Cookie Policy

How we use cookies and similar technologies on our website

Last updated: November 22, 2024

What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners.

Cookies allow websites to remember your preferences, improve your browsing experience, and provide relevant content and functionality. They can store information such as your language preferences, login status, shopping cart contents, and browsing history.

Modern websites rely on cookies for essential functionality, security features, and user experience optimization. Without cookies, many website features would not function properly, and your browsing experience would be significantly degraded.

How We Use Cookies

Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled. They include:

  • Session management cookies
  • Security and authentication cookies
  • Load balancing cookies
  • Accessibility preference cookies
  • CSRF protection tokens
  • Form submission cookies
  • Error handling and debugging cookies
  • Content delivery network cookies
  • API rate limiting cookies

Analytics Cookies

We use analytics cookies to understand how visitors interact with our website:

  • Page views and user journey tracking
  • Popular content identification
  • Website performance monitoring
  • Error tracking and debugging
  • Conversion rate optimization
  • User engagement metrics
  • Traffic source analysis
  • Device and browser statistics
  • Geographic usage patterns
  • Search query analysis
  • Content effectiveness measurement

Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance your browsing experience by:

  • Remembering your preferences and settings
  • Providing personalized content
  • Enabling social media features
  • Supporting website functionality
  • Customizing user interface elements
  • Storing form data temporarily
  • Managing user notifications
  • Enabling chat and support features
  • Facilitating content sharing
  • Supporting multi-language functionality

Performance Cookies

Performance cookies help us optimize website speed and functionality:

  • Page load time measurement
  • Resource optimization tracking
  • Bandwidth usage monitoring
  • Server response time analysis
  • Content caching optimization
  • Database query performance
  • Image and media loading efficiency

Types of Cookies We Use

First-Party Cookies

These cookies are set directly by our website and are used for:

  • Website functionality and user experience
  • Remembering your preferences
  • Analytics and performance monitoring
  • Security and fraud prevention
  • Content personalization
  • User authentication and session management
  • Shopping cart and form data storage
  • Language and regional settings
  • Accessibility preferences
  • Theme and display preferences

Third-Party Cookies

These cookies are set by external services we use:

  • Analytics and measurement tools
  • Social media integration
  • Content delivery networks
  • Customer support platforms
  • Payment processing services
  • Marketing and advertising platforms
  • Video and media embedding
  • Security and fraud detection

Session vs Persistent Cookies

Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser. Used for essential website functionality such as:

  • User authentication during browsing session
  • Shopping cart contents
  • Form data preservation
  • Navigation state management
  • Security token validation

Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted. Used for:

  • Remembering login credentials
  • User preferences and settings
  • Analytics and tracking
  • Personalization features
  • Performance optimization

Cookie Categories and Purposes

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for website operation and cannot be disabled:

  • User authentication and session management
  • Security features and CSRF protection
  • Load balancing and server routing
  • Form submission and data validation
  • Error handling and debugging
  • Content delivery optimization
  • API access and rate limiting
  • Legal compliance and consent management

Preference Cookies

These cookies remember your choices and preferences:

  • Language and localization settings
  • Theme and display preferences
  • Accessibility options
  • Content filtering and sorting preferences
  • Notification settings
  • Privacy and cookie preferences
  • User interface customizations

Statistics Cookies

These cookies help us understand website usage:

  • Visitor counting and unique user identification
  • Page view tracking and navigation patterns
  • Time spent on pages and bounce rates
  • Popular content and feature usage
  • Search queries and results interaction
  • Device and browser information
  • Geographic and demographic data
  • Conversion tracking and goal completion
  • A/B testing and optimization

Marketing Cookies

These cookies are used for advertising and marketing purposes:

  • Targeted advertising and retargeting
  • Cross-site tracking and profiling
  • Social media integration and sharing
  • Email marketing and campaign tracking
  • Affiliate marketing and referral tracking
  • Customer journey analysis
  • Lead generation and conversion optimization

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

  • Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
  • Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
  • Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data
  • Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions
  • Opera: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies
  • Internet Explorer: Tools > Internet Options > Privacy

Cookie Preferences

You can choose to:

  • Accept all cookies for the best experience
  • Accept only essential cookies
  • Block all cookies (may affect website functionality)
  • Delete existing cookies from your device
  • Set cookies to expire when you close your browser
  • Receive notifications when cookies are set
  • Block third-party cookies specifically
  • Manage cookies on a site-by-site basis
  • Use private/incognito browsing mode

Mobile Device Settings

On mobile devices, you can manage cookies through:

  • Browser app settings and preferences
  • Device privacy and security settings
  • App-specific cookie controls
  • Advertising identifier settings
  • Location and tracking preferences
  • Cross-app tracking controls

Third-Party Services and Cookies

Analytics Services

We may use third-party analytics services that set their own cookies:

  • Google Analytics for website usage statistics
  • Performance monitoring tools
  • Error tracking services
  • Heat mapping and user behavior analysis
  • Conversion tracking and attribution
  • A/B testing platforms
  • Customer feedback and survey tools
  • Social media analytics

These services have their own privacy policies and cookie practices.

Content Delivery Networks

We use CDNs to improve website performance:

  • Faster content loading and delivery
  • Reduced server load and bandwidth usage
  • Geographic content optimization
  • Security and DDoS protection
  • Image and media optimization

Opting Out

You can opt out of third-party analytics and tracking:

  • Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
  • Browser privacy settings and extensions
  • Third-party privacy tools and blockers
  • Industry opt-out programs and initiatives
  • Device-level tracking controls
  • DNS-based blocking solutions
  • VPN services with tracking protection

Cookie Consent and Legal Basis

Consent Management

We obtain and manage your consent for cookies through:

  • Cookie consent banners and notices
  • Granular consent options for different cookie types
  • Easy withdrawal of consent mechanisms
  • Regular consent renewal and updates
  • Clear information about cookie purposes
  • Opt-in requirements for non-essential cookies
  • Documentation of consent decisions

Legal Basis for Processing

Our legal basis for using cookies includes:

  • Legitimate interests for essential website functionality
  • Consent for analytics and marketing cookies
  • Contractual necessity for service delivery
  • Legal obligations for security and compliance
  • Vital interests for fraud prevention and security

International Compliance

We comply with international cookie regulations:

  • EU Cookie Directive and GDPR requirements
  • UK Data Protection Act and PECR
  • California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
  • Other applicable regional privacy laws
  • Industry standards and best practices

Updates to This Cookie Policy

Policy Changes

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by:

  • Posting the updated policy on our website
  • Updating the "last updated" date
  • Providing prominent notice of significant changes
  • Sending email notifications where appropriate
  • Requesting new consent where required
  • Maintaining previous versions for reference

Staying Informed

We recommend reviewing this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies. You can:

  • Bookmark this page for easy access
  • Subscribe to our newsletter for updates
  • Contact us with questions or concerns
  • Follow our blog for privacy-related announcements
  • Check for updates when you visit our website

Contact Us About Cookies

If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us:

  • Phone: +44 203 149 2673
  • Email: research@techpulse.co.uk
  • Address: 87 Denmark Hill, Camberwell, London SE5 8RS, UK
  • Data Protection Officer: privacy@techpulse.co.uk
  • Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM GMT
  • Response Time: We aim to respond within 2 business days