Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer or mobile device when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better experience by remembering your preferences and understanding how you use our site.

Cookies cannot harm your computer and do not contain any personal information until you choose to provide it.

2. How We Use Cookies

UK Economic Insights uses cookies to:

• Essential functionality: Enable core website features and security
• Performance monitoring: Understand how visitors interact with our website
• User preferences: Remember your settings and consent choices
• Content personalisation: Provide relevant economic news and analysis
• Analytics: Measure website performance and improve our services

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies

Purpose: These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled.

Examples:

• Security tokens for protecting against cross-site request forgery
• Session identifiers for maintaining your browsing session
• Cookie consent preferences
• Load balancing for website performance

Legal basis: Legitimate interests (essential for website functionality)

Retention: Session cookies are deleted when you close your browser; persistent cookies last up to 1 year

3.2 Analytics Cookies

Purpose: Help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.

Examples:

• Google Analytics for measuring website traffic and user behaviour
• Page view tracking and user journey analysis
• Performance monitoring and error tracking
• Content engagement measurement

Legal basis: Consent (you can opt out at any time)

Retention: Up to 26 months

Third parties: Google Analytics (anonymised data)

3.3 Marketing Cookies

Purpose: Used to track visitors across websites for advertising and personalisation purposes.

Examples:

• Social media tracking pixels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
• Retargeting and remarketing cookies
• Newsletter subscription tracking
• Content recommendation engines

Legal basis: Consent (you can opt out at any time)

Retention: Up to 2 years

Third parties: Social media platforms, advertising networks

4. Cookie Consent Management

4.1 Your Choices

You have full control over which cookies are placed on your device:

• Accept All: Allow all cookies for the best user experience
• Necessary Only: Only essential cookies for basic functionality
• Custom Settings: Choose specific cookie categories

4.2 Managing Your Preferences

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by:

• Clicking the cookie settings icon at the bottom of any page
• Contacting us at [email protected]
• Using your browser settings to block or delete cookies

5. Browser Cookie Settings

You can also manage cookies through your browser settings. Here's how to do it in popular browsers:

5.1 Google Chrome

1. Click the three dots menu → Settings
2. Go to Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
3. Choose your preferred cookie settings

5.2 Mozilla Firefox

1. Click the menu button → Settings
2. Select Privacy & Security
3. Under Cookies and Site Data, choose your settings

5.3 Safari

1. Go to Safari → Preferences
2. Click Privacy
3. Select your cookie preferences

5.4 Microsoft Edge

1. Click the three dots menu → Settings
2. Go to Cookies and site permissions
3. Select Manage and delete cookies and site data

Note: Disabling cookies may affect your browsing experience and some website functionality may not work properly.

6. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our website are set by third-party services:

6.1 Google Analytics

• Purpose: Website analytics and performance measurement
• Data collected: Anonymous usage statistics
• Privacy policy: Google Privacy Policy
• Opt-out: Google Analytics Opt-out

6.2 Social Media Platforms

• Facebook: Social sharing and advertising pixels
• LinkedIn: Professional network integration
• Twitter: Social media sharing and engagement

These platforms may set their own cookies when you interact with embedded content or sharing buttons.

7. Mobile Apps and Devices

If you access our content through mobile apps or devices, similar tracking technologies may be used:

• Mobile advertising identifiers (IDFA on iOS, GAID on Android)
• Device fingerprinting for security purposes
• App-specific analytics and performance monitoring

You can manage these through your device settings or app preferences.

8. Data Protection and Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect cookie data:

• Encryption of sensitive cookie information
• Secure transmission using HTTPS
• Regular security audits and updates
• Limited access to cookie data by authorised personnel only

9. International Data Transfers

Some cookies may involve transferring data to countries outside the UK/EEA:

• We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place
• Third-party services comply with data protection standards
• Transfers are made under adequacy decisions or standard contractual clauses

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:

• Changes in our cookie usage
• New technologies or services
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• User feedback and industry best practices

We will notify you of significant changes through our website or email newsletter.

11. Contact Information

For questions about this Cookie Policy or to exercise your rights, contact us: