This Cookie Policy explains how Michael MacDonald, trading as Brains Before Bots ("Brains Before Bots", "I", "me", "my"), uses cookies and similar technologies on www.brainsb4bots.com.

This policy should be read in conjunction with my Privacy Policy, which contains information about how I collect, use, and protect your personal data.

As a sole trader, I am personally responsible for all data processing activities, including the use of cookies on my website.

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. Cookies are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.

Cookies typically contain:

Cookies allow websites to:

I use cookies on www.brainsb4bots.com for the following purposes:

To ensure the website operates correctly and securely

To understand how visitors use the website and identify areas for improvement

To remember choices you make (such as cookie consent preferences)

I do not use cookies for:

Cookies can be categorised in different ways:

Session Cookies: These are temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser. They are essential for website navigation and functionality.

Persistent Cookies: These remain on your device for a set period (defined by the cookie) or until you delete them. They remember your preferences across multiple visits.

I use the following categories of cookies:

Purpose: These cookies are essential for the website to function. Without them, services you have requested (like accessing secure areas) cannot be provided.

Your Control: Because these cookies are strictly necessary, they do not require your consent under UK law. They are automatically placed when you visit the website.

Data Collected: Minimal technical information necessary for functionality (e.g., consent status, session ID)

Retention: Session duration or up to 12 months for consent preferences

Purpose: These cookies help me understand how visitors interact with the website by collecting information about pages visited, time spent on pages, and any errors encountered. This helps me improve website performance and user experience.

Your Control: These cookies are not strictly necessary, so they require your consent. You can accept or reject these cookies via the cookie consent banner.

Anonymisation: Where possible, I configure analytics tools to:

Retention: Analytics data typically retained for 14-26 months

Purpose: These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation, such as remembering your preferences and settings.

Your Control: These cookies improve your experience but are not essential. You can accept or reject them via the cookie consent banner.

Retention: Typically 30 days to 12 months, depending on the specific cookie

Status: I do not currently use marketing or advertising cookies on www.brainsb4bots.com.

If I were to use such cookies in the future, I would:

Some cookies on my website may be placed by third-party services I use:

If you interact with newsletter sign-up forms embedded on the website, Beehiiv may place cookies to:

Your Control: These cookies are only placed if you interact with the newsletter sign-up form. See Beehiiv's privacy policy at https://www.beehiiv.com/privacy

If I use a CDN to deliver website content faster, it may place cookies for:

Your Control: These are typically essential for website functionality.

If the website includes embedded content (YouTube videos, social media posts, etc.), these platforms may place their own cookies. I will clearly indicate when external content is embedded.

Your Control: External content typically only loads if you interact with it (e.g., clicking a "play" button).

Implementation Note: The table below shows cookies that may be used on this website. Currently, only strictly necessary cookies are active. Analytics cookies (Google Analytics) will only be implemented after a compliant cookie consent banner is operational and will only be set with your explicit consent.

Note: This table will be updated as I implement specific tracking technologies. The actual cookies used may vary based on your interaction with the website.

You have several options to manage cookies:

When you first visit www.brainsb4bots.com, a cookie consent banner will appear, allowing you to:

Current Implementation Status: I am implementing a compliant cookie consent solution before activating any analytics cookies. Until the consent banner is fully operational, only strictly necessary cookies (essential for website functionality) are used on this website. No analytics or tracking cookies are currently active.

Your cookie preferences will be stored in a cookie (which is strictly necessary and does not require consent) so the website remembers your choice on future visits.

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by:

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

For detailed instructions, search your browser's help menu or visit:

For specific third-party cookies, you can use these opt-out mechanisms:

Important: Blocking all cookies may negatively affect your browsing experience across many websites, not just mine.

In addition to cookies, I may use similar technologies:

Small, transparent images embedded in web pages or emails that:

Browser storage that allows websites to store data locally on your device:

Temporary storage that expires when you close your browser:

These technologies are used for similar purposes to cookies and are subject to the same consent requirements for non-essential uses.

My website is intended for business professionals and is not directed at children under 16. I do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe a child has provided information through my website, please contact me immediately at hello@brainsb4bots.com.

While my services primarily target UK-based agencies, visitors from other countries may access my website. If you are visiting from outside the UK:

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

When I make significant changes, I will:

Your continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Cookie Policy.

Under UK data protection law, you have rights regarding your personal data, including data collected via cookies. These rights include:

For full details of your rights, see my Privacy Policy.

If you have questions or concerns about how I use cookies:

I will respond to cookie-related queries within 5 Working Days.

If you are not satisfied with how I handle cookies or your preferences, you can complain to the UK supervisory authority:

However, I would appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns first, so please contact me before escalating to the ICO.

For general information about cookies and how they work:

These independent resources provide detailed information about cookies, privacy, and your rights.

Important: Michael MacDonald operates as a sole trader, not a limited company. This means:

This structure means I take cookie compliance seriously, as I bear full personal responsibility for all data protection matters.