How cookies and local storage work on our site

1. What cookies are

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They help the site remember actions, settings, and technical preferences across pages or return visits. Some cookies are session-based and disappear when you close your browser. Others stay longer so features remain consistent the next time you come back.

Spinfinderuk also uses local storage values in your browser. This works in a similar way to cookies but is managed through web storage APIs. We use this for practical settings such as age confirmation and consent memory.

2. Why we use storage technologies

We use cookies and local storage for three broad reasons. First, to make core site functions work, including age gating and user preference persistence. Second, to understand how readers use pages so we can improve navigation, content clarity, and accessibility. Third, to protect the platform by monitoring unusual behaviour patterns and basic traffic integrity indicators.

We do not use these tools to create invasive behavioural dossiers. Our focus is operational and editorial quality, not speculative user profiling.

3. Types of cookies we rely on

Essential cookies support required website functions and cannot be switched off from the site interface without affecting operation. Preference cookies remember non-sensitive settings. Analytics cookies help us understand aggregate page usage, which sections are read, and where visitors drop off. Security-related storage can help detect unusual request patterns that might indicate abuse.

At application level, our localStorage keys are named `Spinfinderuk_age` and `Spinfinderuk_cookies`. They store simple status values only. They are not used to store financial or account information.

4. Third-party cookies and tools

Some analytics and infrastructure providers may set or read identifiers under controlled conditions. We choose providers that support strong security standards and contractual data protection commitments. These providers process data to deliver analytics reporting, uptime support, or anti-abuse controls. They do not receive unrestricted permission to repurpose data for unrelated objectives under our instructions.

When you click an affiliate link, partner systems may apply tracking parameters so referral activity can be attributed. This is part of affiliate reporting and is subject to partner privacy terms on their own sites.

5. Managing and deleting cookies

You can manage cookies through browser settings at any time. Most browsers let you block all cookies, block third-party cookies, delete saved values, or receive prompts before storage is set. If you disable essential cookies or local storage, some site functions may not operate as expected, including age and consent memory.

To reset your choices on our site, you can clear browser storage for spinfinderuk.co.uk and revisit pages. You may then see the consent and age prompts again.

6. Consent choices

Where consent is required, we rely on your active selection. You can accept or decline non-essential processing using the banner controls. A record of that preference is stored locally so we do not repeatedly ask on each page load. You may change your mind later by removing stored preferences in your browser.

If you choose to decline, essential functions continue where technically possible, but analytics depth may be reduced.

7. Policy updates

We may update this policy when legal standards, technical tools, or editorial workflows change. The effective date at the top of the page reflects the latest revision. We encourage periodic review if you want to remain informed about storage practices linked to this service.

8. Contact details

For cookie-related questions, contact us at privacy@spinfinderuk.co.uk. For general site questions, use info@spinfinderuk.co.uk. If your enquiry concerns legal terms, write to legal@spinfinderuk.co.uk.