Cookie Policy
Effective Date: January 1, 2025 | Last Updated:
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better experience by:
- Remembering your preferences and settings
- Keeping you signed in securely
- Understanding how you use our website
- Improving our services based on usage patterns
2. Legal Basis for Using Cookies
Under UK and EU law, we must obtain your consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device. We comply with:
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) - EU Regulation 2016/679
- UK GDPR - As incorporated into UK law
- PECR (Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations) - UK regulations on cookies
- ePrivacy Directive - EU Directive 2002/58/EC
3. Types of Cookies We Use
| Category | Purpose | Examples | Duration | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Necessary | Essential for website functionality, security, and accessibility |
• session_id (maintains your session) • csrf_token (security protection) • cookie_consent (stores your preferences) |
Session or up to 12 months | Legitimate Interest (GDPR Art. 6(1)(f)) |
| Functional | Remember choices you make to improve your experience |
• language_preference • theme_settings • accessibility_options |
Up to 12 months | Consent (GDPR Art. 6(1)(a)) |
| Analytics | Help us understand how visitors use our website |
• _ga (Google Analytics) • _gid (Google Analytics) • usage_statistics |
Up to 24 months | Consent (GDPR Art. 6(1)(a)) |
| Marketing | Track visitors across websites to display relevant ads |
• _fbp (Facebook Pixel) • _gcl_au (Google Ads) • marketing_campaign |
Up to 90 days | Consent (GDPR Art. 6(1)(a)) |
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages. We cannot control these cookies directly. Third-party cookies may include:
- Google Analytics - Website analytics service (Privacy Policy)
- YouTube - Video embedding service (Privacy Policy)
- Social Media Plugins - For sharing content
5. Your Rights Under UK & EU Law
You have the following rights regarding cookies:
- Right to Withdraw Consent - You can withdraw your consent at any time
- Right to Object - You can object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Right to Access - You can request information about cookies we use
- Right to Erasure - You can request deletion of cookie data
- Right to Data Portability - You can request your data in a portable format
6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You can manage your cookie preferences in several ways:
Through Our Cookie Settings
Click the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer or the button below to manage your preferences:
7. Consequences of Disabling Cookies
Please note that disabling certain cookies may impact your experience:
- Necessary Cookies: Cannot be disabled as they are essential for the website to function
- Functional Cookies: Disabling may result in loss of personalization features
- Analytics Cookies: Disabling prevents us from understanding how to improve our services
- Marketing Cookies: Disabling may result in seeing less relevant advertisements
8. Data Retention
Cookie data is retained for the following periods:
- Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent Cookies: Retained for the period specified in the table above
- Consent Records: Retained for 12 months or until you update your preferences
9. International Data Transfers
Some of our third-party cookie providers may transfer data outside the UK/EEA. Where this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:
- Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the EU Commission
- UK International Data Transfer Agreement (IDTA)
- Adequacy decisions by the UK government or EU Commission
10. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we will:
- Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
- Request renewed consent where required by law
- Notify you through a prominent notice on our website
11. Contact Information
For questions about our use of cookies or to exercise your rights:
Data Protection Officer
SpeakToUsNow Support Team
Email: privacy@speaktousnow.com
Phone: [Your Phone Number]
Address: [Your Company Address]
Supervisory Authorities:
UK: Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Website: ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113
EU: Your local Data Protection Authority
Find your authority: EDPB Members