1. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work, work more efficiently, and to provide information to the site owner. Cookies can be "session" cookies (deleted when you close your browser) or "persistent" cookies (remaining on your device for a set period).
Similar technologies include web beacons, pixel tags, and local storage — these function similarly to cookies and are covered by this policy.
2. Cookie Categories We Use
3. Cookies in Detail
Google Analytics 4
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga |
Distinguishes unique users by assigning a randomly generated number | 2 years | Analytics |
_ga_XXXXXXX |
Maintains session state for GA4 | 2 years | Analytics |
_gid |
Distinguishes users — used to throttle request rate | 24 hours | Analytics |
_gat |
Throttles request rate to Google Analytics | 1 minute | Analytics |
Google AdSense & DoubleClick
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
IDE |
Used by DoubleClick to register and report user actions after viewing or clicking an ad | 1 year | Advertising |
test_cookie |
Checks if the user's browser supports cookies | 15 minutes | Advertising |
DSID |
Identifies a signed-in user on non-Google sites to opt them out of ad personalisation | 2 weeks | Advertising |
NID |
Registers a unique ID to store user preferences for Google services | 6 months | Advertising |
__gads |
Registers ad impressions and prevents the same ad from showing too often | 2 years | Advertising |
4. How to Control Cookies
Browser Settings
You can control and delete cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect how the Site functions.
Opt Out of Google Analytics
Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on to prevent your data being used for analytics across all websites using GA.
Opt Out of Personalised Advertising
You can opt out of personalised ads from Google through:
- Google Ads Settings
- Your Online Choices (EU/UK) — manage preferences for multiple ad networks
- NAI Opt-Out Tool
Opting out does not mean you will stop seeing ads — it means the ads shown will not be based on your browsing behaviour.
5. Do Not Track
Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal. Currently there is no industry-agreed standard for how sites should respond to DNT signals, and our third-party analytics and advertising partners may not honour them. We will update this policy if a standard is established.
6. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy as we add new features or third-party services. The "Last updated" date at the top will always reflect the current version.