Cookie and storage policy
A precise record of the browser-storage technology used by this website and what is deliberately not active.
The current position
No optional tracking is active
At the date above, this application does not use analytics, advertising, behavioural profiling, cross-site tracking, embedded third-party media or social tracking pixels. It offers first-party interface preferences and, only when a visitor starts the website chat, a secure session cookie needed to restore that requested conversation.
The notice and chat-greeting preferences are treated as interface or appearance choices under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 as amended (“PECR”). The notice preference is not written unless you select “Remember on this device”. Clear information and a simple, free way to object are provided: “Continue without saving” dismisses the notice without device storage, and the footer control lets you remove a stored preference later. Neither choice is consent to future analytics, advertising or other optional technology. The chat-greeting preference can be disabled for the current visit in Cookie settings. The chat session cookie is created only after a visitor submits a chat request. Its sole purpose is to authenticate that browser to the requested conversation, so it is treated as strictly necessary for that service.
What cookies and browser storage are
A cookie is a small text value stored by a website in a browser and returned with later requests. PECR also applies to other ways of storing information on, or accessing information from, a device. This can include local storage, pixels, scripts, tags, link decoration, software development kits and device fingerprinting.
Some technologies are needed to carry out a communication or provide a service a user has requested. Others are optional and may require prior, informed consent. UK data protection law also applies where the information identifies or relates to a person.
Current technology inventory
| Name | Provider and type | Purpose | Duration | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ss_cookie_notice | Subtle Standard; first-party cookie | Stores the current notice version so the same informational notice is not repeatedly shown on this device. It is not used for analytics, advertising or cross-site recognition. | Up to 183 days, or until you delete or reset it | Optional interface preference |
ss_chat_prompt_dismissed_until | Subtle Standard; first-party local storage | Remembers for a short period that you dismissed or opened the automatic chat greeting, so it does not repeatedly interrupt later pages or visits. It is not linked to a chat message or used for tracking. | Used for 7 days. The timestamp is removed when next checked after expiry, or when cleared in Cookie settings or the browser. | Interface preference |
ss_chat_admin | Subtle Standard; first-party secure, HTTP-only cookie | Authenticates the studio owner to the private chat inbox after a successful sign-in. It is not set for ordinary website visitors. | Up to 12 hours, or until sign-out | Strictly necessary for the requested owner sign-in |
ss_chat_session | Subtle Standard; first-party secure, HTTP-only cookie | Contains a random conversation identifier and secret so the browser that started a chat can securely reopen that conversation. It is not readable by page scripts and is not used across websites. | Up to 90 days, or until deleted; the underlying conversation follows the privacy-policy retention period | Strictly necessary for chat once requested |
Ordinary web infrastructure may process request information—such as an IP address, URL, request time, browser details and response status—in short-lived server or security logs. That server-side processing is explained in the privacy policy. It does not, by itself, mean information has been stored on your device.
Categories and the rules we apply
Strictly necessary
Essential to transmit a communication or provide a service requested by the user. Consent is not required, but clear information should still be provided.
Preferences and appearance
May remember an appearance or interface choice. Where a statutory exception applies, clear information and a simple, free way to object must still be provided. Other preference uses require consent.
Statistical measurement
May be exempt only where the sole purpose is aggregate statistics to improve the same service, individual-level information is not reused or retained beyond aggregation, and a simple objection route is available. If those strict conditions are not met, we will seek consent.
Advertising and profiling
Tracking, profiling, advertising measurement and cross-site or cross-device advertising require prior consent. These technologies are not currently used.
Non-exempt technology will not be pre-enabled, bundled into general terms or activated merely because a visitor scrolls or continues browsing. Where consent is required, it must be freely given, specific, informed and indicated by a clear positive action.
Your choices and how to reset them
“Continue without saving” dismisses the notice for the current loaded application without writing the preference to your device; it may therefore reappear after a full reload or later visit. Open “Review storage” to see the details and the optional “Remember on this device” control, which writes the notice version for up to 183 days. You can inspect the categories, clear that preference and cause the notice to appear again using the control below. Deleting browser data will also remove it.
Browser controls can block or delete cookies. This preference is not required to read or use the public website; without it, the notice simply cannot remember your choice. Browser instructions differ by browser and device. Clearing the chat session cookie removes that browser's access to the existing conversation, although the server-side record remains for the period described in the privacy policy. A new chat can still be started. In Cookie settings, “Disable greeting preference for this visit” removes the stored greeting timestamp and prevents it being read or saved again during the current loaded visit, including navigation between pages. It also dismisses the automatic greeting. The chat itself remains available. No extra cookie is saved for this choice, so it resets after a full reload or a later visit. Browser storage controls can block local storage for longer. Expired greeting timestamps are removed when the chat next checks them; local storage does not expire automatically while you are away.
Future technologies and changes
Before adding a new storage or access technology, we will record its name, provider, purpose, category, duration, data use, transfer position and legal basis. Non-exempt technology will remain off until valid consent is obtained. Optional controls will be off by default, rejecting will be as prominent as accepting, and withdrawal will be as easy as giving consent.
We will not treat the current notice preference as permission for a later tool. If technology, purposes or third parties materially change, this inventory and the interface will be updated and fresh consent will be requested where required.
External websites and browser controls
A link to another website does not cause Subtle Standard to control that website's storage technology. The external operator's policy and controls apply after you follow the link. Review those details before making a choice on the external service.
Privacy or anti-tracking features supplied by your browser, device, network or extensions may operate independently of this website. We do not attempt to bypass those controls.
Contact and complaints
Luke McInery, trading as Subtle Standard, is responsible for this website's use of cookies and browser storage. Questions or objections can be emailed to legal@subtlestandard.com. A concern that the storage of or access to information on your device did not comply with data protection law can be raised through the complaint process in the privacy policy and with the Information Commissioner's Office.