cookies

What are cookies?
A cookie is a small text file embedded in your hard drive by the server of the site you are visiting. This file is neither a virus nor spyware.

What are they used for?
Cookies are used to make surfing on the web easier for you. What happens when you visit an online shop for the first time is that the site’s server sends a file to your computer, which installs itself automatically on to the disk. Thanks to this cookie, you will be recognised the next time you visit the same site and you won’t have to enter all your details again. In a nutshell, cookies customise your web experience.

Types of cookies
There are three different types of cookies:

• Session cookies: these are mainly used by online shops and allow you to keep items in your basket when shopping online. These cookies expire when the browser is closed
• Permanent cookies: these remain in operation, even when you have closed the browser. They remember your login details and password, so you don’t have to type them in every time you use the site. The law concerning permanent cookies stipulates that they need to be deleted after a period of six months
• Third-party cookies: these are installed by third parties with the aim of collecting certain information to carry out various research into behaviour, demographics etc.

Can cookies be erased or blocked?
You will be invaded by Internet cookies whichever browser you use (Internet Explorer, Chrome, Mozilla etc.). Although there are no miracle solutions, you can consider the following:

• Erase cookies: all you need to do is find the folder/file where cookies are stored on your computer and delete them. If you do this by hand, you need to remember to do it regularly.
• Block cookies: if you want to block website’s cookies, you need to configure your browser to categorically refuse all cookies that try to access your computer. The only disadvantage of this option is that you will no longer be recognised automatically on your favourite online. You need to be careful, though, because categorically blocking certain cookies may mean that you are no longer able to shop online
• Set your browser’s alert system: you simply need to configure your browser to warn you each time a cookie is sent, letting you decide whether to allow the cookie or not. The only disadvantage of this solution is that you will spend more time refusing or accepting cookies than surfing the web
• Use specialist software: you can download software that protects you against cookies. These software programmes can be configured to let you change the content of the cookies that apply to you. These programmes, some of which are free, can be downloaded from the Internet
• Third-party cookies: these are installed by third parties with the aim of collecting certain information to carry out various research into behaviour, demographics etc.

Cookies used by us
We only use Cookies in the least intrusive way. No reasonably functioning website can operate without some use of cookies, we will not use your information to supply to third parties for marketing purposes. We only gather information automatically so that you can use our website and other websites listed on our site, efficiently. If you continue to use our site, we will assume you are happy with the cookie policy. If you require any further information or free support on cookies, feel free to contact us.

Further advice and resources
For further information and advice, visit the website of the Information Commissioner’s Office, using the following website link

https://ico.org.uk