UKTech.News has released a significant update to its Cookie Policy, effective from 4 June 2025, aimed at enhancing transparency and giving users more control over their data. The revised policy applies to all citizens and legal permanent residents of the United Kingdom and reflects the latest requirements under UK data protection law, including the UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).
What Has Changed?
The updated policy provides a far more granular breakdown of the types of cookies used on the website, moving beyond simple categories to list specific purposes, expiration periods, and the third-party services involved. For the first time, users can see a comprehensive inventory of every cookie dropped by the site, including those from services like Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Criteo, and HubSpot. The policy also clarifies the distinction between functional cookies (which do not require consent) and marketing/tracking cookies (which require explicit opt-in).
Understanding the Cookie Types
The policy now defines four main categories: technical or functional cookies, statistics cookies, advertising cookies, and marketing/tracking cookies. Additionally, it explains scripts and web beacons—small code snippets or invisible images used to monitor traffic. This level of detail helps users understand not only what data is collected but also how it is processed and for what purposes.
For instance, functional cookies from CloudFlare and PHP are used to maintain site performance and security, while statistics cookies from Google Analytics and Snowplow track page views and user behaviour to optimise the experience. Marketing cookies from Criteo and Google Ads enable personalised advertising and retargeting. The policy also notes that social media buttons from Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter embed third-party code that can track users even if they do not interact with the buttons.
Vendor Breakdown: Key Partners and Their Cookies
The policy lists 17 named vendors, each with a detailed table of cookies. Google various services, for example, sets the google_auto_fc_cmp_setting cookie for consent preferences and the __gpi cookie for marketing. CloudFlare uses __cf_bm (30 minutes) and mirage_cache_manifest for bot filtering and content delivery. Criteo’s cto_bundle lasts 13 months and provides cross-page functions for remarketing.
Facebook places a wide range of cookies, including _fbp (3 months) for tracking visits across websites, fr (3 months) for ad delivery, and datr (2 years) for fraud prevention. LinkedIn’s cookies include bcookie (1 year) for browser details and UserMatchHistory (30 days) for ad targeting. The policy also highlights that some cookies, like those from Google Fonts and Twitter, have immediate expiration or are session-based, reducing long-term tracking.
Consent Mechanism and User Rights
Upon first visit, users see a pop-up with category toggles and a “Save preferences” button. Consent is stored via Complianz cookies, which include the cmplz_consented_services and cmplz_marketing cookies (both 365 days). The policy notes that if JavaScript is disabled (e.g., on AMP pages), a manage consent button is still available.
Importantly, the policy outlines five core user rights: access, rectification, erasure, data portability, and objection. Users can exercise these by contacting the publisher at the provided email (mydata@ex.comwearemvi.com) or phone number (0208 150 8286). The publisher is also registered with the ICO for complaint handling.
Statistical and Marketing Purposes Detailed
The update adds separate sections for statistics and marketing purposes under the TCF (Transparency & Consent Framework) vendor list. Users can give or withdraw consent per purpose, and also object to legitimate interest processing. For example, partners like HubSpot and Hotjar use legitimate interest for certain data processing, such as storing anonymised statistics (__hssc, 30 minutes) and heat mapping (_hjSessionUser_, 1 year).
The policy also addresses special features and purposes, such as precise geolocation data or cross-device tracking, though those are not explicitly enabled by default. The separate “Vendors” section lists non-TCF partners and allows users to view each vendor’s privacy policy and legitimate interest claims.
Implications for Users and Publishers
This level of granularity is becoming standard for UK publishers, especially after the ICO’s increased enforcement of cookie consent rules. By listing every cookie and its purpose, UKTech.News reduces the risk of non-compliance and builds trust with its audience. Users can now make informed decisions about which cookies to allow, and can revoke consent at any time by clearing cookies or adjusting browser settings.
The policy is synchronised with cookiedatabase.org as of 1 July 2026, ensuring that the cookie declarations remain up-to-date with industry standards. The publisher has also committed to updating the policy whenever new cookies are added or removed, ensuring ongoing compliance.
Contact and Queries
For further questions about data processing, users can write to Tech City News at 124 City Roads, London, EC1V 2NX, or call 0208 150 8286. The policy is legally binding and replaces all previous versions. Users are encouraged to review the full document periodically, as cookie practices may evolve with new technologies or legal changes.
Source: UKTN News