites. Typically, they contain the following information: a site name and unique user ID, the duration of the cookie’s abilities and effects, and a random number. As a rule, cookies cannot be used to reveal your identity or personally identifying information.
When you visit a website that uses cookies for the first time, a cookie is downloaded onto your computer. The next time you visit that website, your computer checks to see if it has a cookie that is relevant and sends the information contained in that cookie back to the website. The website then notes that you have been there before, and in some cases, tailors what pops up on screen to take account of that fact. They also might record how long you spend on each page on a site, what links you click, even your preferences for page layouts and colour schemes.
Generally, the role of cookies is beneficial, making your interaction with frequently-visited sites smoother with no extra effort on your part. Without cookies, online shopping would be much harder. Without cookies, some websites will become less interactive with the cookie option turned off.
Most common cookies
Session cookies
These cookies expire when you close your web browser (Firefox, Safari,
Google Chrome, Internet Explorer). These cookies are used for various
reasons, for example, remembering what you have put in your shopping
basket as you browse a website. They can also be used for security to
access your Internet banking or email.
Persistent cookies
These cookies are still stored on your computer after you have closed
your web browser which allows your preferences on websites to be
remembered. These cookies are used for a variety of purposes, for
example, remembering your preferences on a website (your language choice
or your user name on a particular website).
First and Third Party cookies
This refers to the website placing the cookie. First party cookies are
cookies set by the website you are visiting. Third party cookies are set
by another website; the website you are visiting may have advertising
on the page and this other website will be able to set a cookie on your
computer. Third party cookies on the main web browsers allow third party
cookies by default. Changing the settings on your browsers can prevent
this.
Exceptions
There are some exemptions to the above where it is essential for a
website to store information on your computer, for example, to provide a
service to you that you have requested.
Our use of cookies
- We use cookies to improve your experience on our websites and for functionality purposes, for example, if you choose to buy any of our products and services, you must consent to us placing a cookie on your computer;
- We also use cookies to understand your usage of our website;
- We have partners who have referred clients and in using cookies, we track referred sales so we can compensate our partners accordingly
More information…
The Data Protection Act 1998 has been replaced by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. For the latest guidance on data protection law, please see ICO’s Guide to the GDPR.