Cookie Policy - Artscapy Ltd
1. Introduction
Our website uses cookies to help analyze how users use the website and to help us improve our service. This allows us to continue our mission of bringing art enthusiasts together, growing your art collection, and connecting with art lovers across the world.
At Artscapy, we are committed to protecting your right to privacy and respecting your privacy rights. If you ever believe that we fall short in this regard, please contact us at info@artscapy.com and we will be happy to address your concerns.
This Cookie Policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy (https://artscapy.com/page/privacy), Terms of Use, Buyers Terms, and Sellers Terms to understand the complete framework of how we handle your information.
Legal Compliance: This policy complies with the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (PECR), UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), and the Data Protection Act 2018.
2. What is a Cookie?
A cookie is a small text file that is stored on your computer or mobile device by a website's server. Only that server will be able to retrieve or read the contents of that cookie. Each cookie is unique to your web browser and will contain information such as a unique identifier and the website name.
Important Note: Most browsers will recognize when a cookie is offered and allow users to control how and when it is accepted. However, you should be aware that if you choose to decline cookies, you may not be able to fully experience all of the features of Artscapy's website.
Further information on cookies is available in the help pages of your browser or by visiting www.aboutcookies.org.
3. How Artscapy Uses Cookies
3.1 Our Commitment to Privacy
The information we collect using cookies is anonymous and aggregated. We will never (and will not allow any third party to) use statistical analytics tools to track or collect any personally identifiable information of visitors to our website or associate your IP address with any other data held about you, unless you explicitly submit that information via a form on our website.
3.2 Cookie Purposes
We use cookies to:
- Enable you to move around the site and use basic features
- Store your preferences for better functionality
- Improve the performance of our website
- Provide you with a better user experience
- Analyze usage patterns to enhance our services
- Deliver relevant content and advertisements
4. Types of Cookies We Use
4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are required for the operation of our website and cannot be disabled.
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration | Domain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| memberSession | Session/Persistent | Maintains user login session and authentication | 7 days | artscapy.com |
| Log in_SessionId | Session | Determines the login session in use, tracks user activity for better experience | Session | artscapy.com |
| ac_cookie_consent | Persistent | Stores your cookie consent preferences | 1 year | artscapy.com |
| aclgnurl | Session | Tracks login URL for security and navigation | Session | artscapy.com |
| acreferer | Session | Stores referrer information for security validation | Session | artscapy.com |
Legal Basis: These cookies are necessary for contract performance and legitimate security interests.
4.2 Analytical/Performance Cookies
These cookies help us recognize and count visitors and understand how visitors move around our website.
4.2.1 Google Analytics (Legacy)
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration | Domain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| __utma | Persistent | Tracks number of visits, first visit, and last visit times | 2 years | artscapy.com |
| __utmb & __utmc | Session/Persistent | Calculate visit duration (__utmb: session start, __utmc: 30 min timeout) | Session/30 min | artscapy.com |
| __utmz | Persistent | Tracks traffic source, search engine, keywords, and geolocation | 6 months | artscapy.com |
| __utmx & __utmxx | Persistent | Used by Google Website Optimizer for A/B testing variations | Session | artscapy.com |
4.2.2 Google Analytics 4
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration | Domain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Persistent | Distinguishes unique users | 2 years | .artscapy.com |
| _gid | Persistent | Distinguishes unique users (short-term) | 24 hours | .artscapy.com |
| _gat_gtag_UA* | Persistent | Throttles request rate to Google Analytics | 1 minute | .artscapy.com |
4.2.3 Matomo Analytics
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration | Domain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| _pk_id.* | Persistent | Stores unique user identifier for privacy-focused analytics | 1 year 1 month | artscapy.com |
| _pk_ses.* | Session | Stores unique session identifier | 1 hour | artscapy.com |
4.2.4 Advanced Analytics Tools
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration | Domain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hjSessionUser* | Persistent | Hotjar: Ensures data consistency across visits | 1 year | .artscapy.com |
| hjSession* | Session | Hotjar: Tracks user sessions for behavior analysis | 1 hour | .artscapy.com |
| _vwo_uuid_v2 | Persistent | VWO: Calculates unique traffic for A/B testing | 1 year | .artscapy.com |
| _hp2_id.* | Persistent | Heap: Comprehensive user interaction tracking | 1 year 1 month | .artscapy.com |
| _hp2_ses_props.* | Session | Heap: Session properties and timestamps | 1 hour | .artscapy.com |
Purpose: These cookies help us improve website performance and user experience by understanding how visitors interact with our platform.
4.3 Functionality Cookies
These cookies recognize you when you return to our website and enable personalization.
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration | Domain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lastExternalReferrer | Persistent | Records last external referrer for navigation enhancement | Persistent | artscapy.com |
| li_gc | Functional | LinkedIn: Stores consent for non-essential purposes | 6 months | .linkedin.com |
| lidc | Functional | LinkedIn: Facilitates data center selection | 1 day | .linkedin.com |
Purpose: These cookies personalize your experience, remember your preferences, and enhance website functionality.
4.4 Targeting/Marketing Cookies
These cookies track your visit to our website and build a profile of your interests for targeted advertising.
4.4.1 Social Media Marketing
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration | Domain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| _fbp | Persistent | Facebook Pixel: Stores and tracks interactions for Facebook advertising | 3 months | .artscapy.com |
| bcookie | Persistent | LinkedIn Insight Tag: Tracks use of embedded LinkedIn services | 1 year | .linkedin.com |
4.4.2 Google Advertising
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration | Domain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| receive-cookie-deprecation | Functional | Google: Manages cookie deprecation transition | 6 months | .doubleclick.net |
| test_cookie | Functional | Google: Tests browser's cookie acceptance capability | 15 minutes | .doubleclick.net |
Social Media Tracking:
- Facebook Pixel: Tracks visitors from Facebook and Instagram, monitors interaction with the website for targeted advertising
- LinkedIn Insight Tag: Tracks visitors from LinkedIn, analyzes professional audience engagement
- Twitter Universal Website Tag: Tracks visitors from Twitter (when implemented)
Purpose: These cookies enable us to deliver relevant advertisements and measure campaign effectiveness across social media platforms.
5. Cookie Consent and Your Choices
5.1 Consent Management
When you first visit our website, we will ask for your consent to use non-essential cookies. You can:
- Accept All Cookies: Enable full website functionality and personalized experience
- Reject Non-Essential: Use only strictly necessary cookies (may limit functionality)
- Manage Preferences: Choose specific cookie categories to accept or reject
- Update Anytime: Change your preferences through cookie settings
5.2 Managing Your Cookie Preferences
5.2.1 Browser Settings
You can restrict or block cookies through your browser settings:
Popular Browsers:
- 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 > Cookies and site data
Browser Functions:
- Be notified when cookies are sent to your browser
- Refuse cookies completely
- Delete existing cookies
- Set preferences for specific websites
5.2.2 Third-Party Opt-Out Options
- Google Analytics: Use the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
- Facebook: Manage preferences at Facebook Ad Preferences
- LinkedIn: Control targeting at LinkedIn Ad Preferences
- Industry-Wide: Visit Your Online Choices for comprehensive opt-out options
5.3 Impact of Disabling Cookies
- Analytics Cookies: You'll still have a complete website experience, but we won't be able to improve our services based on usage analytics.
- Functionality Cookies: Some personalization features may not work, and you may need to re-enter preferences on each visit.
- Marketing Cookies: You'll continue to see advertisements, but they will be generic rather than tailored to your art interests and preferences.
6. Art Market Specific Cookie Uses
6.1 Artwork Recommendations
We use cookies to:
- Track artwork categories you browse most frequently
- Remember pieces you've viewed or saved to wishlists
6.2 Collection Management
Cookies enhance your Art Account by:
- Storing your preferred artwork display settings
- Remembering your filtering and sorting preferences
7. Data Protection and International Transfers
7.1 Data Security
Cookie data is protected through:
- Encryption during transmission and storage where applicable
- Secure server infrastructure (AWS and other enterprise providers)
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Access controls and staff training on data protection
7.2 International Data Transfers
Some cookie providers are based outside the UK. We ensure protection through:
- Adequacy Decisions: For countries with equivalent data protection (e.g., EU)
- Standard Contractual Clauses: For transfers to other countries
- Privacy Frameworks: Compliance with international privacy standards
- Provider Assessment: Regular review of third-party privacy practices
7.3 Data Retention
- Session Cookies: Deleted automatically when you close your browser
- Persistent Cookies: Retained for specified periods (see individual cookie tables above)
- Analytics Data: May be retained in aggregated form for business intelligence
- Marketing Data: Retained according to advertising platform policies and legal requirements
8. Your Rights and Legal Information
8.1 Your Privacy Rights
Under UK data protection law, you have rights regarding cookie data:
- Right to Information: Clear details about our cookie usage (provided in this policy)
- Right of Access: Request details about cookie data we hold about you
- Right to Rectification: Correct any inaccurate cookie-related information
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of cookie data in certain circumstances
- Right to Object: Object to cookie processing based on legitimate interests
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Remove consent for non-essential cookies at any time
8.2 Exercising Your Rights
To exercise your privacy rights regarding cookies:
- Email: info@artscapy.com
- Subject: Cookie Policy - Privacy Rights Request
- Information Required: Specific cookies, timeframe, and nature of your request
- Response Time: We will respond within one month
8.3 Data Protection Officer
For specialized privacy matters:
- Data Protection Officer: Emilia Gyoerk
- Email: emilia@artscapy.com
- Subject: Cookie Policy - Data Protection Inquiry
9. Complaints and Regulatory Information
9.1 Internal Complaints
If you're concerned about our cookie practices:
- Contact us at info@artscapy.com with detailed concerns
- We will investigate and respond within 5 business days
- We are committed to resolving privacy concerns promptly and fairly
9.2 Regulatory Complaints
If you remain unsatisfied with our response:
- UK Supervisory Authority: Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
- Website: https://ico.org.uk/concerns/
- Phone: 0303 123 1113
- Address: Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF
9.3 Industry Resources
For additional information about cookies:
- About Cookies: www.aboutcookies.org
- Interactive Advertising Bureau: www.iab.net
- Your Online Choices: www.youronlinechoices.com/uk
10. Updates to This Cookie Policy
10.1 Policy Changes
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:
- Changes in our cookie usage or third-party providers
- New legal requirements or regulatory guidance
- Improvements in privacy practices or user controls
- Updates to website functionality or features
10.2 Change Notification
We will notify you of significant changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on our website with a new effective date
- Sending email notifications for material changes affecting your rights
- Displaying prominent notices on our platform
- Updating our cookie consent mechanisms where necessary
10.3 Review Schedule
We regularly review this Cookie Policy to ensure:
- Accuracy of cookie information and descriptions
- Compliance with current legal requirements
- Alignment with industry best practices
- Effectiveness of user control mechanisms
11. Contact Information
11.1 General Cookie Questions
Primary Contact:
- Email: info@artscapy.com
- Subject Line: Cookie Policy Question
- Response Time: Within 5 business days
11.2 Technical Cookie Issues
For technical problems with cookie settings or functionality:
- Email: info@artscapy.com
- Subject Line: Cookie Technical Issue
- Include: Browser type, device information, and description of the problem
Important Note: This Cookie Policy forms part of our comprehensive privacy framework and should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, Buyers Terms, and Sellers Terms for complete understanding of your rights and our obligations.
Last Updated: July 29, 2025