This Cookie Policy explains how StoryShift.uk (operated by Nordbridge Media OU, Estonia) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies. It describes what cookies are, which categories we use, why we use them, and how you can manage your consent. This policy applies to all visitors to our website.
What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) when you visit a website. They allow the site to remember your actions and preferences over a period of time (such as login details or language settings) and to understand how you interact with the site. Cookies do not typically contain personal information that directly identifies you, but they may be linked to a unique identifier.
Categories of Cookies We Use
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They enable basic functions such as page navigation, security, and access to secured areas of the site. Without these cookies, certain services (including our editorial archive and commenting features) may not work correctly. We do not require your prior consent for strictly necessary cookies, but we inform you of their use.
Analytics and Performance Cookies
We use analytics cookies to understand how readers use StoryShift.uk, which articles are most read, and how users navigate between pages. This data is aggregated and anonymised; it helps us improve editorial quality and site performance. We deploy tools such as Matomo or Google Analytics (configured to respect privacy or with anonymisation active). These cookies are placed only after you provide explicit consent via our cookie consent banner. You may withdraw consent at any time.
Advertising and Targeting Cookies (Where Applicable)
Where we display advertising from commercial partners, we may use advertising cookies to track the effectiveness of campaigns, limit the number of times you see an ad, and measure audience reach. We also allow third-party advertisers to place cookies via advertisements displayed on our site. These cookies may be used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. Such cookies are only placed after you give explicit, informed consent. If you decline, no advertising cookies will be set.
Why We Use Cookies
We use cookies to ensure the website operates reliably and securely, to measure editorial performance, to improve content relevance, and to support our funding model through advertising (where you have consented). Cookies also help us remember your preferences (such as cookie consent status) and detect misuse or technical errors. No cookie is used to collect personal data for purposes other than those described here.
Consent and How to Manage or Withdraw It
When you first visit our site, a cookie consent banner explains the categories and asks for your permission before placing non-essential cookies. You may accept all, reject all, or customise your preferences. To withdraw consent or change your settings at any time, you can do so via your browser settings, which allow you to delete or block all cookies. Instructions for managing cookies in common browsers can be found here:
If you disable strictly necessary cookies, parts of the website may not function correctly. For further assistance, contact us at privacy@storyshift.uk.
Third-Party Cookies and Embedded Content
Articles on StoryShift.uk may include embedded content (for example, videos from YouTube, tweets from X, or maps). These services may set their own cookies and are subject to the cookie policies of the respective platforms. We also permit third-party advertising partners to set cookies on our site as described above. We do not control these cookies and recommend reviewing the privacy policies of those third parties. For advertising-related third-party cookies, we rely on your explicit consent as required by law.
Retention Periods
Cookies set by StoryShift.uk are retained for the following durations, unless deleted earlier by you:
- Strictly necessary cookies: typically session cookies that expire when you close your browser, or persistent cookies lasting up to 12 months for security preferences.
- Analytics cookies: up to 24 months from the date of your last visit, after which they are automatically deleted.
- Advertising cookies: up to 12 months, subject to your consent and withdrawal.
Relation to Our Privacy Policy
This Cookie Policy forms part of our broader commitment to transparency. For full details on how we collect, use, and store personal data, please read our Privacy Policy. Information on how we handle corrections and editorial standards can be found in our Editorial Policy and Corrections Policy. For team details, see Our Team. For contact information, visit our Contact page. Our approach to editorial independence and funding is set out in Ownership and Funding.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or wish to exercise your data protection rights, please contact our Privacy Team at privacy@storyshift.uk. Written enquiries may be sent to: Nordbridge Media OU, Maakri 19/1, 12th Floor, 10145 Tallinn, Estonia. For general editorial enquiries, write to editorial@storyshift.uk.