document: title: cookies & privacy
text: ###  What is a cookie?

A cookie is small text file that is placed on your computer, tablet or smartphone when you visit a website. This is known as ‘setting’ the cookie.

Each website uses cookies in different ways, but usually they’re used to make your experience of browsing websites easier and more enjoyable. For example, a cookie can store settings that are personal to your use of an individual website, or keep a record of items that you place in a virtual shopping basket.

When a cookie is set, it is given an expiry date. On the expiry date it is automatically deleted.

Your continued use of the BFI website means that you consent to the BFI using cookies as detailed below. If you do not wish the BFI to use cookies then please follow the instructions in the ‘Changing your settings’ section below.

###  How the BFI uses cookies

We use cookies for three purposes:

####  Website functionality

When you visit the BFI website the server checks whether you have JavaScript enabled on your browser software (e.g. Firefox, Internet Explorer) and sets a cookie to store a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ answer.

The cookie is called has_js and is set to expire when you close your browser software.

JavaScript is a useful programming language which helps make websites more dynamic and interactive. A website should usually work without JavaScript, but the experience might not be as good as intended.

The BFI website uses JavaScript in a number of ways, and it should be enabled if you want to experience the website’s full functionality.

####  Ecommerce

BFI uses a ticketing and CRM solution called Audience View.

Audience View uses session cookies, which are not stored on the user’s computer persistent storage (e.g. disk) and only kept in computer memory (RAM) for the duration of the user’s visit.

Audience View session cookies are also essential for being able to provide service to the end user, which puts them into the “strictly necessary” category described in the regulations.

Audience View also requires Javascript to be switched on.

####  Storing and analysing website visitor data

The BFI uses Google Analytics to track visits to its website. This data is very useful in helping us understand how the website is being used, and identify ways to improve it.

Google Analytics stores data anonymously, which means no data is stored that could be used to identify you as a named individual.

Google Analytics sets four cookies, one of which expires when you close your browser software. They are all named with the prefix utm.

You can learn more about Google’s privacy policy on the Google Analytics website.

###  Changing your settings

If you wish to, you can control how cookies are stored on your computer, tablet or smartphone.

The website AboutCookies.org has useful information for all the common computer-based operating systems and web browsing software.

For tablets and smartphones you should refer to the operating guide for the device, the manufacturer’s website or your network provider.