Last Updated: 22 January 2026
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences and improve your experience. Think of them as tiny notes websites leave for themselves.
How I Use Cookies
I use cookies to:
- Remember your theme preference (dark mode or light mode)
- Understand how visitors navigate my portfolio
- See which blog posts are most popular
- Improve my site based on usage patterns
Types of Cookies We Use
1. Strictly Necessary Cookies
Purpose: Essential for site operation
Duration: Session or as needed
Can be disabled: No (required for basic functionality)
Examples:
- Security and authentication
- Site functionality
- Load balancing
2. Preference Cookies
Purpose: Remember your settings
Duration: 1 year (or until you clear your browser)
Can be disabled: Yes
Examples:
- Theme – Remembers if you prefer dark mode or light mode
3. Analytics Cookies
Purpose: Help me understand how people use my site
Duration: Up to 26 months
Can be disabled: Yes (see below for how)
Google Analytics: I use Google Analytics to see:
- Which pages get the most visits
- How people find my site (Google, LinkedIn, etc.)
- Which blog posts are most popular
- What devices/browsers visitors use (so I can optimize)
This helps me create better content and improve the site. All data is anonymous – I can’t identify individual visitors.
Google Analytics privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
4. Performance Cookies
Purpose: Optimize site performance
Duration: Session or 1 year
Can be disabled: Yes
Examples:
- Page load optimization
- Content delivery
- Caching
Third-Party Cookies
The only third-party service that sets cookies on my site is:
- Google Analytics: Anonymous website traffic analysis
Google has their own privacy policy governing their cookie use. I’ve configured Google Analytics to anonymize IP addresses for additional privacy.
Cookies I Use – Complete List
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Type | Duration | Set By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
theme | Remembers dark/light mode choice | Preference | 1 year | My site |
_ga | Google Analytics user identifier | Analytics | 2 years | |
_gid | Google Analytics session identifier | Analytics | 24 hours | |
_gat | Google Analytics request throttling | Analytics | 1 minute |
That’s it! No tracking pixels, no ad networks, no marketing cookies.
Managing Cookies
Browser Settings
You can control cookies through your browser settings:
Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies
Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies
Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies
Edge: Settings > Privacy > Cookies
Opt-Out of Google Analytics
Browser Extension: Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Add-on
Do Not Track: Enable in your browser settings (I respect this setting)
What Happens If You Disable Cookies?
If you disable cookies:
- ✅ The site will still work perfectly
- ❌ Your theme preference (dark/light mode) won’t be remembered
- ❌ I won’t be able to see anonymous usage statistics
- ✅ You can still view all content, contact me, and browse the portfolio
Everything works without cookies except remembering your preferences!
Cookie Consent
EU/UK Visitors (GDPR)
If I implement a cookie banner in the future, you’ll be able to:
- Accept all cookies
- Accept only necessary cookies (just the theme preference)
- Reject analytics cookies
For now, by using this site, you consent to the cookies listed above.
California & Other Visitors
I respect “Do Not Track” browser signals. If you have DNT enabled, I won’t track your visits in Google Analytics.
Updates to This Policy
I may update this Cookie Policy if:
- I start using different cookies or services
- Laws change and require updates
- I add new features that use cookies
Check the “Last Updated” date at the top to see if anything changed.
More Information
Full Privacy Policy
See my complete Privacy Policy for all details on data collection and use.
Questions?
Confused about cookies or have questions? Please email me directly
Website: renstanforth.com
Useful Resources
- All About Cookies: https://www.allaboutcookies.org/
- ICO Cookie Guide: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-pecr/cookies-and-similar-technologies/
- GDPR Info: https://gdpr.eu/cookies/