Cookie Policy
Last updated: January 2025
1. Introduction
Commssource Ltd ("we", "our", or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website www.commssource.co.uk. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and how you can manage your cookie preferences.
By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy. You can change your cookie settings at any time through your browser settings or our cookie consent tool.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, making your online experience easier and more personalized.
Types of Storage Technologies
- Cookies: Small text files stored in your browser
- Local Storage: Larger data storage in your browser
- Session Storage: Temporary storage cleared when you close your browser
- Pixels/Web Beacons: Tiny images that track user behavior
- Device Fingerprinting: Techniques to identify unique devices
3. Legal Basis for Using Cookies
Under UK and EU law, we must obtain your consent before placing certain cookies on your device. We rely on different legal bases for different types of cookies:
- Consent: For analytics, marketing, and preference cookies
- Legitimate Interest: For essential security and functionality cookies
- Contract: For cookies necessary to provide requested services
You can withdraw your consent at any time through your browser settings or our cookie preferences center.
4. Categories of Cookies We Use
4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly. They cannot be disabled.
Examples:
- Session management and authentication
- Security tokens and CSRF protection
- Load balancing and server allocation
- Cookie consent preferences
Duration: Session or up to 12 months
Provider: Commssource
4.2 Functional/Preference Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization.
Examples:
- Language and region preferences
- User interface customizations
- Recently viewed products
- Form data retention
Duration: Up to 12 months
Provider: Commssource
4.3 Analytics/Performance Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website.
Examples:
- Google Analytics: Website traffic and user behavior analysis
- Hotjar: Heatmaps and session recordings
- Microsoft Clarity: User experience insights
Duration: 2 years / 24 hours / 1 minute
Purpose: Track unique users, sessions, and throttle requests
Duration: 365 days / Session
Purpose: User identification and sampling
4.4 Marketing/Advertising Cookies
These cookies are used to deliver relevant advertisements and track campaign performance.
Examples:
- Google Ads: Remarketing and conversion tracking
- Facebook Pixel: Social media advertising
- LinkedIn Insight Tag: B2B marketing analytics
- Twitter Pixel: Campaign tracking
Duration: 13 months / 6 months
Purpose: Ad personalization and frequency capping
Duration: 90 days
Purpose: Ad delivery and measurement
4.5 Third-Party Cookies
Some features on our website are provided by third parties who may set their own cookies:
- YouTube: Embedded videos
- Google Maps: Location services
- Social Media Widgets: Share buttons and feeds
- Live Chat: Customer support tools
- Payment Processors: Secure transaction handling
5. How to Manage Cookies
5.1 Cookie Consent Tool
When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner where you can:
- Accept all cookies
- Reject non-essential cookies
- Customize your preferences by category
You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our website footer.
5.2 Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies and site permissions
5.3 Opt-Out Links
You can opt out of specific third-party cookies:
- Google Analytics Opt-out
- Facebook Ads Preferences
- LinkedIn Ad Preferences
- Network Advertising Initiative Opt-out
- Your Online Choices (EU)
5.4 Do Not Track
Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) setting. While we respect your privacy choices, there is no industry standard for DNT signals, and our website does not currently respond to DNT headers.
6. Impact of Disabling Cookies
Disabling certain cookies may affect your experience on our website:
- Strictly Necessary: Website may not function properly
- Functional: Loss of personalization and saved preferences
- Analytics: We won't be able to improve our services based on usage
- Marketing: You'll see generic ads instead of relevant ones
7. Cookies Used in Emails
Our marketing emails may contain tracking pixels that help us understand:
- Whether emails have been opened
- Which links were clicked
- Your email client and device type
- Approximate location (country/region)
You can disable image loading in your email client to prevent pixel tracking, or unsubscribe from our emails using the link at the bottom of each message.
8. Mobile App Cookies
If you use our mobile applications, we may use similar technologies including:
- Mobile device identifiers
- Mobile analytics SDKs
- App-specific storage
- Push notification tokens
You can manage these through your device's privacy settings and our app preferences.
9. Cookie Security
We implement security measures to protect cookie data:
- Secure flag on sensitive cookies (HTTPS only)
- HttpOnly flag to prevent JavaScript access
- SameSite attributes to prevent CSRF attacks
- Regular security audits and updates
- Encryption of sensitive cookie data
10. International Transfers
Some cookies may transfer data internationally, particularly for analytics and advertising services. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place:
- Standard contractual clauses for EU-US transfers
- Adequacy decisions where applicable
- Privacy Shield compliance (where still valid)
- Explicit consent for certain transfers
11. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in:
- Our cookie usage practices
- Legal or regulatory requirements
- New technologies or features
- Third-party service providers
We will notify you of significant changes through our website or via email. The "Last updated" date at the top shows when this policy was last revised.
12. Your Rights
Under UK GDPR and data protection laws, you have rights regarding cookies and personal data:
- Access information about cookies we use
- Withdraw consent for non-essential cookies
- Request deletion of cookie-collected data
- Object to profiling and automated decision-making
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
13. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:
Commssource Ltd
Data Protection Officer
Email: privacy@commssource.co.uk
Phone: +44 1254 661100
Address: Unit C4, Hulme Court, Commercial Rd
Darwen, BB3 0FE
For cookie-specific inquiries, please email: cookies@commssource.co.uk
14. Additional Resources
Learn more about cookies and online privacy:
Quick Cookie Settings
Manage your cookie preferences directly: