Cookie Policy

How we use cookies and how you can control them

Last updated: August 2025

Cookie Summary

Essential Only: We only use cookies necessary for the website to function
Your Choice: Optional analytics cookies require your explicit consent
Easy Control: Manage your preferences anytime through our cookie banner
No Tracking: We don't use cookies to identify or track individuals

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit websites. They help websites remember information about your visit, making your experience more convenient and personalized.

How Cookies Work

When you visit our website, we may place cookies on your device
These cookies contain information that is transferred to your device's hard drive
On subsequent visits, our website can read these cookies to recognize your device
Cookies cannot access other files on your device or harm your computer

Types of Cookies by Duration

Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device until they expire or you delete them

2. Cookies We Use on Ask My HR

2.1 Essential Cookies (Always Active)

These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly. They cannot be disabled without affecting the functionality of our service.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
`session_id`	Maintains your session while using the chatbot	Session
`usage_tracking`	Tracks daily question limits for free/paid users	24 hours
`cookie_consent`	Remembers your cookie preferences	1 year
`gdpr_consent`	Remembers your GDPR consent choices	Session

2.2 Analytics Cookies (Optional - Requires Consent)

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website, allowing us to improve the user experience. They are only activated if you give your explicit consent.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
`_ga`	Google Analytics - distinguishes users anonymously	2 years
`_ga_*`	Google Analytics - session analytics	2 years
`_gid`	Google Analytics - distinguishes users	24 hours

2.3 What We DON'T Use

Advertising Cookies: We don't use cookies for targeted advertising
Social Media Cookies: We don't embed social media tracking
Cross-Site Tracking: We don't track you across other websites
Personal Identification: Our cookies don't identify who you are personally

3. Why We Use Cookies

3.1 Essential Website Functionality

Session Management: Keep track of your conversation state with our AI chatbot
Usage Limits: Monitor your daily question allowance (free vs. paid users)
Preferences: Remember your language preferences and consent choices
Security: Protect against spam and abuse of our free service

3.2 Website Improvement (With Your Consent)

Understanding Usage: See which pages are most helpful to visitors
Technical Performance: Identify and fix slow-loading pages
User Experience: Understand how people navigate our website
Content Optimization: Improve our employment rights resources

4. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

4.1 Our Cookie Banner

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie banner with options to:

Accept All: Allow both essential and analytics cookies
Decline Analytics: Only use essential cookies for functionality

4.2 Changing Your Preferences

You can change your cookie preferences at any time:

4.3 Browser Settings

You can also control cookies through your browser settings:

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

4.4 Mobile Browsers

iOS Safari: Settings > Safari > Privacy & Security
Android Chrome: Chrome menu > Settings > Site settings > Cookies

5. Third-Party Cookies

5.1 Google Analytics (Optional)

If you consent to analytics cookies, we use Google Analytics to understand website usage. Google may set cookies on our behalf.

What Google Analytics Collects:

Anonymous usage statistics
Page views and navigation patterns
General geographic information (country level)
Device and browser information

Google Analytics Opt-Out: You can opt-out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

5.2 AI Processing Services

Our AI chatbot service may use cookies from our AI provider (Anthropic Claude) for technical functionality. These cookies don't track your personal information.

6. Impact of Disabling Cookies

6.1 Disabling Essential Cookies

Warning: Disabling essential cookies will significantly impact your experience:

Chatbot conversations may not work properly
Usage limits won't be tracked (could affect service quality)
Your preferences won't be remembered
Some security features may not function

6.2 Disabling Analytics Cookies

Disabling analytics cookies has no impact on functionality. You can use all features of Ask My HR normally.

7. Cookie Retention Periods

Cookie Type	Retention Period	Reason
Session Cookies	End of browser session	Temporary functionality only
Usage Tracking	24 hours	Daily limits reset
Consent Preferences	1 year	Remember your choices
Analytics (if enabled)	2 years	Google Analytics standard

8. Your Rights Regarding Cookies

Under GDPR and UK data protection law, you have the following rights:

8.1 Right to Information

You have the right to know what cookies we use (provided in this policy).

8.2 Right to Consent

For non-essential cookies, we will only use them with your explicit consent.

8.3 Right to Withdraw Consent

You can withdraw consent for analytics cookies at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal.

8.4 Right to Object

You can object to the use of cookies for analytics purposes.

9. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect:

Changes in our cookie usage
New legal requirements
Updates to third-party services
Improvements to our privacy practices

When we make significant changes, we will:

Update the "Last updated" date
Notify you through our website
Request new consent for changes that require it

10. Contact Us About Cookies

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy:

Email: enquiry@askmyhr.co.uk
Subject: "Cookie Policy Inquiry"

Data Controller: Equal Voice Lab Limited
Website: www.equalvoicelab.com

We'll respond to your inquiry within 30 days.

Related Policies

For more information about how we protect your privacy: