Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies

Definition and Basic Function

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet or mobile phone) when you visit websites. When you return to a website, the cookie is transmitted back to the website's server, allowing the website to remember information about you and your visit. Cookies typically contain information such as website preferences, login information, tracking identifiers and browsing history.

Cookie Characteristics

Cookies vary in duration and scope. Some cookies (session cookies) exist only while you are browsing and are deleted when you close your browser. Other cookies (persistent cookies) remain stored on your device for extended periods ranging from days to years. Cookies are domain-specific, meaning cookies created by one website cannot be accessed by other websites. Cookies are commonly categorised by function including essential cookies (required for website functionality), preference cookies (remembering your choices), analytical cookies (tracking usage patterns) and advertising cookies (displaying targeted content).

Similar Tracking Technologies

Beyond traditional cookies, websites may use similar technologies including web beacons (small invisible images that track visits), pixels (similar tracking technology), local storage (client-side data storage), and fingerprinting (identifying devices based on characteristics). This policy applies to cookies and functionally equivalent technologies.

2. Cookies We Use

Essential Website Cookies

Essential cookies are absolutely necessary for website functionality. These cookies enable basic functions such as page navigation, access to secure areas and form completion. Without essential cookies, the website would not function properly. You cannot disable essential cookies without preventing website functionality.

Preference and Functionality Cookies

Preference cookies remember your choices and preferences to enhance your browsing experience. These cookies are not essential but significantly improve website usability.

Analytics and Performance Cookies

Analytics cookies collect information about how visitors use our website including pages visited, time spent on pages, search terms used and referring websites. This information helps us understand visitor behaviour, identify popular content and improve website design. Analytics data is anonymised and aggregated to prevent identification of individual visitors.

Advertising and Marketing Cookies

Tech Support UK Ltd does not currently use advertising or marketing cookies to display targeted advertisements. We do not participate in third-party advertising networks or use cookies for advertising purposes. However, if we implement such cookies in future, they will be optional and require explicit consent before use.

Third-Party Cookies

In addition to cookies we set directly, our website may include content or services from third parties that set their own cookies. Third-party cookies might be set by services such as contact form providers, content delivery networks or embedded content. We have limited control over third-party cookies. Third parties are responsible for their cookie practices and should maintain compliance with applicable regulations. For detailed information about third-party cookies, please consult third parties' privacy policies.

3. Legal Basis for Cookie Use

Compliance with Privacy Regulations

Cookie use is regulated under UK GDPR, ePrivacy Regulations, Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations and related legislation. Under these regulations, websites must obtain user consent before using non-essential cookies.

Essential Cookies - No Consent Required

Essential cookies necessary for website functionality and security do not require prior consent. These cookies are exempt from consent requirements as they are necessary for the purposes for which users access the website.

Optional Cookies - Consent Required

Optional cookies including preference cookies, analytics cookies and advertising cookies require explicit user consent before being placed. Consent is obtained through cookie consent mechanisms on the website. Users may withdraw consent at any time through cookie preference settings.

Legitimate Interests

Some optional cookies are used based on our legitimate business interests in understanding website usage and improving website design. Even where legitimate interests apply, we obtain user consent for optional cookies to ensure transparency and respect user autonomy.

4. Cookie Management and Control

Browser Cookie Settings

You can control cookies through your web browser settings. Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or alert you when a cookie is being set. Different browsers have different procedures for managing cookies. Typically, cookie settings can be accessed through browser settings, preferences or privacy settings menus. Instructions for popular browsers include:

• Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings > Privacy, search and services > Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox: Preferences > Privacy and Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Apple Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data

Website Cookie Consent Controls

Our website provides cookie consent controls allowing you to manage cookie preferences. When you first visit our website, a cookie consent banner or notice may display explaining cookie use. You can accept all cookies, accept only essential cookies, or access detailed cookie settings to manage specific categories. Your cookie preferences are stored as a cookie, allowing the website to respect your choices on subsequent visits.

Changing Cookie Preferences

You may change your cookie preferences at any time by accessing cookie settings on our website or modifying your browser settings. If you disable cookies, some website features may not function properly. Disabling essential cookies may prevent access to certain website areas or services.

Withdrawing Consent

You can withdraw consent for optional cookies at any time through cookie preference settings. Withdrawing consent stops future cookie placement but does not delete cookies already stored. Deleting cookies requires browser settings or manual deletion.

Opt-Out Tools

If we use Google Analytics, you may use the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on to prevent data collection. Similar opt-out tools may be available for other analytics services. Visit opt-out tools on analytics service websites for detailed instructions.

5. Do Not Track Signals

Do Not Track (DNT) Requests

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" feature allowing you to signal your preference not to be tracked. Web standards for DNT are still developing and not universally adopted. Our website currently does not respond differently to DNT signals, though we respect user privacy preferences and do not track users for advertising purposes.

Respecting Privacy Preferences

While we do not specifically implement DNT, we respect user privacy through multiple mechanisms including optional cookie consent, preference controls and limited tracking. We encourage you to use our cookie management tools and browser settings to control your privacy preferences.

6. Data Retention and Deletion

Cookie Retention Periods

Different cookies have different retention periods ranging from session-based (deleted when you close your browser) to persistent (stored for weeks, months or longer). Specific retention periods for each cookie are described in the cookie inventory table above.

Deleting Cookies

You may delete cookies from your device using browser settings. Most browsers allow you to delete all cookies or delete cookies for specific websites. Deleting cookies removes the stored data; the website may place new cookies when you visit subsequently if you have not disabled cookie placement.

Data Retention Policies

Data collected through cookies is retained according to our Privacy Policy and applicable legal requirements. Analytical data is typically retained for 26 months before anonymisation. Session data is deleted automatically when sessions end. You can request deletion of retained data through our Privacy Policy request processes.

7. International Considerations

UK GDPR Compliance

All cookie practices comply with UK GDPR requirements for lawful data processing and explicit consent for non-essential cookies. Cookie data is processed according to our Privacy Policy and legal basis requirements.

Geographic Scope

This Cookie Policy applies to all users regardless of geographic location. Users visiting from any location are subject to the same cookie practices and consent requirements.

8. Changes to Cookie Policy

Policy Updates

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in cookie technology, new tracking methods, regulatory requirements or operational changes. Updates become effective when posted to our website. We recommend reviewing this policy periodically to remain informed of cookie practices.

Notification of Changes

For significant changes to cookie practices, we may provide additional notice such as prominent website notification or direct communication to cookies previously collected email addresses. Your continued use of our website following policy changes constitutes acceptance of updated cookie practices.

9. Contact and Support

Cookie Questions

If you have questions about our cookie practices, how to manage cookies or concerns about cookie tracking, please contact:

Privacy Complaints

If you believe our cookie practices violate your privacy rights, you may lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). The ICO is the UK's independent data protection authority. Visit www.ico.org.uk for more information about privacy complaints.

10. Additional Resources

Related Policies

For comprehensive information about how we handle personal data, please review our Privacy Policy. For website usage terms, please review our Terms and Conditions.

External Resources

For more information about cookies and online privacy, visit:

• Information Commissioner's Office (ICO): www.ico.org.uk - UK data protection authority
• All About Cookies: www.allaboutcookies.org - Cookie information resource
• Your Online Choices: www.youronlinechoices.eu - Advertising cookie preferences

Effective Date and Document Control

This Cookie Policy is effective from 1 January 2026. We reserve the right to update this policy at any time. The most current version is always available on our website.