Cookie Policy
Last updated: 1 December 2024
1. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, remember your preferences, and provide information to website owners about how the site is used.
In addition to cookies, we may use other similar tracking technologies on our web and mobile platforms, including:
- Local storage and session storage: Browser-based storage mechanisms used to persist data between page loads (local storage) or within a single browsing session (session storage). These are used for features such as remembering your filter preferences or storing in-progress form data
- Web beacons / pixel tags: Tiny image files (often 1x1 pixel, invisible to the eye) embedded in web pages or emails that allow us to track whether a page has been viewed or an email has been opened
- Mobile SDKs: Our iOS and Android applications use software development kits (SDKs) from analytics and performance monitoring providers. These operate similarly to browser-based tracking technologies and may collect device identifiers, session data, and usage events
- Advertising identifiers: On mobile devices, we may use the device's advertising identifier (IDFA on iOS, GAID on Android) for analytics and, where you have consented, personalised advertising. You can reset or limit the use of your advertising identifier in your device settings
- Device fingerprinting: We may use aggregated, non-personal device characteristics (such as screen resolution and browser version) for security and fraud prevention purposes only
This policy covers all of these technologies. For simplicity, we refer to all of them collectively as "cookies" throughout this policy.
2. Legal Basis for Using Cookies
Our use of cookies is governed by the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR) and the UK GDPR. Under PECR, we must obtain your consent before placing any cookies on your device that are not strictly necessary for the operation of our Services. We obtain this consent through our cookie consent banner and preference centre.
Strictly necessary cookies do not require your consent as they are essential for the Services to function. All other cookies are only set after you have given your consent.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for our websites and web applications to function correctly. They enable core features such as navigation, security, and user authentication. You cannot opt out of these cookies through our preferences centre, although you may be able to block them through your browser settings (which may prevent certain features from working).
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| et_cookie_consent | Stores your cookie consent preferences so we do not ask again on each visit | 1 year | Early Tree |
| .AspNetCore.Antiforgery.* | Anti-forgery token for security of form submissions (CSRF protection) | Session | Early Tree |
| .AspNetCore.Session | Maintains your session state while logged in | Session | Early Tree |
| .AspNetCore.Identity.Application | Authentication cookie to keep you securely signed in | Session / persistent (if "remember me" selected) | Early Tree |
3.2 Analytics Cookies
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors use our websites and web applications by collecting and reporting information. This data is used to improve the usability, performance, and content of our Services. Analytics data is collected in an aggregated or pseudonymised form and is not used to identify individual users.
Analytics cookies are only set with your consent. You can manage your preferences using the controls below.
| Cookie / Technology | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga, _ga_* | Google Analytics — tracks sessions, page views, and user interactions to help us understand website usage | Up to 2 years | |
| _gid | Google Analytics — distinguishes users within a 24-hour period | 24 hours | |
| Mobile analytics SDK | Collects pseudonymised app usage events, screen views, and session data in our iOS and Android apps | Persistent (until app uninstalled or consent withdrawn) | Early Tree / third-party SDK provider |
3.3 Performance and Crash Monitoring Cookies
These cookies and SDK-based technologies help us monitor the technical performance of our Services, detect and diagnose bugs and crashes, and ensure service reliability. Data collected is technical in nature and is not used for marketing or profiling purposes.
| Technology | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crash reporting SDK (mobile) | Captures anonymous stack traces and device state at the time of app crashes, helping us identify and fix bugs | 90 days | Third-party SDK provider |
3.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies
Marketing cookies may be used to build a profile of your interests and display relevant advertisements on other websites and platforms. They do not store directly identifiable information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser or device. On mobile, this may include use of your device's advertising identifier (IDFA/GAID).
Marketing cookies are only set with your explicit consent. You can manage your preferences below and can opt out at any time.
| Cookie / Technology | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| _fbp | Meta (Facebook) Pixel — tracks conversions and enables remarketing audiences | 90 days | Meta |
| IDFA / GAID (mobile) | Device advertising identifier — used for mobile ad attribution and cross-app measurement, only where you have granted permission via iOS App Tracking Transparency or Android equivalent | Until reset or permission revoked | Third-party ad networks |
4. Manage Your Cookie Preferences
5. Managing Cookies in Your Browser
Most web browsers allow you to view, manage, and delete cookies through their settings. You can usually find these settings in the "Options", "Preferences", or "Privacy" menu of your browser. The following links explain how to manage cookies in the most widely used browsers:
Please note that blocking or deleting cookies may affect the functionality of this and other websites. In particular, blocking strictly necessary cookies may prevent you from logging in or using certain features.
6. Managing Tracking on Mobile Devices
If you use our iOS or Android applications, you have additional controls over tracking:
- iOS (App Tracking Transparency): When you first install our iOS app, you will be prompted by Apple's App Tracking Transparency framework to allow or deny tracking across other companies' apps and websites. You can change this setting at any time in your device Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking.
- Android: You can opt out of interest-based advertising and reset your advertising ID in your device Settings → Privacy → Ads. The exact path varies by Android version and device manufacturer.
- Push notifications: You can disable push notifications from our apps in your device Settings. This will not prevent us from sending you in-app notifications when you are actively using the app.
- App permissions: You can revoke camera, photo library, and other permissions in your device Settings at any time.
7. Do Not Track
Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want to be tracked across websites. There is currently no industry-standard interpretation of DNT signals, and our Services do not currently respond to DNT signals differently to other requests. We encourage you to use our cookie preference centre above to control the tracking technologies we use.
8. Third-Party Cookies and Content
Some pages on our website may contain embedded content or widgets provided by third-party services (such as video players, maps, or social sharing buttons). These third-party services may set their own cookies when you interact with them. We do not control these cookies and they are subject to the privacy policies of the respective third parties. We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any third-party services you interact with through our site.
We take steps to minimise the use of third-party embedded content on pages that are part of our core Services, in order to limit third-party data collection.
9. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the technologies we use, legal requirements, or our Services. We will post any changes on this page, update the "Last updated" date, and where appropriate notify you via a cookie banner on your next visit. We encourage you to check this page periodically.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions about how we use cookies or other tracking technologies, please contact us:
Email: hello@earlytree.co.uk
Contact form: earlytree.co.uk/contact