Cookie Policy
This page lists the cookies, tracking pixels, and local-storage entries used on StatePension.org, why we use them, and how you can opt out. It complements our privacy policy.
What is a cookie?
A cookie is a small text file stored by your browser when you visit a website. Some cookies are set by the site you're visiting (first-party cookies); others are set by services embedded on the page, such as analytics or advertising networks (third-party cookies). Local storage is a similar mechanism that stores larger amounts of data in your browser without sending it back to a server automatically.
Categories we use
1. Strictly necessary
These keep the site usable. They cannot be switched off through the cookie banner because the site relies on them.
| Name | Source | Type | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
cookieConsent | statepension.org | localStorage | Records that you have closed the cookie banner so it doesn't reappear on every page. | Until cleared |
cookieConsentDate | statepension.org | localStorage | Date you closed the banner, so we can re-prompt after policy changes. | Until cleared |
theme | statepension.org | localStorage | Remembers your light- or dark-mode preference. | Until cleared |
2. Analytics
These help us understand which pages are useful and how readers move around the site. The data we see is aggregated and does not identify individual visitors.
| Name | Source | Type | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Google Analytics (google.com) | HTTP cookie | Distinguishes unique users. | 2 years |
_ga_N3816L30G6 | Google Analytics (google.com) | HTTP cookie | Maintains session state for our GA4 property. | 2 years |
_gid | Google Analytics (google.com) | HTTP cookie | Distinguishes users for 24 hours (used by GA4 in some configurations). | 24 hours |
3. Advertising
These are set by Google AdSense and its partner ad vendors when ads load on the page. They are used to deliver ads, control how often a given ad is shown, measure clicks, and prevent ad fraud. Some of them support personalised advertising, which you can switch off.
| Name | Source | Type | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
__gads | Google AdSense | HTTP cookie | Ad serving and frequency capping for AdSense slots. | ~13 months |
__gpi | Google AdSense | HTTP cookie | Personalisation and limit-ad-tracking signals for AdSense. | ~13 months |
NID | google.com | HTTP cookie | Stores ad and search preferences across Google services. | ~6 months |
IDE | doubleclick.net | HTTP cookie | Used by Google's ad ecosystem to measure ad effectiveness. | ~13 months |
| Various | Google ad partners | HTTP cookies and similar | Bidding, fraud prevention, and measurement by certified vendors. The full list of vendors is available through Google's Ads Transparency Center. | Varies |
What we don't do
- We don't sell or rent personal data to third parties.
- We don't run our own behavioural-tracking platform — we rely on Google's standard products.
- We don't use social-media trackers (Facebook Pixel, X/Twitter pixel, LinkedIn Insight, TikTok pixel) on this site.
- We don't fingerprint your device or use other persistent identifiers beyond the cookies and local-storage entries listed above.
How to manage and opt out
Opt out of analytics
- Install Google's Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on to block GA across all sites.
- Block third-party cookies in your browser settings.
Opt out of personalised advertising
- Visit Google Ads Settings to switch off personalised ads on Google's network.
- UK and EU readers can use YourOnlineChoices.com to opt out across many vendors.
- US readers can use aboutads.info or NAI Consumer Opt-out.
- Use your browser's "Limit ad tracking" or "Do Not Track" setting where available.
Block or delete cookies entirely
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data.
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data.
- Safari: Settings → Privacy → Manage Website Data.
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies and site data.
Blocking analytics or advertising cookies will not stop the site from working. The pages, calculators, glossary, and FAQ all remain fully usable.
Children
This site is not aimed at children. We do not knowingly profile users under 13.
Changes to this policy
We update this list when we add, remove, or change a cookie or vendor. The "Last reviewed" date at the top of the page reflects the most recent revision. If we make a material change we'll re-prompt for consent through the banner.
Questions
If you have questions about a specific cookie or want to exercise a data right, email [email protected].