Cookie policy

This policy explains how thepathofplay.com uses cookies and similar technologies, and how you can control them. Please read it alongside our privacy notice, which explains how we handle personal information more generally.

What cookies are

Cookies are small text files that a website saves on your device so it can recognise your browser or remember something about your visit. Similar technologies, such as your browser’s local and session storage, work in much the same way. In this policy we call them all “cookies”.

Some cookies are necessary for a site to work, and the law allows us to use them without asking. All others, including analytics cookies, are used only if you agree.

How we ask for your consent

When you first visit the site, a banner asks whether you accept cookies that aren’t necessary. Until you choose, only necessary cookies are used. Rejecting them is as easy as accepting them, and the site works the same either way.

You can change your mind at any time using the cookie settings button that appears on every page. If you withdraw consent, we stop using those cookies from then on; you can also delete any that have already been set (see Managing cookies, below).

The cookies we use

Necessary

These are always on, because the site needs them to work.

• cookieyes-consent, set by CookieYes, our consent tool. Remembers your cookie choices so we don’t ask on every page. Lasts 1 year.
• wp_consent_statistics and wp_consent_statistics-anonymous, set by WordPress’s consent tool. Pass your analytics choice on to the parts of the site that need it, so Google Analytics only runs if you have accepted it. Last 30 days.
• wpEmojiSettingsSupports, set by WordPress in your browser’s session storage. Checks whether your browser can display emoji. Deleted when you close the tab.

Analytics (only if you accept them)

These help us understand how the site is used, so we can improve it. They are set by Google Analytics and don’t tell us who you are. We don’t use them for advertising.

• _ga, set by Google Analytics. Gives your browser a random ID so visits can be counted without identifying you. Lasts up to 13 months.
• _ga_* (the * stands for a code identifying our website), set by Google Analytics. Keeps track of the current visit. Lasts up to 13 months.

YouTube videos

Our videos are hosted on YouTube. An embedded video doesn’t load YouTube’s player, or set any YouTube cookies, until you press play. When you do, YouTube (part of Google) may set cookies and use similar technologies to play the video, count views, remember your settings and protect against abuse.

These cookies are controlled by Google, not by us. You can read about them in Google’s cookie information and privacy policy. If you’d rather avoid them, leave the video unplayed.

Managing cookies

As well as using our cookie settings, you can:

• block or delete cookies in your browser’s settings (your browser’s help pages explain how);
• install Google’s opt-out browser add-on to stop Google Analytics on every website you visit; and
• read the ICO’s guidance on cookies for more information.

If you block necessary cookies, the site will still work, but the cookie banner may appear on every page because it can’t remember your choice.

Changes and contact

We will update this policy whenever the cookies we use change. The date at the top of the page shows when it was last updated.

If you have any questions about cookies on this site, email privacy@thepathofplay.com.