What is a website cookie?
Almost every website in the world uses "cookies".
Cookies are small files of information that are provided by websites to be stored on the computer of people who visit the website. Cookies normally hold a small amount of information related to the website. They allow a website to do things like remember your login for a website or deliver content tailored to you and your preferences.
How long do cookies last?
When you visit a website, your web browser stores these cookies for a predetermined period or just for the duration of your session on the website. The next time your web browser makes requests to the same website, your web browser can include the relevant cookies to improve your experience with that site.
Here's how long cookies last:
1. User Session cookies: Session cookies contain a unique string that associates your website activity with your specific session. For example, when you log in to an ecommerce site, a session cookie saves you from having to login again even time to progress to another page within that website.
2. Personalisation cookies: These cookies help websites remember visitor actions and preferences, allowing for a customised experience. For example, if you log out of a site, your username can be stored in a cookie, making it easier to log in next time.
3. Tracking cookies: Some cookies record the websites you visit, aiding in analytics. For example, a tracking cookie can let a website know how often you visit that site each month and potentially help the website owner identify instances where someone is trying to harm or abuse the site.
Why do some websites display a cookie warning?
In May 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) went into effect in Europe. The GDPR is a European Union regulation on information privacy within the European Economic Area. The GDPR is a component of EU privacy law and human rights law, in particular Article 8 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The privacy law is designed to make sure users are aware of the data that companies collect about them, and to give them a chance to consent to sharing it. It requires companies operating in the European Union to be transparent about what information they’re gathering and why. Individuals get the right to access all their personal data, control access and use of it, and have it deleted if they wish.
The GDPR says that to the extent that cookies are used to identify users, they qualify as personal data and are subject to the GDPR, which means companies need to get consent for them or otherwise have what regulators deem a “legitimate interest.” After the GDPR went into effect, a lot of websites started displaying cookie notifications to ensure they were compliant with the GDPR in the European Union.
What types of cookies might be used by websites on the Sporty platform?
Sporty uses some of its own cookies for site functionality (such as to allow a website editor to remain logged in as you move between pages) and to remember your preferences for some website widgets. Cookies from Sporty are normally https and only http if they don't contain any sensitive data.
Sporty may also use some third-party cookies such as from Facebook.com, Google Analytics, Elfsite.com, and Doubleclick.net. This is consistent with our published Privacy Policy.
Can visitors to a Sporty website delete their cookies if they wish?
Yes. Sometimes you may want to clear your cookies because they are storing incorrect login details, or they are preventing you from seeing a change to your site. Because cookies are generated and stored in your web browser, there are different instructions on how to clear cookies depending on what browser you are using.
Clear cookies in:
Someone is suggesting our website is somehow insecure due to cookies. What should we do?
If you believe the concern is legitimate and not motivated by self-interest of the person, then ask them to provide specific details of which cookies concern them and why, then email this feedback to support@sportsground.com and one of our technical team will investigate and respond for you.
Where can I learn more about Data Security on the Sporty platform?
Please take a moment to read this article in relation to data security.