Cookie Policy
Last updated: 1 January 2026
1. What are cookies
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They allow the site to recognise your browser, remember certain preferences, and collect information about how the site is used. Cookies do not contain executable code and cannot access other data stored on your device.
This Cookie Policy explains which cookies are set when you visit atero.info, what each one does, and how you can manage your cookie preferences. It should be read alongside the Atero Almanac Privacy Policy, which covers the broader handling of personal data.
2. How we use cookies
Atero Almanac uses cookies for three purposes: to ensure the site functions correctly (strictly necessary), to remember your preferences across visits (functional), and to understand how readers use the site in aggregate (analytical). We do not use cookies for advertising targeting or to build profiles for third-party marketing.
A cookie consent banner is displayed on your first visit to the site. You can choose to accept all cookies, accept functional cookies only, or accept strictly necessary cookies only. Your preference is stored in a first-party cookie and applied on subsequent visits. You can change your preference at any time using the Cookie Settings link in the site footer.
3. Categories of cookies
3.1 Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are required for the site to function. They cannot be switched off. They are set in response to actions you take, such as submitting the contact form or setting cookie preferences. They do not store personally identifiable information.
| Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| atero_consent | Stores your cookie consent preference | 12 months |
| PHPSESSID | Session identifier for form handling | Session |
3.2 Functional cookies
Functional cookies allow the site to remember choices you make and provide a more personalised reading experience. They are only set if you accept functional cookies via the consent banner.
| Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| atero_prefs | Remembers display preferences between visits | 6 months |
| atero_last_read | Records which articles have been read to avoid repetitive highlights | 3 months |
3.3 Analytical cookies
Analytical cookies help us understand how readers use the site — which articles are read most, how long readers stay on a page, and where they arrive from. This data is collected in aggregate and is not linked to personally identifiable information. These cookies are only set if you accept analytical cookies via the consent banner.
| Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Distinguishes unique users for aggregated analytics | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Maintains analytics session state | 2 years |
3.4 Third-party cookies
The embedded Google Maps iframe on the Contact page may set third-party cookies when loaded. These are governed by Google's own cookie and privacy policies. Atero Almanac does not have access to or control over these cookies. You can prevent the map from loading by declining analytical cookies in the consent banner; the map will be replaced with a static address display.
Fonts loaded from Google Fonts and Fontshare CDN are served as standard HTTP requests. These providers may log request-level data in accordance with their own policies. No persistent third-party cookies are set by these font requests.
4. Managing your cookie preferences
You can change your cookie preferences at any time. To do so, click the "Cookie Settings" link in the site footer. The consent banner will reappear and allow you to adjust your selection.
You can also manage cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies from specific sites. Note that blocking strictly necessary cookies may impair the function of the contact form and consent mechanism. The following links point to the cookie management guidance for common browsers:
- Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
- Mozilla Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Apple Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
- Microsoft Edge: Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services > Cookies
5. Withdrawing consent
You may withdraw your consent to the use of non-essential cookies at any time using the Cookie Settings link in the site footer. Withdrawing consent will not affect the lawfulness of any processing that took place before the withdrawal. Strictly necessary cookies will remain active, as they are required for the site to function.
To request the deletion of any data held about you as a result of your cookie-based interactions with the site, please write to us at [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days.
6. Changes to this policy
This Cookie Policy may be updated from time to time. The date at the top of this page indicates the last revision. Significant changes will be communicated via the consent banner on your next visit. Continued use of the site following any revision constitutes acceptance of the updated policy. Questions about this policy should be directed to [email protected].
You can adjust which cookies are active at any time using the panel below.