You are in control of optional cookies. Cookies needed to provide a service you request may operate without consent. Analytics, advertising and other optional technologies should remain off until you make a clear choice.
This policy should be read with our Privacy Policy.
1. What cookies are
Cookies are small text files stored on a browser or device when you visit a website. Similar technologies can include local storage, pixels, tags and software development tools. In this policy, “cookies” includes these related technologies where the same privacy rules apply.
Cookies can remember that you are signed in, protect forms, retain preferences, measure website performance or support embedded services. Some expire when you close the browser and others remain for a stated period.
2. Types of cookie we may use
Strictly necessary
These are essential to provide a feature you request or to keep the service secure. They can include account authentication, session management, security, fraud prevention, load balancing and remembering your cookie choice. Disabling them may prevent parts of the website from working.
Preferences
These remember choices such as display settings, search preferences or accessibility options. Where they are not essential to a feature you request, we ask for consent before using them.
Analytics and performance
These help us understand visits, errors and how people use pages so the service can be improved. We do not set non essential analytics cookies unless you consent.
Advertising and social media
These can create an interest profile, measure campaigns or connect activity across services. The Ditch Dating does not permit these cookies to operate unless they are used and you have consented.
3. Cookie details
The exact cookies present depend on whether you are signed in and which features are active. The core WordPress service may use cookies such as those below.
| Cookie or storage | Purpose | Typical duration | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
wordpress_test_cookie | Checks whether the browser accepts cookies. | Session | |
wordpress_logged_in_* | Recognises a signed in member and maintains the account session. | Session or up to 14 days if remembered | |
wordpress_sec_* | Supports secure account authentication and administration. | Session | |
wp-settings-* and wp-settings-time-* | Stores interface preferences for a signed in user. | Up to 1 year | |
| Consent preference cookie | Records the cookie choices you make so the banner does not ask on every page. | Usually up to 6 months | |
| Payment provider session | Prevents fraud and securely completes a purchase when you choose a paid feature. | Session or provider stated period |
Where analytics, embedded media or advertising tools are introduced, their names, providers, purposes and durations will be added to this table before they are enabled for visitors who consent.
4. Consent and changing your choice
When optional cookies are available, the website will present a clear choice to accept or reject them. Rejecting optional cookies will not prevent access to the core website or dating service.
You can change or withdraw consent at any time through the cookie settings control displayed on the website. Withdrawing consent does not make earlier lawful use invalid. It prevents future optional storage or access, although you may also need to remove existing cookies through your browser.
We do not treat continued browsing, a preselected box or silence as consent to optional cookies.
5. Third party services
Some pages may use services supplied by other organisations, such as payment processing, maps, video, security tools or social media content. A third party may set or access cookies when you activate its feature.
Optional third party content should remain blocked until you consent or deliberately request the feature after receiving clear information. The third party’s own privacy and cookie information will also apply.
6. Browser and device controls
Most browsers allow you to view, block and delete cookies. The controls are usually found under privacy, security or site settings. Blocking every cookie may sign you out, stop preferences being saved and prevent account or payment features from working correctly.
Private browsing reduces some local retention but does not by itself prevent every form of online measurement. Browser “do not track” settings are not interpreted consistently across the internet, so use our cookie choices where available.
7. Updates to this policy
We review this policy when website features, plugins, suppliers or the law changes. The effective date at the top shows when it was last updated. If a new use requires consent, it will not be enabled for you until the appropriate choice is offered.
Questions about cookies
Contact The Ditch Dating at news@theditch.co.uk and put “Cookie question” in the subject line.
For independent information about cookie rules and your rights, visit the Information Commissioner’s Office.