Types of Cookies
Cookies are small files that are sent from a website's server to your web browser and are then stored on the device of the person visiting the website. They're primarily used to:
- Help customise a website.
- Help a visitor navigate through a website.
- Improve the visitor's experience.
- Store a visitor's preferences and log-in information.
Cookies can either be Essential or Non-Essential.
Essential cookies
Essential Cookies are automatically placed on your computer or device when you access a website or take certain actions on a website. These Cookies are used only to transmit the data online and are strictly necessary to make a website operational. Examples of essential Cookies include:
- Session Cookies that keep users logged in as they navigate the website.
- Persistent Cookies that save customized preferences for the users.
- Cookies that keep a shopping basket saved during the checkout process.
Non-Essential cookies
These are all the other kinds of Cookies that do not fall under the definition of essential Cookies. Non-essential Cookies and other technologies are only placed on the user's device if the user has given consent to do so. Examples of non-essential Cookies include:
- Cookies left by analytics tools such as Google Analytics.
- Advertising trackers such as Facebook Pixel.
- Cookies left by any third-part widgets or embedded content.
Regulatory Requirement
The Privacy & Electronic Communications Regulations ('PECR') provides that any website that deposits Cookies on the visitor's device must clearly explain to the visitor what these Cookies do and why, in the form of a Cookie Banner.
In addition, if a website places non-essential Cookies, the Cookie banner must obtain the visitor's consent and provide them with the opportunity to opt-out before they're placed on the visitor's device.
