Cookie Policy
Last updated: 2026-05-06
This Cookie Policy explains how Gilded Night (“we,” “us”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our platform at gildednight.com. This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy and complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the ePrivacy Directive.
What Are Cookies & Similar Technologies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites function efficiently, provide a better user experience, and supply usage information to site operators.
In addition to cookies, we may use similar technologies including:
- Web beacons (pixel tags): Tiny transparent images embedded in pages or emails to track page views and email opens.
- Local storage (localStorage / sessionStorage): Browser-based storage that allows websites to store data locally on your device, similar to cookies but with larger capacity.
- Fingerprinting: We do not use browser fingerprinting or device fingerprinting techniques.
Cookies may be “session” cookies (automatically deleted when you close your browser) or “persistent” cookies (remain on your device until they expire or you manually delete them).
Legal Basis for Cookies
Under applicable law, the legal basis for storing cookies depends on their purpose:
- Essential cookies: Set without consent as they are strictly necessary for the Platform to function or to provide a service you have explicitly requested.
- Non-essential cookies: All other cookies — including analytics, preference, and marketing cookies — require your explicit, informed, and freely given consent before being placed on your device.
Consent is collected via our cookie consent banner on your first visit. You may update or withdraw consent at any time (see Managing Your Cookie Preferences below). Pre-ticked boxes or implied consent (e.g., by scrolling) are not valid forms of consent.
Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)
These cookies are required for the Platform to operate. They enable core functions such as security, session management, and accessibility. They cannot be disabled without affecting Platform functionality.
| Cookie | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
session_id | Maintains your authenticated session state across page loads | First-party | Session |
csrf_token | Protects against cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks | First-party | Session |
cookie_consent | Records your cookie consent preferences to avoid repeated prompts | First-party | 12 months |
age_verified | Records that you have confirmed your age via the age gate | First-party | Session |
Analytics Cookies
With your consent, we use analytics cookies to understand how visitors interact with the Platform — which pages are visited most, how long users stay, and where they navigate from. This data helps us improve Platform performance and content.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Google Analytics | Generates a unique ID to distinguish users and compile statistical reports | Third-party | 2 years |
_ga_[ID] | Google Analytics 4 | Maintains session state for GA4 measurement | Third-party | 2 years |
_gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users within a 24-hour window | Third-party | 24 hours |
_gat_gtag_[ID] | Google Analytics | Throttles request rate to limit data collection on high-traffic sites | Third-party | 1 minute |
Privacy measures: Google Analytics is configured with IP anonymisation enabled (last octet masked before storage). A Data Processing Agreement (DPA) is in place with Google Ireland Ltd. Data is processed on servers within the EU/EEA where possible. No data is shared with Google for advertising purposes.
Preference Cookies
With your consent, we use preference cookies to remember your settings and provide a personalised experience.
| Cookie | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
lang | Stores your preferred language to serve localised content | First-party | 12 months |
theme | Stores your display preference (light/dark mode) | First-party | 12 months |
grid_view | Remembers your preferred listing layout (grid vs. list) | First-party | 6 months |
Marketing Cookies
We currently do not use marketing or advertising cookies. If this changes in the future, this policy will be updated, and your explicit consent will be required before any marketing cookies are set.
We do not participate in any real-time bidding (RTB) or programmatic advertising that involves the placement of tracking cookies.
Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies may be set by third-party services embedded in or used by the Platform. These providers operate under their own privacy and cookie policies:
- Google Analytics (analytics) — Google Privacy Policy
- Payment processors (essential, for transaction processing) — cookies set during checkout are strictly necessary and PCI DSS compliant.
We have Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) in place with all third-party cookie providers to ensure compliance. We review these agreements annually. We do not permit third parties to use cookies set through our Platform for their own independent marketing purposes.
Local Storage & Session Storage
In addition to cookies, the Platform may use HTML5 localStorage and sessionStorage for non-essential preferences (e.g., UI state). These are subject to the same consent requirements as cookies:
- Strictly necessary storage (e.g., CSRF token backup): No consent required.
- Non-essential storage (e.g., user preferences): Consent required and managed through the same cookie consent banner.
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You can manage your cookie preferences at any time through the following methods:
A. Our Cookie Consent Banner
Click “Cookie Settings” in the footer of any page to update your preferences. You can selectively enable or disable cookie categories (analytics, preferences). Essential cookies cannot be disabled.
B. Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to view, manage, and delete cookies:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies
C. Opt-Out Tools
- Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on: tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
Note: Disabling essential cookies may impair or prevent the functioning of the Platform. Disabling analytics cookies will not affect your ability to use the Platform.
Do Not Track (DNT)
Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature that sends a signal to websites requesting that your browsing activity not be tracked. There is currently no universally accepted standard for how to respond to DNT signals. We do not currently respond to DNT signals but provide comprehensive cookie consent controls as described above.
We will revisit this position if and when a uniform standard is adopted. In the meantime, your cookie consent preferences (managed via our consent banner) take precedence.
Data Retention for Cookie Data
Personal data collected via cookies is retained in accordance with the durations specified in the tables above and our Privacy Policy. Specifically:
- Session cookies are deleted when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookie data is retained for the duration specified (maximum 2 years for Google Analytics cookies).
- Cookie consent records are retained for 12 months, after which you will be prompted again.
- Analytics data is aggregated and anonymised within 14 months (Google Analytics data retention setting).
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, law, our business practices, or the cookies we use. Changes are effective when published with an updated “Last updated” date. If we introduce new categories of cookies (e.g., marketing cookies), we will update the consent banner accordingly and obtain fresh consent.
Contact
For questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy:
Gilded Night
London, United Kingdom
Email: info@gildednight.com