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 information that helps the site function properly or remember your preferences. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels and local storage that can access or store data in much the same way. On this site these tools may record details such as your browser type, device identifiers, pages visited and the time you spend on each section. The information is used only for the purposes described in this policy and never sold to third parties.
Why the site uses cookies
We use cookies to deliver the specialised training content on multi-camera switching, live broadcasting techniques and real-time video operation. Without them the site would not remember your progress through course modules, maintain a secure login or measure how effectively the pages load. They also help us comply with UK data-protection rules by keeping records of consent choices. In short, cookies make the service reliable, secure and tailored to visitors interested in professional television and streaming productions.
Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are essential for the site to operate. They enable secure access to course materials, protect forms and remember consent decisions made via the site-wide cookie banner. They do not require consent under PECR because they are strictly necessary. Examples include session identifiers that keep you logged in during a training session and security tokens that prevent unauthorised access to control-room simulation tools.
Functional cookies
Functional cookies remember choices such as language settings or the layout of the control-room interface you prefer to study. They improve usability but are not essential. We place them only after you give consent through the banner. These cookies typically last for the duration of your browser session or up to twelve months if you return regularly to review live-production techniques.
Analytics or performance cookies
Performance cookies collect aggregated information about how visitors use the site. They tell us which modules on real-time video operation receive the most attention and whether pages load quickly enough for streaming-production students. All data is anonymised before analysis. Consent is required; you can refuse these cookies without affecting core site functions.
Advertising or targeting and social-media cookies
We do not use advertising or targeting cookies. Social-media cookies from third parties are also disabled on this site. If any future integration occurs it will be clearly labelled and will require fresh consent.
First-party versus third-party cookies
First-party cookies are set directly by factivo and relate only to your activity on our domain. Third-party cookies come from carefully selected service providers that help deliver course video content or measure performance. Both types are listed in the provider table below. We ensure every third party complies with UK GDPR and PECR before any data is shared.
Session versus persistent cookies
Session cookies disappear when you close the browser and are used for temporary tasks such as keeping you logged in during a single visit. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a defined period, up to twenty-four months, so we can recognise returning students and maintain their learning preferences. Retention periods are stated in the table and are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain necessary.
Data handled and purpose of each category
Strictly necessary cookies handle authentication tokens and consent records; their purpose is site security and legal compliance. Functional cookies store interface preferences; their purpose is user convenience. Analytics cookies record page views and load times; their purpose is service improvement. No category collects names, addresses or payment details. All data is processed under the lawful basis of legitimate interests or consent as required by the Data Protection Act 2018.
Consent or exemption basis for each category
Under PECR and UK GDPR, strictly necessary cookies rely on the exemption from consent because they are required for the service you requested. All other categories rely on your explicit consent given via the cookie banner. You may withdraw consent at any time; withdrawal does not affect processing that occurred before withdrawal.
Cookie and provider information
The following providers may set cookies when you use the site. Each entry shows name, purpose, provider, category and typical duration.
- PHPSESSID – maintains secure login – factivo – strictly necessary – session only
- cookie_consent – records your banner choices – factivo – strictly necessary – twelve months
- pref_layout – remembers preferred course layout – factivo – functional – six months
- _ga – measures page usage – Google Analytics – analytics – twenty-four months
- _gid – distinguishes users during a session – Google Analytics – analytics – twenty-four hours
How the consent manager works
The cookie banner appears on first visit and offers granular choices for functional and analytics categories. Selecting “Accept all” or “Reject non-essential” sets the corresponding cookies. You can reopen the banner from the footer at any time to change or withdraw choices. Changes take effect immediately and are stored for twelve months unless you clear your browser data.
Browser-level controls
Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. Disabling strictly necessary cookies will prevent login and course access. Blocking analytics cookies simply stops us from measuring performance; the site remains fully usable. Instructions for common browsers are available on their official support pages. Note that some site features may not work if cookies are restricted.
International transfers
Some analytics providers may process data outside the United Kingdom. Appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses are in place. Full details appear in our separate Privacy Policy, which you can request by contacting us.
Policy changes and contact
We review this policy whenever the law or our practices change. The date at the top always shows the latest version. If you have questions about cookies or wish to exercise your rights, please use the contact form on our Contacts page or email del@funnyhands.tv. We will respond within one month as required by UK GDPR.