Cookie Policy
At DML (Digital Market Lounge), your privacy is important to us. Cookies and similar technologies are widely used across websites to improve functionality, enhance user experience, and provide insights into website usage. This policy explains in detail how we use cookies, why they are necessary, and how you can control them. It is designed to comply with the UK Data Protection Act, PECR, GDPR, and guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
This policy is intended for all visitors, including UK and international users. It provides clear explanations, technical details, examples, and step-by-step guidance to help you make informed choices about cookie usage on our website.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) when you visit a website. They can be classified as:
- Session cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies: Remain on your device until deleted or expired.
- First-party cookies: Set directly by our website.
- Third-party cookies: Set by external services embedded on our site.
Cookies may store non-personal data, such as your preferences, or personal data under GDPR, such as identifiers that could link to you individually. We aim to process all such data responsibly and securely.
2. Categories of Cookies We Use
DML uses cookies for various purposes. These include:
2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
Required for basic website functions, security, and navigation. Users cannot opt-out of these without affecting site functionality. Examples:
- Session ID cookies
- Security and authentication tokens
- Load balancing cookies
2.2 Performance / Analytics Cookies
Collect anonymised data to help us improve website performance. Includes Google Analytics cookies, set only after explicit consent. Examples:
- _ga – Distinguishes users (2 years)
- _gid – Distinguishes users (24 hours)
- _gat – Throttles request rate (1 minute)
2.3 Functionality Cookies
Remember choices and preferences such as language, theme, or form inputs to improve your experience.
2.4 Targeting / Advertising Cookies
Used to deliver personalised advertising based on your browsing habits. Examples include retargeting and conversion tracking cookies from Google Ads, Meta Ads, and LinkedIn Ads. Consent is required before these cookies are set.
2.5 Social Media Cookies
Enable integration with social platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, or X (Twitter) for sharing content or embedded content. Consent is required.
3. Cookie Table
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Type | Expiry | Consent Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users | Persistent | 2 years | Yes |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users | Persistent | 24 hours | Yes |
| _gat | Google Analytics | Throttles requests | Session | 1 minute | Yes |
| fr | Meta / Facebook | Ad targeting | Persistent | 3 months | Yes |
| li_gc | Ad targeting | Persistent | 2 years | Yes |
4. Third-Party Services
We may integrate third-party services for analytics, advertising, or video content. Each provider manages its own cookies. We recommend reviewing their policies:
- Google Analytics – Google Cookie Policy
- Meta Ads / Facebook – Meta Cookie Policy
- LinkedIn – LinkedIn Cookie Policy
5. Consent and Control
Non-essential cookies are only set after explicit consent via our cookie banner. You can:
- Accept all cookies
- Reject all non-essential cookies
- Customise preferences by category
Consent can be withdrawn at any time by adjusting your cookie preferences on our site or via your browser settings. Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing prior to withdrawal.
6. Managing and Deleting Cookies
You can delete or block cookies using your browser settings. Examples:
- Google Chrome: Manage cookies
- Mozilla Firefox: Manage cookies
- Safari: Manage cookies
- Microsoft Edge: Manage cookies
7. Data Protection
Any personal data collected via cookies is processed according to GDPR principles: purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity, and confidentiality. Users have rights to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing, object, and data portability.
8. Technical Details
Session cookies expire after the browser is closed.
Persistent cookies remain until the expiry date or until manually deleted.
Pixel tags / web beacons allow us to track conversions, measure traffic, and improve website content.
9. How Cookies Are Used
- Logging in and keeping your session active (strictly necessary cookie).
- Remembering language or theme preferences (functionality cookie).
- Collecting anonymous visit statistics to improve site navigation (performance cookie).
- Tracking clicks on ads to measure campaign effectiveness (targeting cookie).
- Sharing content on social media (social media cookie).
10. Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to accept cookies? No, but rejecting some may limit website functionality.
- Can I delete cookies later? Yes, via your browser settings or preferences.
- Are cookies dangerous? No, they cannot carry viruses or harm your device.
- What happens if I reject all cookies? Some features may not work, but basic navigation will still function.
11. Updates to This Policy
This policy may be updated periodically to reflect technological, regulatory, or business changes. Version history:
| Version | Date | Summary of Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 01/01/2025 | Initial policy |
| 1.1 | 01/05/2025 | Added Google Analytics consent and cookie table |
12. Contact & Complaints
For questions or concerns about this Cookie Policy or how your data is processed, please contact us via our contact form.