Introduction to the Updated Cookie Policy
UKTech.News, a leading technology news website, has released an updated version of its Cookie Policy to align with the data protection requirements for citizens and legal permanent residents of the United Kingdom. The policy, effective as of 4 June 2025, provides a comprehensive overview of how cookies and similar tracking technologies are used on the website, as well as the rights users have over their personal data. This update reflects the site's commitment to transparency and compliance with the UK's Data Protection Act and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).
What Are Cookies and Related Technologies?
Cookies are small text files stored on a user's device by a web browser when visiting a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, remember user preferences, and provide analytics to site owners. The policy also explains scripts—pieces of program code that enable interactive features—and web beacons (also known as pixel tags), which are invisible images used to monitor traffic and user behavior. Together, these technologies help the site deliver a tailored experience while also supporting advertising and marketing efforts.
Categories of Cookies Used
The policy categorizes cookies into several types based on their purpose. Functional cookies are essential for the website to operate correctly; they remember user preferences and settings, such as language choice or items in a shopping cart, and are placed without requiring user consent. Statistics cookies, which require permission, allow the website to understand how visitors interact with the site, helping to optimise performance. Advertising cookies enable personalised advertisements based on browsing behaviour, while marketing or tracking cookies create user profiles for cross-site advertising. Social media cookies are also present, as the site embeds content from platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter), which may place their own tracking cookies.
Detailed Breakdown of Third-Party Services
The policy lists numerous third-party services that place cookies on UKTech.News. Google Analytics is used for website statistics and stores cookies like _ga and _gid to count pageviews. Cloudflare provides content delivery and security services, using functional cookies such as __cf_bm to filter bot traffic. Criteo is employed for remarketing, placing the cto_bundle cookie for cross-page functionality. The policy also mentions Google reCAPTCHA for spam prevention, HubSpot for marketing automation, Hotjar for heatmaps, and Stripe for payment processing. Each service is described along with the cookies they set, their expiration times, and whether they are functional, statistical, or marketing in nature. The document also includes a section for "Miscellaneous" cookies whose purposes are pending investigation.
Consent Management and User Rights
When a user visits the site for the first time, a pop-up appears requesting consent for different categories of cookies. The user can select which types they allow and save preferences. Consent can be withdrawn at any time through browser settings or by using the manage consent button available on the page. The policy explicitly states that if JavaScript is disabled, certain consent management features may not work, especially on AMP pages. Users also have the right to request access to their data, ask for corrections or deletions, revoke previous consent, transfer data to another controller, or object to processing. These rights are in line with the GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act 2018. For any complaints, users can contact the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK's supervisory authority.
Practical Implications for Users
The updated policy makes it clear that disabling all cookies may impair website functionality. For example, functional cookies are necessary for the shopping cart feature and for remembering login states. Statistical cookies help the site improve content based on what users read most. Marketing cookies, while not essential, enable the site to show relevant advertisements and measure campaign effectiveness. Users who delete their cookies will be prompted again to give consent on their next visit. The policy also notes that some third-party services, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, are based in the United States, which may involve data transfers subject to appropriate safeguards.
How to Adjust Cookie Preferences
Users can manage cookie settings directly through their web browser. Most browsers allow you to view, delete, or block cookies from specific websites. Instructions are typically found in the browser's help section. Additionally, the website provides a consent management platform powered by Complianz that stores user preferences for 365 days. The policy details the specific cookies set by Complianz, such as cmplz_functional and cmplz_statistics, which remember which categories the user has accepted. This system ensures that the site does not repeatedly ask for consent once a user has made their choice.
Data Retention and Security
The Cookie Policy also touches on data retention periods for various cookies. For instance, Google Analytics sets cookies that expire between one minute and two years, while Criteo's cookies last 13 months. Complianz cookies are retained for 365 days. The policy explains that some cookies, like those from Google Fonts and Google Ads, expire immediately after the page is loaded. This information helps users understand how long their data may be stored. Security measures are also referenced through services like reCAPTCHA and Cloudflare, which protect the site from malicious bot activity and ensure safe browsing.
Contact Information
UKTech.News provides contact details for users who have questions or concerns about the Cookie Policy. The website is operated by Tech City News, based at 124 City Road, London, England, EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom. Users can reach the team via email at mydata@ex.comwearemvi.com or by phone at 0208 150 8286. The policy notes that it was synchronised with cookiedatabase.org on 1 July 2026, ensuring that the list of cookies and their purposes remains accurate.
This updated policy reflects the broader industry trend toward greater transparency in data handling. As technology news sites increasingly rely on advertising revenue and user engagement, clear communication about tracking practices becomes essential. UKTech.News's approach offers a model for other publishers seeking to balance functionality, personalisation, and compliance with UK privacy laws.
Source: UKTN News