On Monday 3 May, we are launching a new Cookie Control service for the University website. This service will tell you how cookies are used on our site, and allow you to manage them.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small data files that are downloaded to your device when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognise your device and, by storing information about your preferences or past actions, can improve and streamline your browsing experience.
What is Cookie Control?
Cookie Control has been developed to help webmasters comply with legislation on privacy. Websites that use Cookie Control tell you how cookies are used on their site, and how to manage them.
Why are we moving to a new service?
The use of cookies use has expanded over time to include marketing and tracking, some of which you may not need or want. To comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), we must provide users with an explicit and easy way to accept or reject cookies – something our current Cookie message doesn’t do.
How does the new service differ?
From around 10:00 on 3 May, when you visit our website you will immediately be presented with the Cookie Control panel on the left of the screen. This allows you to set your preferences for the various cookie types used by the University. There is a short description of each cookie type to help you decide.
- To accept a cookie type, select On. To reject a cookie type, select Off.
- To save your preferences, click Use My Preferences. This closes the Cookie panel.
Will I have to do this every time I use the website?
No. However, if you use the website on different devices you’ll be asked for your preference the first time you visit the website on the device used.
Are there any other changes I should be aware of?
If you use Google Analytics reports, be aware that the new Cookie Control service provides users with a way of opting-out of Performance Cookies, so you may see a noticeable change in your stats. If you have any questions about this, please contact the Digital Communications Team (digital-comms@abdn.ac.uk).
Want to know more about cookies?
Visit aboutcookies.org.uk for helpful information about cookies and their uses.
Author: Website Development Team, DDIS