Cookie Policy

Last Updated: 1 November 2025

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how The Virtuoso Academy (“we,” “us,” or “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website and platform. This Policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy.

Contact for Cookie Queries:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 7448 190917

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They help websites function efficiently and provide information to website owners.

2.1 Types of Cookies by Duration

Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser.

Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until deleted.

2.2 Types of Cookies by Purpose

First-Party Cookies: Set directly by The Virtuoso Academy.

Third-Party Cookies: Set by external services (e.g., analytics or advertising providers).

3. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for the following purposes:

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies (Essential)

Purpose: Enable core platform functions. These cannot be disabled.

Examples:

• Authentication and login session management
• Security and fraud prevention
• Load balancing
• Payment processing
• Remembering cookie preferences

Legal Basis: Legitimate interest (service provision)

No consent required.

3.2 Analytics and Performance Cookies

Purpose: Understand visitor behaviour and improve platform performance.

Information Collected:

• Pages visited
• Time spent on pages
• Device/browser details
• Navigation patterns

Legal Basis: Consent (UK/EU/Australia) or Notice (US)

Third-Party Providers:

• Google Analytics
• Mixpanel

3.3 Functionality and Preference Cookies

Purpose: Remember user preferences for enhanced functionality.

• Language settings
• Video player preferences
• Course display options
• Accessibility settings

3.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies

Purpose: Deliver personalised advertising and measure campaign performance.

• Retargeting ads
• Conversion tracking
• Audience profiling
• Limiting ad frequency

Legal Basis: Consent (UK/EU/Australia)

3.5 Social Media Cookies

Purpose: Support social media features such as sharing and embedded content.

• Social login
• Sharing tools
• Embedded social feeds

These cookies are set by external platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

4. Other Tracking Technologies

4.1 Web Beacons and Pixels

• Email open tracking
• Link click tracking
• Page view measurement
• Conversion tracking

4.2 Local Storage

• Video playback progress
• Course completion status
• Draft forum posts
• Offline functionality

4.3 Device Fingerprinting

• Fraud prevention
• Security
• Service quality assurance

5. Your Choices and Controls

5.1 Cookie Consent Management

On first visit: A cookie banner allows you to accept, reject, or customise preferences.

Access Preference Centre:

• Website footer
• Account settings
• Email: [email protected]

5.2 Browser Controls

You can block, delete, or manage cookies via your browser settings.

Examples:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies
• Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy
• Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions

5.3 Opt-Out Tools

• Google Analytics Opt-Out Add-On
• Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn ad settings
• Digital Advertising Alliance
• Network Advertising Initiative

Do Not Track (DNT): Global Privacy Control (GPC) signals are honoured for California users.

5.4 Impact of Disabling Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookies: Required for login, purchases, and platform access.

Analytics and Functionality: Experience may become less personalised.

Marketing: You will still see ads, but they may be less relevant.

6. Cookies and Your Privacy

6.1 Data Protection Compliance

• UK GDPR
• EU GDPR
• CCPA/CPRA (California)
• Australia Privacy Act 1988

6.2 Consent Requirements

UK/EU/Australia: Consent required for non-essential cookies.

US: Notice and opt-out for advertising cookies.

6.3 Transparency and Control

• Know what cookies are set
• Understand the purpose
• Control acceptance
• Withdraw consent at any time

7. Third-Party Cookie Policies

We use third-party services that may set their own cookies. Please review their policies:

• Stripe
• PayPal
• Google Analytics
• Mixpanel
• Vimeo
• YouTube
• Google Ads
• Meta
• LinkedIn

8. International Data Transfers

Cookies may result in data being transferred outside the UK/EU/Australia. Safeguards are described in our Privacy Policy.

9. Updates to This Cookie Policy

• Updated “Last Updated” date
• Website notices
• Email notifications for material changes

Previous versions available on request: [email protected]

10. Contact Us

10.1 Cookie Questions

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 7448 190917

10.2 Cookie Preference Centre

Available in website footer and account settings.

10.3 Complaints

• UK: Information Commissioner’s Office
• EU: National supervisory authority
• California: Attorney General
• Australia: Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

11. Technical Information

11.1 Cookie Storage Locations

• First-party cookies stored under thevirtuoso.academy
• Third-party cookies stored under external domains

11.2 Cookie Transmission

• Sent with each HTTP request
• Encrypted via HTTPS/TLS
• Protected by same-origin policy

11.3 Cookie Security

• HttpOnly flag
• Secure flag
• SameSite attribute
• Regular security audits

Last Reviewed: November 2025

Acknowledgment: Continued use of our site with cookies enabled constitutes consent to this Policy.