Cookie Policy for Scientific Britain: The Enlightenment Archive
Last Updated: [Date]
Website: ScientificBritain.com
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how Scientific Britain: The Enlightenment Archive ("we", "us", "our") uses them on ScientificBritain.com (the "Site"), and your choices regarding their use. By using our Site, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer, smartphone, or other device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to the site owners. Cookies can be "persistent" (remaining on your device for a set period or until deleted) or "session" (deleted when you close your browser).
2. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies for several purposes, which are categorized as follows:
- Essential/Strictly Necessary Cookies: These are required for the operation of our Site. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You cannot disable these cookies without affecting Site functionality.
- Performance/Analytics Cookies: These allow us to count visits and traffic sources to measure and improve Site performance. They help us understand which pages are popular and how visitors move around the Site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and anonymous.
- Functionality/Preference Cookies: These enable the Site to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation, such as remembering your display preferences (e.g., language, region) or login details (if applicable).
- Targeting/Advertising Cookies: These cookies may be set by our advertising partners to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other sites. They work by uniquely identifying your browser and device.
3. Specific Cookies We Use
The table below details the cookies we use on ScientificBritain.com.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Type & Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| sb_session | ScientificBritain.com | Essential session cookie for site security and stability. | Session |
| sb_consent | ScientificBritain.com | Stores your cookie consent preferences. | Persistent (1 year) |
| _ga | Google Analytics | Used to distinguish unique users for performance analytics. | Persistent (2 years) |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Used to distinguish users for performance analytics. | Persistent (24 hours) |
| _gat | Google Analytics | Used to throttle request rate for performance. | Persistent (1 minute) |
| pll_language | ScientificBritain.com | Remembers your selected language preference. | Persistent (1 year) |
Note: This list is non-exhaustive and may be updated. Third-party services (like social media plugins) may also place cookies. We do not control these third-party cookies; please refer to their respective privacy policies.
4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
For users in the European Economic Area (EEA) and the United Kingdom, our use of cookies is based on the following legal grounds under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and UK GDPR:
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for the performance of a contract (i.e., providing the Site services you request) and for our legitimate interests in maintaining a secure and functional website.
- Non-Essential Cookies (Performance, Functionality, Targeting): We rely on your consent as the legal basis for processing personal data collected via these cookies. You provide this consent via our cookie banner/consent management tool.
5. Your Cookie Choices and Controls
You have the right to accept, reject, or manage cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can modify your browser settings to decline cookies or alert you when a cookie is being placed. Please note that disabling essential cookies may prevent parts of the Site from working correctly.
- Browser Settings: You can manage cookies through your browser settings. Guides for common browsers:
- Consent Management: Upon your first visit, you will be presented with a cookie consent banner allowing you to accept all, reject all non-essential, or customise your cookie preferences. You can revisit and change these preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in the Site footer.
- Third-Party Opt-Outs: For analytics and advertising cookies:
- Google Analytics: You can opt-out via the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
- For interest-based advertising, visit Your Online Choices (EU) or the Digital Advertising Alliance (US).
6. Data Sharing and International Transfers
Data collected via cookies may be shared with and processed by:
- Service Providers: Trusted third parties who assist us in Site operations and analytics (e.g., Google Analytics). These partners are contractually bound to use data only for the services we request and in compliance with data protection laws.
- Legal Obligations: Where required by law, regulation, or legal process.
As some service providers are based outside the UK/EEA (e.g., Google in the USA), your data may be transferred internationally. We ensure such transfers are protected by appropriate safeguards, such as the EU Standard Contractual Clauses or the UK International Data Transfer Agreement.
7. Data Retention
Personal data collected via cookies is retained only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law. Cookie duration varies (see Section 3). Persistent cookies are automatically removed on their expiry date or can be manually deleted by you.
8. Your Data Protection Rights (GDPR/UK GDPR)
Under data protection law, you have rights including:
- Right of Access: To request copies of your personal data.
- Right to Rectification: To request correction of inaccurate data.
- Right to Erasure: To request deletion of your personal data.
- Right to Restrict Processing: To request limitation of how we use your data.
- Right to Object to Processing: To object to our processing of your data.
- Right to Data Portability: To request transfer of your data to another organisation.
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on consent, you can withdraw it at any time via cookie settings.
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 10. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, such as the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
9. Policy Updates
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in technology, law, or our practices. The "Last Updated" date at the top will be revised. We encourage you to review this page regularly. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us:
Data Controller: Scientific Britain: The Enlightenment Archive
Email: privacy@scientificbritain.com
Postal Address: [Insert Registered/Correspondence Address]