Cookie Policy
We last updated this notice in April 2025
OCU Group ("we", "our", "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our websites and digital platforms ("Websites") to ensure optimal performance, enhance the experience of using our Websites, and to gather information that will help us improve our services.
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, what types we use, and how you can control your cookie preferences.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to the owners of the site.
Cookies can be:
First-party cookies – set by us, the website owner.
Third-party cookies – set by other parties (e.g. analytics or advertising providers).
We may also use technologies like pixel tags, clear GIFs, and web beacons, which function similarly to cookies, to collect information about how you interact with our Websites and communications.
2. Why Do We Use Cookies?
We use cookies for several key reasons:
Essential Functionality: To ensure our Websites work as intended and are secure.
Preferences: To remember your settings and improve your experience.
Analytics: To understand how our Websites are used, and to help us improve performance.
Marketing and Advertising: We may choose to deliver targeted advertising and measure the effectiveness of campaigns across third-party platforms.
Email Interactions: To understand whether our emails have been opened and acted upon.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
Name | Domain | Purpose | Retention Period |
server-session-bind | Keeps you logged in and ties all your page views to the same visit. | During your visit | |
hs | Helps force a secure (HTTPS) connection and blocks suspicious traffic. | During your visit | |
svSession | Remembers your unique session ID so the site can recognise you on return visits. | 1 year | |
CookieControl | Stores whether you accepted or rejected optional cookies. | 3 months | |
XSRF-TOKEN | Holds a token that protects the site against cross-site-request-forgery attacks. | During your visit | |
__cf_bm | Cloudflare cookie that tells the server if you’re a real visitor or an automated bot. | 30 minutes | |
YSC | Counts views and remembers video settings for embedded YouTube clips during your visit. | During your visit | |
__Secure-ROLLOUT_TOKEN | Let’s YouTube test and roll out new features gradually and reliably. | 6 months | |
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE | Estimates bandwidth and saves preferences for embedded YouTube videos. | 6 months | |
sp_t | Spotify authentication token that keeps you signed in to embedded players. | 1 year | |
sp_landing | Records the first Spotify page you landed on for analytics and faster loading. | 24 hours | |
bSession | Identifies the current browsing session for load-balancing and diagnostics. | 30 minutes | |
ssr-caching | Shows when the page was server-rendered to optimise caching and speed. | 15 seconds |
You can view a full list of the cookies we use and their purposes in our Cookie Consent Manager, available via the cookie icon.
4. What Information Do Cookies Collect?
Cookies may collect information such as:
Your IP address
Browser type and version
Device operating system
Referrer URLs
Time zone settings
Pages visited, time spent, interactions (e.g. clicks, scrolls)
Login and session data
Geographic region
Some of this information may be considered personal data under data protection laws. Where this is the case, our Privacy Notice applies.
5. Controlling Cookies
You can manage your cookie preferences at any time via the Cookie Consent Manager on our Website.
Alternatively, you can use your web browser settings to block or delete cookies. However, please note:
Blocking essential cookies may affect site functionality.
Settings vary by browser – refer to the links below for guidance
For third-party ad tracking opt-outs, you can also visit:
6. Third-Party Cookies and Technologies
Third-party providers (e.g. analytics, advertising, social media platforms) may set cookies on our Websites. These providers are responsible for their own cookie and privacy practices. We encourage you to review their policies.
7. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes to our practices, technologies, or legal obligations. Please check this page regularly to stay informed.
We indicate the most recent version of this Policy using the date at the top of this policy.
8. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies or this policy, you can contact:
Data Protection Officer OCU Group Limited
Artemis House
6–8 Greek Street
Stockport
SK3 8AB
• Email: dpo@ocugroup.com
• Phone: +44 (0)161 248 9922