Cookies Policy

Last updated: 27 September 2026

What cookies and similar technologies are and what information they can store or access

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 track usage patterns or store session data. These tools can record details such as browser type, device identifiers, IP addresses, pages visited and time spent on those pages. In the United Kingdom this information is regulated by the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations together with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. Cookies do not contain personal names unless you provide them through forms, but they can be linked to other data we hold about you.

Why the site uses them

infosparknu operates a commercial information media guide focused on editorial planning, studio setup, camera framing and professional workflows. Cookies help deliver core site functions such as navigation, form submission and content personalisation. They also support performance measurement so we can improve how course materials load and appear on different devices. Without these tools many features would fail or become slower, affecting the quality of the learning experience we provide to users in the United Kingdom and elsewhere.

Strictly necessary, functional, analytics, advertising and social-media categories

Strictly necessary cookies enable basic operations such as keeping you logged in during a visit or remembering items in a checkout process. Functional cookies store choices like language or display settings. Analytics cookies collect aggregated usage statistics to identify popular sections of the media guide. Advertising cookies may record interests so that relevant course promotions appear on other sites. Social-media cookies allow sharing buttons to function correctly even though our site itself does not host a blog or user-generated posts. Each category is described further in later sections so you can decide which ones to accept.

First-party versus third-party cookies

First-party cookies are set directly by infosparknu and remain under our control. They handle tasks such as session management and preference storage. Third-party cookies originate from external providers that supply services such as analytics platforms or content delivery networks. These providers may place their own cookies when you interact with embedded elements. We only permit third parties that have contracts meeting UK GDPR standards and that process data solely on our instructions or for the limited purposes disclosed in this policy.

Session versus persistent cookies and meaningful retention or expiry information

Session cookies exist only while your browser is open and are deleted automatically when you close it. They are used for temporary functions such as maintaining a course video player state. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. Typical durations range from a few days for functional settings to thirteen months for analytics identifiers. Exact expiry dates for each cookie appear in the provider table below so you can judge how long information stays available.

The data handled and purpose of each used category

Strictly necessary cookies process device identifiers and session tokens to keep the site stable. Functional cookies store user-selected preferences such as video quality or subtitle language. Analytics cookies capture page views, referral URLs and approximate location at city level to produce usage reports. Advertising cookies may record viewed course topics so that future promotions match those interests. No category collects sensitive personal data without separate consent. All data is processed to improve the clarity and accessibility of the media guide content we publish.

The consent or exemption basis for each category under the target jurisdiction

Under PECR strictly necessary cookies are exempt from consent because they are essential for the service you request. All other categories require your prior consent, which must be freely given, specific and informed. We obtain consent through a site-wide cookie banner that appears on first visit. You can change or withdraw consent at any time through the same banner or settings page. Consent records are stored for the minimum period required by the Data Protection Act 2018 and are not used for any other purpose.

Cookie or provider table with names, purposes, providers, categories and durations

The following list summarises the main cookies currently in use. Strictly necessary: session identifier set by infosparknu, purpose authentication, first-party, expires when browser closes. Functional: preference token set by infosparknu, purpose store display choices, first-party, expires after thirty days. Analytics: measurement identifier set by a contracted analytics provider, purpose usage statistics, third-party, expires after thirteen months. Advertising: interest tag set by an advertising partner, purpose relevant promotions, third-party, expires after ninety days. Full technical details are available on request from [email protected].

How the consent manager works and how users can reject, change or withdraw choices

The cookie banner presents toggles for each non-essential category. Selecting reject all disables everything except strictly necessary cookies. You can reopen the banner from a footer link labelled cookie settings at any time. Changes take effect immediately and are stored in a first-party cookie that remembers your selections. Withdrawing consent does not affect processing that occurred before the withdrawal. If you clear all cookies from your browser you will be asked to make fresh choices on your next visit.

Browser-level controls and the functional consequences of disabling cookies

Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through their settings menu. Blocking all cookies will prevent the site from remembering your login status or preferred video settings, so you may need to re-enter information on every page. Some course features such as progress tracking may stop working entirely. Disabling third-party cookies can reduce the accuracy of analytics reports but will not stop the site from functioning. Instructions for common browsers are available from their official help pages; we recommend reviewing them if you wish to limit data collection.

International transfers and a plain-text cross-reference to the Privacy Policy

Some third-party providers store cookie data on servers outside the United Kingdom. Where this occurs we rely on appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses approved by the Information Commissioner. A full explanation of data transfers and the rights available to you appears in our separate Privacy Policy, which you can access from the footer of every page. That document also describes how to exercise subject-access requests or lodge complaints with the ICO.

Policy changes, contact route and last-updated date

We review this Cookies Policy periodically and update it when service providers or legal requirements change. The date at the top of the page shows the most recent revision. If you have questions about cookies or wish to exercise your rights, please write to [email protected] or use the contact form on our Contacts page. You may also write to Unit G05 Screenworks, 22 Highbury Grove, London N5 2EF, United Kingdom. We aim to respond within one month as required by the UK GDPR.