Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and give website owners information about how their site is used.

Our website uses cookies as described below. This policy complies with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies (Necessary)

These cookies are required for the website to function correctly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, accessibility, and session management. You cannot opt out of these as the service would not work without them.

2.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation, such as remembering your preferences (language, region) and providing improved features. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we use.

2.3 Analytics Cookies

We currently do not use analytics cookies. If we introduce analytics or tracking in the future (for example, Google Analytics or similar), we will update this policy and obtain your consent before such cookies are set.

2.4 Marketing/Advertising Cookies

We currently do not use marketing or advertising cookies. If we introduce advertising or retargeting in the future, we will update this policy and obtain your explicit consent before placing such cookies on your device.

3. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our site are set by third-party services we use:

• PocketBase (self-hosted) — contact form service runs on our own infrastructure and does not set third-party tracking cookies
• Forum (openelara.org) — if you create a forum account, that service operates under its own cookie policy

We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any third-party services you interact with.

4. Future Cookies (With Consent)

If in the future we introduce cookies for:

• Advertising or retargeting (e.g., Google Ads, Facebook Pixel)
• Analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, Plausible, Matomo)
• Social media integration (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter widgets)
• Video embedding (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo)

we will:

• Update this policy with clear information about each cookie
• Present you with a clear consent mechanism when you first visit our site
• Allow you to accept or reject non-essential cookies
• Provide an easy way to withdraw consent at any time

5. Managing Cookies

You can control and/or delete cookies as you wish. Most browsers allow you to:

• Block all cookies from all sites
• Block cookies from specific sites only
• Allow cookies from the site you are currently on only
• Delete all cookies when you close your browser
• View what cookies are stored and delete them individually

Instructions for popular browsers:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies → Manage cookie settings
• Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies → Manage permissions
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
• Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies

Note: Blocking essential cookies will impair website functionality.

6. Cookie Consent Mechanisms

When we introduce non-essential cookies, we will implement a cookie consent banner that:

• Appears clearly when you first visit the site
• Explains what each category of cookies does
• Requires explicit opt-in for non-essential cookies
• Allows you to accept only essential cookies by default
• Records your consent preference

7. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR and PECR, you have the right to:

• Be informed about cookies before they are placed (our responsibility)
• Withdraw consent to non-essential cookies at any time
• Access information held about you (including cookies)

To exercise any rights, contact us at privacy@openelara.org.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically to reflect changes in our use of cookies or regulatory changes. We will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page and, for material changes, notify you via our website.