Cookie Policy
Last updated: April 2025
This Cookie Policy explains how we use cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website ("Site"). It also explains your choices regarding cookies and how you can control them.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, to remember your preferences, and to provide information to website owners.
Cookies set by the website owner are called first-party cookies. Cookies set by parties other than the website owner are called third-party cookies. Third-party cookies enable third-party features or functionality such as advertising, analytics, and interactive content.
2. Types of Cookies We Use
2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for our website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually set in response to actions you take such as logging in or filling in forms.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
cookie_consent | Stores your cookie consent preference (accepted / rejected) | 6 months |
PHPSESSID | Session cookie used to maintain your logged-in state and CSRF protection | Session |
2.2 Analytical / Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Information collected is aggregated and anonymous.
| Provider | Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics | _ga, _ga_* | Distinguishes users and sessions; tracks page views and site usage | 2 years |
| Google Analytics | _gid | Distinguishes users (short-term) | 24 hours |
| Google Analytics | _gat | Throttles request rate | 1 minute |
2.3 Advertising / Targeting Cookies
We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our Site. Google AdSense uses cookies to serve personalised ads based on your browsing history and interests. These cookies are set by Google and are subject to Google's Privacy Policy.
| Provider | Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google AdSense / DoubleClick | IDE | Used by Google DoubleClick to register and report the website user's actions after viewing or clicking one of the advertiser's ads, for the purpose of measuring the efficacy of an ad and presenting targeted ads to the user | 1 year |
| Google AdSense | test_cookie | Used to check if the user's browser supports cookies | 15 minutes |
| Google AdSense | DSID, FLC, AID, TAID | Used to link your activity across devices and serve personalised advertising | Varies |
NID | Registers a unique ID that identifies a returning user's device; used for targeted ads | 6 months |
Advertising cookies are only set after you give your consent through our cookie consent banner. If you choose to "Reject Non-Essential" cookies, no advertising or analytics cookies will be placed on your device and no personalised ads will be shown.
3. Google AdSense and Personalised Advertising
Our Site uses Google AdSense, an advertising service provided by Google LLC ("Google"). Google uses cookies to show you ads that are relevant to your interests based on your browsing activity across websites that use Google services.
- Google may use the DoubleClick cookie to serve interest-based ads.
- Google may combine data collected via AdSense cookies with other data Google has about you.
- You can opt out of personalised advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings.
- You can also opt out via aboutads.info (Digital Advertising Alliance) or networkadvertising.org (NAI).
For more information on how Google uses data when you use our Site, please visit: How Google uses information from sites or apps that use our services.
4. Your Cookie Choices
4.1 Our Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit our Site, a cookie consent banner appears at the bottom of the page. You can:
- Accept All — Allows all cookies including advertising and analytics cookies. Personalised ads will be shown.
- Reject Non-Essential — Only strictly necessary cookies will be used. No ads or analytics cookies will be placed and no advertisements will be displayed.
You can change your preference at any time by clicking Manage Cookies in the footer of our website.
4.2 Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can set your browser to refuse all or some browser cookies, or to alert you when websites set or access cookies. For more information, visit your browser's help pages:
Please note that restricting cookies may impact the functionality of our website.
4.3 Google Analytics Opt-Out
You can prevent Google Analytics from collecting data about your visits by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
5. Third-Party Links
Our Site may contain links to third-party websites. We have no control over and accept no responsibility for the cookies used by those websites. We encourage you to check the cookie policies of any third-party website you visit.
6. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our practices. When we make significant changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to check this page periodically.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us via our contact page.