Updated: 8th May 2018
Cookies are a web technology that is employed by servers to retain information regarding interactions a user has with a website / web application. They’re text files, small in size, stored on users’ computer or mobile device and sent as a part of the browser request to the server when a user visits the site they were created on. This allows the server to adjust the response and enhance the website with tailored preferences and extended functionality. Additionally, cookies allow to collect information related to user’s computer or device (like browser type, IP address, country of origin, language, etc.).
Depending on how long they are stored, cookies can be divided into:
Cookies may be used for various roles:
Cookies may be set not only by each site individually, but also by certain embedded third-party content (Facebook widget or a YouTube player, for example). In such cases the hosting site has neither control, nor access to the data contained within cookies created by the embedded content. The same is true for the embedded sections in relation to the cookies created by the hosting site as browsers will limit attempts to read cookies to only the site which created them.
Cookies generated during the use of this website will be transmitted and stored on servers in the United States and Canada, or where third-parties used by this site store their data. By using this website, users consent to data collection and processing as described in our Privacy Policy.
Cookies set by Google Analytics services allows us to measure the volume of traffic to our website, which pages users view, their progress through the site as well as how long they spend on each page and how quickly these load for the users. We use this data to improve the content and performance of our website.
Certain functions such as polls or “member only” log-in areas use cookies to function properly. While we do not track users accessing this functionality of the website, we do require setting cookies in order for the website to work correctly. Please note that continued use of these functions is equivalent to consent to this site’s use of cookies, as well as stipulations listed in the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy documents.
Web browsers are equipped in relevant settings (usually listed in a Privacy/Security related section of the software preferences panel), that allow control over cookies set up by this and other websites.
Existing cookies can be deleted – individually, per site or for any site/service that has managed to set one up. Please note that doing so may cause certain sites which rely on this technology to lose personalized settings. Furthermore, cookies may be blocked from being created, again either wholesale or per each site or sub-site(s) separately, however this can lead to websites (or parts of them) malfunctioning. For more information on how to find and operate these controls, please visit the respective browsers website.
It is possible to opt out of Google Analytics performance tracking – related cookies by installing a browser extension that blocks the relevant code from being downloaded and used. For more information and instructions on how to obtain and install this tool, please visit: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout