Cookies Policy

Last updated: 29 October 2026

What Cookies and Similar Technologies Are

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They store or access information such as preferences, session identifiers and usage patterns. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels and local storage that perform comparable functions. These tools help websites recognise returning visitors, remember choices and support core site operations without storing personal data beyond what is strictly necessary for the stated purpose.

Why This Site Uses Cookies

shineful operates a platform for professional media feeds, live signal management and content distribution. Cookies enable reliable delivery of high-quality video feeds to news programmes and broadcasters. They support session continuity during live broadcasts, remember technical settings for camera and signal workflows, and provide aggregated insights that help maintain service quality. Without these technologies many functions would fail or require repeated manual input on each visit.

Categories of Cookies We Use

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the site to function. They handle login sessions, load balancing for live streams and security tokens that protect media feeds. No consent is required under PECR because they are strictly necessary.

Functional Cookies

Functional cookies remember user preferences such as video quality settings or preferred signal formats. They improve usability for broadcasters who return frequently but are not essential for basic operation.

Analytics and Performance Cookies

These cookies collect aggregated information about how visitors interact with pages, including which feed types are viewed most often. Data helps improve platform reliability and reduce buffering during live events. Consent is required and can be withdrawn at any time.

Advertising and Targeting Cookies

Where used, these cookies support targeted promotion of media services to professional users. They do not profile individuals for unrelated advertising. Consent is obtained before placement.

Social Media Cookies

These may be set by third-party platforms when content is shared. They allow integration with external networks but only activate after consent.

First-Party versus Third-Party Cookies

First-party cookies are set directly by shineful and remain under our control. Third-party cookies come from trusted providers such as content delivery networks or analytics services. All third parties are contractually bound to process data only for the purposes we specify and in line with UK GDPR and PECR.

Session versus Persistent Cookies

Session cookies expire when the browser closes and are used for live feed sessions. Persistent cookies remain for a defined period, typically between 30 days and 24 months, depending on the purpose. For example, analytics cookies may last 13 months while preference cookies may persist for 6 months. Exact durations appear in the table below.

Data Handled and Purpose of Each Category

Necessary cookies process technical identifiers and session tokens to keep media streams stable. Functional cookies store preference values such as default resolution. Analytics cookies record page views and interaction timestamps in aggregated form. No category collects names, email addresses or financial details unless separately provided through the contact form.

Legal Basis for Each Category under UK Law

Strictly necessary cookies rely on the strict necessity exemption in PECR. All other categories require consent under UK GDPR Article 6(1)(a) and PECR Regulation 6. Consent is obtained via the site-wide banner and can be managed at any time. Withdrawal does not affect prior lawful processing.

Cookie Provider Table

The following table summarises the cookies currently in use. Providers, categories and durations are listed for transparency.

Name: _sessionid – Provider: shineful – Category: Strictly necessary – Duration: Session
Name: pref_quality – Provider: shineful – Category: Functional – Duration: 6 months
Name: _ga – Provider: Google Analytics – Category: Analytics – Duration: 13 months
Name: cdn_token – Provider: Content delivery network – Category: Strictly necessary – Duration: 30 days

How the Consent Manager Works

The cookie banner appears on first visit. You may accept all, reject non-essential categories or customise choices. Selections are stored for 12 months. To change preferences later, revisit the banner link in the footer. Withdrawal takes immediate effect for future visits.

Browser-Level Controls and Consequences

Most browsers allow blocking or deleting cookies through settings. Disabling necessary cookies will prevent live feed access and login. Blocking analytics cookies limits our ability to improve service performance but does not stop core functionality. Instructions for common browsers are available on their support sites.

International Transfers

Some providers may process data outside the UK. Appropriate safeguards such as UK-approved standard contractual clauses are in place. Further details appear in our Privacy Policy, which can be accessed via the site footer.

Policy Changes and Contact

We review this policy regularly. Material changes will be notified via the banner or site notice. For questions about cookies contact us using the details on the Contacts page or email [email protected]. Our address is Holmbush Road, Putney, London SW15 3LE, United Kingdom and telephone is +44 7575 701535.