Cookie Policy
Last updated: 2026
1. Scope
This policy explains how Web Specification Studio uses cookies and similar technologies, including local storage, session storage, and pixels, on our website. For simplicity, we call all of them 'cookies.' It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
2. The legal position, plainly stated
Under the EU ePrivacy Directive and the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, we may store or read information on your device only where:
- it is strictly necessary to provide the service you asked for; or
- you have given prior, informed, specific, freely given, unambiguous consent.
So: no non-essential cookie is set before you opt in. Not on page load, not on scroll, not on 'continued use of this site.' Our banner gives 'Reject all' the same prominence as 'Accept all,' no pre-ticked boxes, and no dark patterns. Withdrawing consent is as easy as giving it.
3. Cookies we use
3.1 Strictly necessary (no consent required)
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| wss_consent | First party | Records your cookie choices so we don't ask again, and evidences consent | Local storage | 12 months |
3.2 Functional (consent required)
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| theme | First party | Remembers light/dark mode preference | Local storage | Until cleared |
3.3 Advertising (consent required)
This site is funded in part by advertising served through Google AdSense. Google and its advertising partners may set cookies and use similar technologies to serve and measure ads, and in some configurations to personalise them based on your prior activity across sites.
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| __gads | Ad serving and measurement | HTTP cookie | 13 months | |
| __gpi | Ad personalisation and frequency capping | HTTP cookie | 13 months | |
| IDE / test_cookie | Google (DoubleClick) | Ad measurement and reporting | HTTP cookie | 13 months / 15 mins |
These cookies are set only after you consent. If you reject the advertising category, Google serves non-personalised ads, which rely on contextual signals and your approximate location rather than a profile of your browsing.
4. Managing your choices
- On this site: you can at any time. Changes take effect immediately, and we delete cookies in any category you turn off.
- Global Privacy Control: we treat a GPC signal from your browser as a valid opt-out and apply it automatically.
- Do Not Track: we do not respond to DNT headers, because no agreed standard exists. GPC is the mechanism we honour instead.
- In your browser: you can block or delete cookies through your browser settings.
5. Contact
Questions about cookies: [email protected].