UKTech.news, a leading technology publication, has released a revised Cookie Policy, effective from 4 June 2025, reflecting its commitment to transparency and compliance with UK data protection regulations. The policy applies specifically to citizens and legal permanent residents of the United Kingdom and details the website’s use of cookies, scripts, web beacons, and similar technologies. This update comes amid increasing scrutiny of online tracking practices and the need for websites to provide clear, user-friendly consent mechanisms.
Understanding Cookies and Their Role
Cookies are small text files stored on a user’s device when visiting a website. They serve various purposes, from remembering login details to tracking browsing behaviour for advertising. The new policy categorises cookies into five distinct types: technical or functional, statistics, advertising, marketing/tracking, and social media. Functional cookies are essential for basic website operations, such as maintaining user preferences and ensuring shopping carts function correctly. These do not require user consent. Statistics cookies, used to analyse site usage, require permission, as do advertising and marketing cookies. Social media cookies, embedded from platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter), also fall under the tracking category and are subject to consent.
Third-Party Integrations and Data Sharing
The policy lists numerous third-party services that place cookies on UKTech.news. Google provides a range of services, including analytics, advertising, and reCAPTCHA for spam prevention. Google’s cookies store consent preferences and track user sessions. CloudFlare handles content delivery and bot filtering, while Criteo specialises in remarketing. Other notable partners include HubSpot for marketing automation, Hotjar for heatmaps and session recordings, and Snowplow for website statistics. Each service has its own privacy statement, and some share data with third parties. For instance, Google and Facebook transfer data to the United States, raising considerations about international data transfers under UK GDPR.
Consent Management and User Rights
Upon first visiting the site, users see a pop-up explaining the use of cookies. They can select which categories to allow and save their preferences. The policy notes that if JavaScript is disabled, certain consent management features, such as the TCF vendor list, may not function properly. Users have the right to withdraw consent at any time and can also disable cookies through their browser settings. However, the website warns that full disablement may impair functionality. The policy emphasises the user’s right to access, rectify, delete, or port their personal data. It also includes the right to object to processing, subject to legitimate interests. The supervisory authority in the UK is the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
Detailed Breakdown of Cookie Categories and Providers
The policy provides a comprehensive list of cookies placed by various services. For example, Google’s functional cookie google_auto_fc_cmp_setting stores consent preferences persistently. Marketing cookies from Google include __gpi, while analytics cookies such as _ga and _gid track pageviews over periods ranging from one day to two years. CloudFlare uses __cf_bm to filter bot requests, expiring after 30 minutes. Criteo’s cto_bundle lasts 13 months and supports cross-page functions. The policy also notes cookies marked as “purpose pending investigation,” indicating that some data collection practices are under review. This includes many cookies from third parties, such as those from Snowplow and a large set of miscellaneous cookies.
Implications for Data Privacy
This updated policy reflects broader industry trends toward greater transparency and user control. The inclusion of a detailed consent dashboard, vendor lists, and purpose-specific controls aligns with the principles of the UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). By allowing users to opt out of specific processing purposes, UKTech.news aims to build trust and comply with evolving legal standards. The policy also addresses the use of legitimate interest as a legal basis for certain data processing by vendors, giving users the right to object. This dual approach of consent and legitimate interest is common among publishers that rely on advertising revenue.
How to Manage Cookies
Users can adjust their cookie preferences directly through the website’s consent manager. They can also use browser settings to delete existing cookies or prevent new ones from being placed. The policy provides links to browser help sections for detailed instructions. It reminds users that deleting cookies may lead to re-prompting of consent on future visits. For those who prefer more granular control, the site’s vendor list allows individuals to see exactly which purposes each partner aims to achieve, such as storing information on a device, creating personalised advertising profiles, or measuring ad performance.
Contact and Legal Compliance
The policy includes contact details for UKTech.news, based in London, with an email address and phone number for inquiries. It also notes that the policy was synchronised with cookiedatabase.org on 1 July 2026, ensuring accuracy and consistency with industry standards. By providing this level of detail, the publisher demonstrates a proactive stance on data protection, which is increasingly important in a digital landscape where users demand clarity and control over their personal information. The updated Cookie Policy serves as a model for other news organisations navigating the complex intersection of technology, advertising, and privacy law.
The revised policy covers a wide array of cookies, from essential session cookies used by WordPress for user login and language preferences to marketing cookies from LinkedIn that store browser details for up to one year. Stripe’s cookie __stripe_mid helps prevent fraud in payment processing, while Elementor’s persistent cookie tracks user actions on the website. The policy’s thoroughness reflects a commitment to full disclosure, even for cookies that are not yet fully classified. This approach not only meets legal requirements but also empowers users to make informed choices about their online privacy.
Source: UKTN News