Changes to the EU/UK law concerning internet user privacy
On the 26th May 2011 EU Directive 2009/136/EC came into power. It requires that website publishers notify and acquire end-user (website visitor) consent to the storing of cookies on their computer or device.
This is part of the e-Privacy directive, that end-users should feel suitably informed about the information and data that is collected about them while visiting websites. More information on the directive can found by visiting the EU website at:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:337:0011:0036:En:PDF.
What are (Internet) Cookies?
Cookies are small, encrypted text files that your web-browser stores on your computer; they contain information regarding the websites that you have visited. Cookies are used by website publishers to assist in the development and improvement of the website(s) you are visiting.
Cookies also help to personalise your experience of the website you are viewing based upon the information you have submitted or clicked during your visit. On a return visit to the same website you may notice that you do not have to repeat some of the same procedures or do not have to enter the same information into form-fields a second time. This is all thanks to those “Magic Cookies”. A common example is allowing a website to remember your login details; this is known as an ‘Authentication Cookie’.
Cookies are also the American name for biscuits, unfortunately we aren’t talking about those.
How does BeyondCruise use Cookies?
- BeyondCruise uses a session cookie to determine if a visitor is logged into the website. If a page requires you to be logged in to view the content, you are prompted to a login screen or redirected depending on the information about your login status recorded in the cookie
- BeyondCruise uses third party cookies to monitor website-traffic (visitors). BeyondCruise records the keyword or search terms used by a visitor to gain access to the site, e.g. “Cruise Holidays.” BeyondCruise also records the length of time each visitor spent on the site and whether this was your first time as a visitor to the site, or if you are a regular visitor
- BeyondCruise also uses third party cookies to assist visitors in sharing our website content with popular social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter
- BeyondCruise uses third party cookies to display advertisements and record the number of times each advertisement is clicked
Which Cookies does BeyondCruise use?
| Type | Name | Publisher | Useage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third Party Cookie | __utmz | Google Analytics | Used to provide information on how visitors arrived at BeyondCruise, which search term or keyword they used. Google Analytics Cookies record only the information which is relevant to the website analytics report. |
| Third Party Cookie | __utma | Google Analytics | Used to record if this is your first visit to BeyondCruise (unique visitor) or if you are a returning visitor. Google Analytics Cookies record only the information which is relevant to the website analytics report. |
| Third Party Cookie | __utmb, __utmc | Google Analytics | Used to establish a visitor session, how long did each visitor stay on BeyondCruise (start time and end time). Once you have left the site these cookies expire, until you return again and a new session is recorded. Google Analytics Cookies record only the information which is relevant to the website analytics report. |
Disabling Cookies
Many of today’s up-to-date web browsers come with an option to disable Cookies. To disable cookies you should refer to your web-browser help guide. Once cookies are disabled, your experience of many websites may change, cookies are used to help you and website publishers get the most from your experience.
You can find information about disabling cookies at www.allaboutcookies.org.