Cookie Policy
This Cookie Policy is intended to inform you how the Biscuit website uses technology called ‘cookies’ and ‘server-side tagging’. It is also intended to assist you in making informed decisions when using our website, so please take a minute to read and understand the content which should also be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy.
What is a cookie?
A cookie, also known as a device or browser cookie, is a text file containing small amounts of information which a server may download to your computer, mobile or tablet when you visit a website or use an app.
There are different types of cookies which are used to do different things, such as letting you navigate between different pages on an app or website efficiently, remembering preferences you have given and helping us to identify ways to improve your overall site experience. Others are used to provide you with advertising which is more tailored to your interests or to measure the number of site visits and the most popular pages users visit.
What is server-side tagging?
Server-side tagging works differently to cookies as it operates on the server-side rather than in a device browser, so no data is downloaded to your device. This technology uses non-identifiable click events in order to provide similar functionality to cookies and to improve your overall user experience. The use of server-side tagging can be managed alongside your cookie preferences.
‘First party’ and ‘third party’ cookies
Each type of cookie can be set and controlled by the operator of the website which the user is browsing such as our website (known as a ‘first party cookie’) or a third party such as Google Analytics or Facebook, for example to display advertisements and social sharing features, (known as a ‘third party cookie’).
Due to their core role of enhancing and enabling usability or site processes, disabling certain cookies may prevent you from using certain aspects of our website.
Broadly speaking, there are two different types of browser cookie:
(1) Session cookies are stored in the device memory of the user during a user's browsing session and they are automatically deleted from the user's device when the browser is closed or the session is deemed to have ended.
These cookies usually store a session ID that is not personally identifiable to the user. They allow the user to move from page to page on the app or web service without requiring the user to log-in repeatedly. They are widely used by commercial web sites; for example to keep track of items that a consumer has added to a shopping basket.
Session cookies do not collect any information from the user's device and they expire at the end of the user's browser session. They can also become inaccessible after the session has been inactive for a specified length of time, usually 20 or 30 minutes.
(2) Persistent cookies are stored on the user's device and are not deleted when the browser is closed. Persistent cookies can be used to retain user preferences for a particular app or web service, allowing those preferences to be used in future browsing sessions.
Persistent cookies usually assign a unique ID to the user’s device browser and they are usually configured to identify a user for a prolonged period of time, from days to months or even years.
How does Biscuit use cookies?
Biscuit only uses browser cookies to measure non-personal information, for example to learn about the behaviour of users of the website and how users respond to our marketing communications. The more we learn, the better we are able to provide relevant and interesting content and services. The first person cookies set on our website do not contain any personally identifiable information but do collect a unique user ID.
Strictly necessary cookies
'Strictly necessary' cookies let you move around the Biscuit Mobile Application and web service and use essential features. These cookies don't gather any personal data about you that could be used for marketing purposes or remembering where you've been on the internet. Accepting these cookies is a condition of using the Biscuit website, however, as they are required for the proper operation of the website, if you prevent them, we cannot guarantee how it will perform.
Analytics cookies / Performance cookies
We use these cookies to collect information about how you use our website. When you access our website you are asked for your consent to use these tracking cookies. You can remove your consent by selecting 'Cookie Preferences' and saving your selections. We use the information to improve our services and enhance your experience. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and is not linked in any identifiable way back to you.
Application or site specific cookies / Functionality cookies
These cookies remember choices you make to improve your experience.
These cookies allow our website to remember the choices you make (such as your user name, language or the region you are in) and provide enhanced, more personal features. They may also be used to provide services you have asked for such as watching a video or commenting on a blog. The information these cookies collect may be anonymised and they cannot track your browsing activity on other web services.
How can you control the use of cookies?
Please click on the link 'Cookie Preferences' at the bottom of our Homepage. You can then remove the tick to deselect cookies. Removing the tick will stop cookies operating. Please note that 'Essential' cookies, which are required for the Biscuit website to function cannot be turned off.
A useful guide to behavioural advertising and online privacy has been produced by the internet advertising industry which can be found at www.youronlinechoices.com/uk
Date of last revision 31st January 2022