Cookies are usually small text files, given ID tags that are
stored on your computer's browser directory or program data
sub-folders. Cookies are created when you use your browser to
visit a website that uses cookies to keep track of your movements
within the site, help you resume where you left off, remember
your registered login, theme selection, preferences, and other
customization functions.The website stores a corresponding
file(with same ID tag)to the one they set in your browser and in
this file they can track and keep information on your movements
within the site and any information you may have voluntarily
given while visiting the website, such as email address.
Cookies are often indispensable for websites that have huge
databases, need logins, have customizable themes, other advanced
features.
Cookies usually don't contain much information except for the
url of the website that created the cookie, the duration of the
cookie's abilities and effects, and a random number. Due to the
little amount of information a cookie contains, it usually cannot
be used to reveal your identity or personally identifying
information.However, marketing is becoming increasingly
sophisticated and cookies in some cases can be aggressively used
to create a profile of your surfing habits.
There are two types of cookies: session cookies and persistent
cookies. Session cookies are created temporarily in your
browser's subfolder while you are visiting a website. Once you
leave the site, the session cookie is deleted. On the other hand,
persistent cookie files remain in your browser's sub-folder and
are activated again once you visit the website that created that
particular cookie. A persistent cookie remains in the browser's
sub-folder for the duration period set within the cookie's file.
You can find further information about cookies;[b]here. For more
information from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
regarding cookies;[c]read
more here.
Exemptions from the right to refuse a cookie
The Regulations specify that service providers should not have
to provide the information and obtain consent where that device
is to be used:
for the sole purpose of carrying out or facilitating the
transmission of a communication over an electronic
communications network; or
where such storage or access is strictly necessary to
provide an information society service requested by the
subscriber or user.
In defining an 'information society service' the Electronic
Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002 refer to 'any service
normally provided for remuneration, at a distance, by means of
electronic equipment for the processing (including digital
compression) and storage of data, and at the individual request
of a recipient of a service'.
The term 'strictly necessary' means that such storage of or
access to information should be essential, rather than reasonably
necessary, for this exemption to apply. However, it will also be
restricted to what is essential to provide the service requested
by the user, rather than what might be essential for any other
uses the service provider might wish to make of that data. It
will also include what is required to comply with any other
legislation the service provider might be subject to, for
example, the security requirements of the seventh data protection
principle.
Where the use of a cookie type device is deemed 'important'
rather than 'strictly necessary', those collecting the
information are still obliged to provide information about the
device to the potential service recipient and obtain consent.
Our use of Cookies on this site
Cookies are used in one of two ways:
Google Analytics - Google Analytics place a cookie on your
computer. We use Google Analytics to track your usage of
the site. This information is only available to us and
our web developers and is kept as aggregate data by
Google. We have no access to your identity through this
mechanism. By knowing how this site is used and what
technology is used we are able to make improvements to
the site.
Third Party applications - third party content on
this site such as google,paypal and microsoft may place a cookie on
your computer. We have no control over
whether they do so or not.
Click on 'Setting' at the browser menu and select
'Settings'
Select ;Quick Preferences;
To 'enable' cookies: check 'Enable
Cookies'
To 'disable' cookies: uncheck 'Enable
Cookies'
Note there are various levels of cookie enablement and
disablement in Opera. For more information on other
cookie settings offered in Opera, refer to the following
page from Opera Software:[m]http://www.opera.com/browser/tutorials/security/privacy/
Safari on OSX
Click on 'Safari' at the menu bar and select the
'Preferences' option
Click on 'Security'
To 'enable' cookies: In the 'Accept
cookies' section select 'Only from site you navigate to'
To 'disable' cookies: In the 'Accept
cookies' section select 'Never'
Note there are various levels of cookie enablement and
disablement in Safari.
All other browsers
Please look for a 'help' function in the browser or
contact the browser provider.