Last updated 23 February 2021
Cookies and similar technologies
What are cookies and similar technologies? These are technologies that enable us to store information, or access information stored, on your device such as your computer or smartphone.
- Cookies are small text files sent to or accessed by your web browser which will enable you to navigate our online services and features but also enable us to measure and improve engagement with our audiences. They are used to recognise returning users by siting on your device and making themselves known when you access our systems.
- Pixels or tags are tiny graphics files that are downloaded when you interact with our services. This will then alert us that you have opened an email, clicked on content or other action. These are typically used to capture interaction information and measure the relevance of our content.
- Tracking URLs are custom generated links that help us understand where web traffic comes from.
- Local storage is used to more efficiently manage the temporary storage of information that allows you to access our services on your device.
- Digital fingerprint is used to recognise your device based on your device & browser data without relying on cookies. For this purpose, our partner Altura Advertising may collect your IP address, monitor settings, type of browser and operating system to create a unique serial number which constitutes a digital “fingerprint”.
Why do we use cookies and similar technologies?
Like most organisations with online presence, we use the following cookies and similar technologies to:
- provide our services which is not possible without certain essential cookies;
- remember your settings and preferences to improve your experience, speed up your searches and recognise you when you return to our service; understand our online traffic through analytics tools; personalise our marketing and advertising; and connect you with our social media features.
To accomplish this, we will, in certain cases, also link information from cookies and similar technologies with personal data held about you.
Whose cookies and similar technologies are deployed in connection with my device?
We will deploy cookies and similar technologies ourselves. However, our services may also include cookies and similar technologies deployed by third parties.
For example, third party cookies will enable providers to find out how you used our services and combine that information with other third party information. Advertising cookies deployed by third-party service providers remember your browsing activity and group together your interests which they know, observe or infer to send you personalised ads. Such personalisation is only possible because of profiling carried out with information collected through cookies and similar technologies. This may include your preferences, characteristics, behaviour and attitudes. We manage our ads through a variety of digital marketing networks and advertisement exchanges and use a range of advertising technologies.
Acceptance
When you use our services, essential cookies and similar technologies which are required to provide our services will be automatically set on your device.
Others will also be set if you accept cookies and similar technologies by selecting your choices in the cookie banner. As already mentioned, some cookies are provided by third parties and your acceptance of cookies will extend to such third parties.
This means, for example, that if you chose to accept “Analytics” cookies we will feel encouraged to use Google Analytics and it will constitute consent for Google to deploy its cookies which collect statistical information about how users interact with our services.
How long are cookies used?
The lifespan of each cookie may differ. We use both session and persistent cookies. Session cookies only last until you close your browser. Persistent cookies aren’t automatically deleted when you close your browser and they recognise returning users.
Refusing cookies
You do not have to accept cookies (apart from the essential ones), but without accepting them the functionality of our services will be reduced. We participate in the IAB Europe Transparency & Consent Framework (“TCF”) and operate a Consent Management Platform which helps us to comply with the cookies consent requirements. You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking “Change privacy settings” and mark your new choices.
While we try to ensure that your choices are fully respected, this may not always be possible, particularly where third parties are involved. For example, if you do not agree to “Social Media” cookies but you still interact with our Instagram plugins in our services, Facebook may set certain essential and non- essential cookies outside our control. As discussed below, you should read Facebook’s privacy notice for more detail.
For this reason, aside from relying on our cookie settings, please also consider:
- turning off the automatic download feature in your browser, as described at allaboutcookies.org; opting out from online interest-based advertising from companies that participate in opt-out programs through the Digital Advertising Alliance, the Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance, Appchoices or Network Advertising Initiative. We do not participate but some of our advertising partners may do; and opting out from third party services that deploy cookies and similar technologies, such as Google Analytics, by visiting www.google.com/settings/ ads or by downloading the opt-out add-on at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
What happens if I disable cookies?
By disabling cookies, you may experience a reduced service. For example, opting out of the placement of advertising cookies does not necessarily mean that you will not see advertisements – it means you won’t see personalised advertising.
Note that if you delete or clear cookies on your device, the next time you visit our website our cookie consent banner will reappear, and you will need to select your preferences again. Remember that if you change your settings to exclude cookies in your browser or device but later request services by interacting with our service features (e.g. you click on a social media plug- in on our website), this may override your browser or device settings.
Sharing your information
We will share your information where it is lawful, necessary and proportionate to do so with (i) our third party service providers who may process personal data on our behalf, (ii) our marketing and analytics partners deploying cookies and similar technologies in our services and other partners, as explained above,
(iii) our affiliated companies for the purposes set out above, (iv) persons or authorities where we are compelled by law or responsible practices, (v) to the relevant entity in case of a merger, acquisition or collaboration, and (vi) other third parties where you have provided your consent.
Third parties may process your information
Our services may contain links to other websites, third party services, such as Twitter and Instagram and plugins. You should check the privacy statements of these third party providers before you use them as we are not responsible for how they may process your personal data.
How long is your information kept?
We will keep your personal information for as long as is necessary for the purposes listed above or longer, as may be required by law. Generally, we will keep your personal information for 6 years from collection. However, in practice the retention period will likely be shorter if the information is no longer needed or longer if required for lawful purposes.
After the retention period, your personal data will either be securely deleted or anonymised and it may be used for analytical purposes. You must back up your data if you wish to keep it for longer.
How do we secure your information?
We maintain appropriate organisational and technological safeguards to help protect against unauthorised use, access to or accidental loss, alteration or destruction of the personal data we hold. We also seek to ensure our third-party service providers do the same.
We will endeavour to use the least amount of personal data as is required for each purpose. We will employ pseudonymisation and anonymisation techniques, where appropriate.
Our staff will access your personal data on a “need to know” basis.
Where is your information processed?
We may transfer your personal data to our affiliated companies, suppliers and other third parties in countries different to your country of residence.
Generally, your information is held in the United Kingdom and the EEA.
We will comply with applicable rules about international transfer of personal data.
Opt-out
If you would like us to stop sending you marketing communications and to process your personal data for direct marketing purposes, please let us know.
You can request to stop receiving our marketing communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of each marketing message.
Contact us
Please contact us at contactus@pubitygroup.com if you have any queries or concerns about how we use your personal data. We will try to resolve your query without undue delay.
Updates
If we make any changes to our notice you will be able to see them on this page. You should regularly check for updates, as indicated by the “Last updated” date at the top.
If you do not agree with the changes, please do not continue to use our website or services. Of course, if any such changes significantly affect you, we will ask for your prior consent where we are required to do so by law.