Cookies

On May 26^th 2011 The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations changed.

One of the changes applies to the use of cookies.

The new rules state

6 (1) Subject to paragraph (4), a person shall not store or gain

access to information stored, in the terminal equipment of a subscriber

or user unless the requirements of paragraph (2) are met.

(2) The requirements are that the subscriber or user of that terminal

equipment--

(a) is provided with clear and comprehensive information about the

purposes of the storage of, or access to, that information; and

(b)

has given his or her consent.

(3) Where an electronic communications network is used by the

same person to store or access information in the terminal equipment

of a subscriber or user on more than one occasion, it is sufficient for

the purposes of this regulation that the requirements of paragraph (2)

are met in respect of the initial use.

“(3A) For the purposes of paragraph (2), consent may be signified by a

subscriber who amends or sets controls on the internet browser which

the subscriber uses or by using another application or programme to

signify consent.

(4) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the technical storage of, or

access to, information--

(a) for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a

communication over an electronic communications network; or

(b) where such storage or access is strictly necessary for the

provision of an information society service requested by the subscriber

or user.

This document should inform you about our use of cookies. In also informing you about tracking and browser configuration, we will take use of our site as acceptance that you have configured your browser to your satisfaction, and that our use of cookies is acceptable to you.

So ...

Do sites on this server attempt to put cookies on your machine	YES
Do third party servers linked/embedded in sites on this server attempt to put cookies on your machine	YES

Why does this site use cookies?

Cookies that we set are used for a variety of reasons including:- tracking your browsing of our site so that we can identify our most used pages, when you visited the pages, authenticate you with our systems, and also help us to identify your individual preferences for our sites (themes etc) so that the sites work as you've chosen. The cookies that we set should expire when you end your browser session or clear your cookies, ie there should be no persistence of the cookies. We don't pass our cookie information on to others. Third party cookies will allow a third party to track your browsing across multiple domains, and perhaps link this information to personal identity. We do not seek to identify individual browsing, except on this site for statistical reporting of interest in our content. In terms of GDPR the cookies that we set are unique identifies, but while they can track individuals, they specifically track individual browsers. If you are unhappy about being tracked by our use of cookies, then you should not access our site, and should delete all browser cookies manually.

Your Privacy

This website is hosted at the University of Strathclyde, it gathers and uses information from the website and other relevant technologies to improve and enhance your website experience. When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalised web experience. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.

Why do third party sites use cookies?

Predominantly third party cookies are used to track people as they visit multiple sites, so that targeted advertising may be served to them. Changing this behaviour is outwith the control of this server, but it's within your control.

Can you control the cookies you accept?

YES

Each browser/device is different, but in general you can set the types of cookies that you accept, and prevent cookies from being accepted from wide ranges of sites, while still allowing certain sites to leave cookies on your device.

Different browsers often support plugins that enhance your control of cookies.

If you want to find out more about cookies and how you can control them, a good place to start is http://www.grc.com/cookies/cookies.htm

(we have no affiliation to this site, but it is run and maintained by a respected security expert, and yes, the site will put cookies on your system if you do it's cookie test).

If you don't go through each of the pages available, at least call by http://www.grc.com/cookies/forensics.htm which will inform you about the type of cookies that you (via your browser) are accepting.

If you wish to avoid being tracked by cookies then it would be good practice to prevent the acceptance of third-party cookies, selectively accept cookies from first-party sites, and also delete all cookies periodically, eg when you close your browser.

Note that the tracking ability of cookies can be achieved in a number of different ways (see/listen to 'The Evercookie' podcast http://www.grc.com/securitynow.htm Episode #270). For example, flash can store persistent objects that can be used for identification, most browsers by default have no interface mechanism to delete these, however browser plugins can delete these for you.