Cookies Policy

Last updated: 5 October 2026

What cookies and similar technologies are

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They allow the site to remember actions and preferences over time. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels and local storage that can store or access information on your device. These tools can record details such as browser type, device identifiers, IP addresses and interaction patterns without storing personal data directly in every case.

Why this site uses cookies and similar technologies

infowavly operates a commercial website providing professional resources on studio production. Cookies help deliver core functions, remember user settings, measure performance and support lawful business operations under UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations. Without them many features would not function correctly.

Categories of cookies and similar technologies

We group cookies into five main categories: strictly necessary, functional, analytics or performance, advertising or targeting, and social media. Each category has distinct purposes and legal bases explained below.

Strictly necessary cookies

These cookies enable basic site operation such as page navigation, form submission and security. They are exempt from consent requirements because the site cannot function without them. Data typically includes session identifiers and security tokens.

Functional cookies

Functional cookies remember choices such as language or display preferences. They improve usability but are not essential. Consent is required for their use. Information stored may include selected preferences and user interface settings.

Analytics or performance cookies

These cookies collect aggregated information about how visitors use the site. They help identify popular content and improve workflows. Consent is obtained before activation. Data includes page views, time on site and navigation paths but is processed in anonymised form where possible.

Advertising or targeting cookies

Advertising cookies track browsing behaviour to deliver relevant promotions. They may be used by third parties. Consent is mandatory. Information can include viewed pages and click patterns linked to advertising identifiers.

Social media cookies

Social media cookies allow integration with external platforms for sharing or embedding. They are activated only with consent. Data may include referral sources and interaction events with social features.

First-party versus third-party cookies

First-party cookies are set directly by infowavly and remain under our control. Third-party cookies are placed by external providers such as analytics or advertising services. We maintain lists of approved third parties and review their practices regularly to ensure compliance with UK data protection rules.

Session versus persistent cookies and retention periods

Session cookies exist only while the browser is open and are deleted automatically when the session ends. Persistent cookies remain on the device for a defined period or until manually removed. Retention ranges from a few hours for security tokens to a maximum of 24 months for performance cookies, after which they expire or are purged.

Data handled and purpose of each category

Strictly necessary cookies process minimal identifiers required for security and navigation. Functional cookies store preference values to personalise the interface. Analytics cookies handle aggregated usage statistics for site improvement. Advertising cookies manage interest profiles for targeted content. Social media cookies record referral and engagement data to support platform integration. All processing follows documented purposes and is limited to what is necessary.

Consent or exemption basis for each category

Strictly necessary cookies rely on the legitimate interests and contractual necessity exemptions under PECR. All other categories require prior consent obtained through the site-wide cookie banner. Consent is recorded, can be withdrawn at any time and is never assumed from continued browsing alone. Records of consent are retained in line with our data retention schedule.

Cookie and provider table

The following table summarises active cookies. Details are reviewed quarterly.

Name: _site_session – Purpose: Maintain user session – Provider: infowavly – Category: Strictly necessary – Duration: Session
Name: pref_lang – Purpose: Store language choice – Provider: infowavly – Category: Functional – Duration: 12 months
Name: _ga – Purpose: Distinguish unique users – Provider: Google Analytics – Category: Analytics – Duration: 24 months
Name: _fbp – Purpose: Advertising measurement – Provider: Meta – Category: Advertising – Duration: 3 months
Name: li_gc – Purpose: Social sharing – Provider: LinkedIn – Category: Social media – Duration: 24 months

How the consent manager works and how to change choices

The cookie banner appears on first visit and offers granular controls for each non-essential category. Users may accept all, reject all or select specific categories. Settings can be updated at any time via the cookie preferences link in the footer. Withdrawal of consent takes immediate effect and does not affect prior lawful processing.

Browser-level controls and consequences of disabling cookies

Most browsers allow users to block or delete cookies through settings menus. Disabling strictly necessary cookies will prevent core functions such as form submission and secure login. Blocking analytics or advertising cookies may result in less personalised content but will not stop the site from operating. Instructions for common browsers are available on their respective support sites.

International transfers

Some third-party providers may process data outside the United Kingdom. Appropriate safeguards such as UK-approved standard contractual clauses are in place. A full explanation appears in our Privacy Policy, which can be accessed from the footer.

Policy changes and contact

We review this policy regularly and will post updates on this page. Material changes will be highlighted for 30 days. For questions about cookies or data practices please use the contact form on our Contacts page or email [email protected]. Our address is MediaCityUK, University of Salford, MediaCityUK B4, Orange Tower, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 2HE, United Kingdom and telephone number is +44 (0)161 295 5000.