A cookie is a small identifier stored by a browser for a defined website function.

What is a session cookie?

It is a cookie that normally lasts only for the current browser session.

What is a persistent cookie?

It remains stored for a defined period or until it is deleted.

Can cookies be deleted?

Yes. Browsers provide controls for viewing and deleting stored site data.

What happens after cookies are cleared?

Saved preferences or active sessions can be reset depending on the cookies removed.

Cookie Policy for Browser Storage, Preferences and Analytics

What cookies are

Cookies are small browser-stored identifiers used to maintain sessions, remember settings or support measurement. Similar technologies can include local storage or other browser-based identifiers.

A cookie does not need to contain a person's name to be useful. It can hold a session value or preference that the website reads on a later request.

Necessary cookies

Necessary cookies support functions such as session continuity, security settings or preferences required for the site to operate. Disabling them can affect core behaviour.

These cookies should be limited to what is required for the relevant function and should not be described as optional analytics if they are needed for operation.

Preference cookies

Preference cookies can remember interface choices such as language, layout or consent settings. Their purpose is to avoid asking for the same choice on every page load.

A preference can usually be reset by clearing the relevant browser storage or changing the associated site setting.

Analytics cookies

Analytics cookies can help measure page visits, navigation patterns and technical performance. Their data is normally used in aggregated reporting or service analysis.

Analytics should be described separately from necessary session storage because the purpose and user controls can differ.

Session and persistent storage

Session cookies normally expire when the browser session ends, while persistent cookies remain for a defined period or until removed.

The duration should match the purpose. A short-lived session identifier and a longer preference cookie do not need the same expiry period.

Third-party cookies

Embedded services or analytics providers can set or read their own identifiers depending on how they are integrated. Those providers can have separate cookie or privacy documentation.

Third-party storage should be identified by purpose rather than being grouped automatically with first-party session cookies.

Browser controls

Modern browsers allow users to view, block or delete stored cookies and site data. The location of these controls varies by browser and device.

Deleting storage can reset saved preferences or active sessions, so the effect depends on which cookie or local-storage value is removed.

Where optional cookies require a choice, a consent interface can store the selected categories. The saved preference can normally be changed later.

Necessary storage can be handled separately from optional categories so that the consent screen accurately describes which functions depend on each type.

Retention and expiry

Each persistent cookie should have an expiry appropriate to its function. Longer retention is not automatically more useful.

Cookie inventories can be updated when technologies or providers change, so the policy date helps identify the version being described.