Cookie Policy

1. INTRODUCTION

This Cookie Policy explains how JDWebDesigns ("I", "me", "my") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on jdwebdesigns.com ("the Website").

Strictly necessary cookies are used so the Website can work. Non-essential cookies (such as analytics) are only set if you give consent through the cookie banner. You can change or withdraw consent at any time using Preferences in the footer, or by adjusting your browser settings.

This policy should be read alongside my Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

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2. WHAT ARE COOKIES?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer, smartphone, or other device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, improve user experience, and provide information to website owners.

Key characteristics of cookies:

• Stored in your browser or device
• Can be temporary (session cookies) or permanent (persistent cookies)
• Can be set by the website you visit (first-party cookies) or by third parties (third-party cookies)
• Help websites remember your actions and preferences over time

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3. WHY I USE COOKIES

I use cookies for the following purposes:

3.1 Essential Website Functionality:

• To ensure the website functions correctly
• To maintain security and prevent fraud
• To remember your cookie consent preferences

3.2 Performance and Analytics:

• To understand how visitors use my website
• To analyze website traffic and improve user experience
• To identify technical issues and optimize performance
• To measure the effectiveness of my marketing efforts

3.3 Functional Preferences:

• To remember your settings and preferences
• To provide a personalized browsing experience

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4. TYPES OF COOKIES I USE

4.1 STRICTLY NECESSARY COOKIES

These cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be disabled.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration	Type
cookie_consent	Stores your cookie consent preferences	1 year	First-party
PHPSESSID	Maintains your session state	Session	First-party

Legal Basis: Legitimate interest (required for website functionality)

4.2 PERFORMANCE/ANALYTICS COOKIES

These cookies help me understand how visitors interact with my website.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration	Provider
_ga	Google Analytics - Distinguishes unique users	2 years	Google
_gid	Google Analytics - Distinguishes unique users	24 hours	Google
_gat	Google Analytics - Throttles request rate	1 minute	Google

Legal Basis: Consent (you can opt out via cookie banner or browser settings)

What I Track:

• Pages visited and time spent on site
• Device type, browser, and operating system
• Geographic location (city/country level, not precise)
• How you arrived at my website (search, direct, social media)
• Button clicks and form interactions (anonymized)

I DO NOT track:

• Personally identifiable information without your consent
• Sensitive personal data
• Your exact location or IP address (anonymized by Google Analytics)

4.3 FUNCTIONAL COOKIES

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration	Type
theme_preference	Remembers your theme selection	1 year	First-party
contact_form_submitted	Prevents duplicate form submissions	Session	First-party

Legal Basis: Consent (optional, improves user experience)

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5. THIRD-PARTY COOKIES

I may use services provided by third parties that set their own cookies. These include:

5.1 Google Analytics:

• Provider: Google LLC
• Purpose: Website analytics and performance measurement
• Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
• Opt-out: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

5.2 Social Media Widgets:

If you interact with social media buttons or embedded content (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Telegram), those platforms may set their own cookies. I do not control these third-party cookies.

5.3 Embedded Content:

Embedded videos (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo) or maps (Google Maps) may set third-party cookies. These are only loaded if you interact with the embedded content.

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6. GOOGLE ANALYTICS - DETAILED INFORMATION

I use Google Analytics with anonymized IP tracking to analyze website traffic. This means:

What is collected:

• Anonymized IP addresses (last octet removed)
• Approximate geographic location (city/country level)
• Pages visited, time on site, bounce rate
• Device type, browser, screen resolution
• Referral source (how you found my website)

What is NOT collected:

• Your full IP address
• Personal identification information
• Precise geolocation
• Email addresses or contact details (unless you submit a form)

How to opt out:

• Use the cookie consent banner to reject analytics cookies
• Install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-On
• Enable "Do Not Track" in your browser settings (I respect DNT signals)

Data retention: Google Analytics data is retained for 26 months. After 26 months, data is automatically deleted.

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7. HOW TO MANAGE COOKIES

You have several options to control and manage cookies:

7.1 Cookie Consent Banner:

When you first visit my website, you'll see a cookie consent banner. You can:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• Customize your preferences

You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" button in the footer or by clearing your browser cookies and revisiting the site.

7.2 Browser Settings:

Most browsers allow you to:

• Block all cookies
• Block third-party cookies only
• Delete cookies after each browsing session
• Receive notifications when cookies are set

How to manage cookies in popular browsers:

• Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies and site permissions

7.3 Third-Party Opt-Out Tools:

• Google Analytics Opt-Out
• Network Advertising Initiative
• Your Online Choices (EU)

7.4 Do Not Track (DNT):

I respect "Do Not Track" browser signals. If you enable DNT in your browser settings, I will not load analytics or tracking cookies.

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8. IMPACT OF DISABLING COOKIES

If you disable or reject cookies:

✅ You can still:

• Browse most of the website
• View content and pricing information
• Use the contact form

❌ Some functionality may be limited:

• You may need to re-enter preferences on each visit
• Analytics won't track your visit (which is fine if you prefer privacy)
• I won't be able to improve user experience based on visitor behavior
• Strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled without affecting website functionality

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9. COOKIES AND PERSONAL DATA

What is personal data?

Under UK GDPR, personal data is any information that can identify you as an individual.

Do cookies contain personal data?

• Strictly necessary cookies: No personal data
• Analytics cookies: Only anonymized data (not personally identifiable)
• Contact form cookies: May link to personal data if you submit a form

Your rights under UK GDPR:

• Right to access: Request a copy of data collected via cookies
• Right to erasure: Request deletion of cookie data
• Right to object: Opt out of non-essential cookies
• Right to data portability: Request your data in a structured format

To exercise these rights, contact: jason@jdwebdesigns.com

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10. UPDATES TO THIS COOKIE POLICY

I may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in cookie usage or tracking technologies
• Changes in UK GDPR or PECR (Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations)
• New third-party services or integrations
• User feedback or best practices

When I update this policy:

• The "Last Updated" date at the top will change
• Significant changes will be communicated via a banner on the website where practical
• Non-essential cookies will still only be used if you have given consent via the cookie banner

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11. LEGAL BASIS FOR USING COOKIES

I comply with the UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

Legal bases for cookie usage:

Strictly Necessary Cookies:

• Legal Basis: Legitimate interest (GDPR Article 6(1)(f))
• Justification: Required for website functionality and security
• Consent required: No

Non-Essential Cookies (Analytics, Functional, Marketing):

• Legal Basis: Consent (GDPR Article 6(1)(a) and PECR Regulation 6)
• Justification: You actively consent via the cookie banner
• Can be withdrawn: Yes, at any time

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12. CONTACT INFORMATION & COMPLAINTS

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13. KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Strictly necessary cookies are used so the site can function
• Non-essential cookies (including analytics) need your consent first
• You can control cookies via the cookie banner, Preferences in the footer, or browser settings
• You can opt out of analytics at any time
• I respect "Do Not Track" browser signals where supported
• This policy is written to align with UK GDPR and PECR

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