Cookie Policy for Ancient Britain Archaeological Index
Last Updated: [Date]
Website: AncientBritainIndex.com
This Cookie Policy explains how Ancient Britain Archaeological Index ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website, AncientBritainIndex.com (the "Site"). This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which provides further details on how we process personal data.
By using our Site, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time through our cookie consent tool or your browser settings.
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 to 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).
We also use similar technologies such as web beacons, pixels, and local storage (e.g., HTML5), which function similarly to cookies. For simplicity, we refer to all these technologies collectively as "cookies" in this policy.
2. Why We Use Cookies
We use cookies for several legitimate purposes, including:
- Essential Operation: To enable basic functions of the Site, such as page navigation, access to secure areas, and maintaining user sessions.
- Performance and Analytics: To understand how visitors interact with our Site, collect information about traffic and usage patterns, and help us improve its performance and content. This data is aggregated and anonymous.
- Functionality: To enhance your experience by remembering your preferences (like language or region) and settings.
- Limited Advertising/Marketing: To measure the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns and, potentially, to display relevant archaeological content or academic resources on third-party sites. We do not engage in extensive behavioural advertising.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
The table below details the categories of cookies we use and their purposes.
3.1. Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the Site to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block these cookies, but some parts of the Site may not work.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| cookie_consent | AncientBritainIndex.com | Stores your consent preferences for cookie categories. | 1 year |
| PHPSESSID | AncientBritainIndex.com | Maintains user session state across page requests (if applicable). | Session |
3.2. Performance / Analytics Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources to measure and improve Site performance. They help us know which pages are popular and how visitors move around the Site. All information is aggregated and anonymous.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Registers a unique ID used to generate statistical data on how the visitor uses the Site. | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Registers a unique ID used to generate statistical data on how the visitor uses the Site. | 24 hours |
| _gat | Google Analytics | Used to throttle request rate to Google Analytics. | 1 minute |
We use Google Analytics with IP anonymization enabled. Your IP address is truncated before being sent to Google servers.
3.3. Functionality Cookies
These cookies enable the Site to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation, such as remembering your preferred view settings (e.g., map or list view for archaeological sites).
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| site_preferences | AncientBritainIndex.com | Stores user interface preferences (e.g., display density, default map zoom). | 1 year |
3.4. Targeting / Advertising Cookies
We use these on a very limited basis, primarily for retargeting campaigns related to academic conferences, publications, or relevant archaeological services. They may be set by our advertising partners.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _fbp | Meta (Facebook) | Used by Facebook to deliver a series of advertisement products, such as real-time bidding from third-party advertisers. | 3 months |
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages, such as embedded maps (e.g., from Ordnance Survey or OpenStreetMap), video players, or social sharing buttons. We do not control the setting of these third-party cookies. We endeavour to use privacy-enhanced modes where available. We recommend you consult the respective privacy policies of these third parties for more information.
- Embedded Maps: May use cookies to remember display settings.
- YouTube/Vimeo (if embedded): May use cookies for tracking views and preferences.
- Academic Publishing Platforms (e.g., JSTOR links): May set cookies for referral tracking.
5. How to Manage Cookies
You have the right to choose whether to accept cookies. You can exercise this right through the following means:
5.1. Cookie Consent Tool
Upon your first visit, you were presented with a cookie consent banner. You can revisit and change your preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" or "Manage Consent" link, typically found in the website footer.
5.2. Browser Controls
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can set your browser to refuse all or some cookies, or to alert you when websites set or access cookies. Please note that blocking all cookies may impair the functionality of our Site and many others.
To manage cookies in your browser, please refer to the following guides:
5.3. Third-Party Opt-Outs
For analytics and advertising cookies set by specific providers:
- Google Analytics: You can opt-out by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
- Meta (Facebook): You can adjust your Facebook Ad Preferences within your Facebook account.
- For other third-party advertising networks, you can visit Your Online Choices (EU) or the Digital Advertising Alliance (US).
6. Data Transfers and International Visitors
Our Site is hosted and operated within the United Kingdom. However, some third-party service providers (like Google) may process data in other countries, including the United States. When we transfer your data outside the UK, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place as required by UK data protection law (the UK GDPR).
7. Your Data Protection Rights (UK GDPR)
Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), you have rights regarding your personal data. Since cookies can process personal data (like IP addresses), these rights apply where relevant. They include:
- Right of Access: You can request access to the personal data we hold about you.
- Right to Rectification: You can request correction of inaccurate data.
- Right to Erasure: You can request deletion of your personal data.
- Right to Restrict Processing: You can request we limit how we use your data.
- Right to Object: You can object to processing based on legitimate interests.
- Right to Data Portability: You can request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format.
- Rights related to automated decision-making: We do not engage in automated decision-making with cookies.
To exercise these rights in relation to data collected via cookies, please contact us using the details in Section 9. We may need to verify your identity before responding.
8. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our practices. We will post the updated policy on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
9. Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:
Data Controller: Ancient Britain Archaeological Index
Email: privacy@ancientbritainindex.com
Postal Address: [Your Registered or Correspondence Address, UK]
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK supervisory authority, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).