TOS
Handles.org
Handles Cookies Policy
Handles.org Cookies Policy
Effective Date: 29/05/2025
This Cookies Policy explains how Handles Group Ltd ("**Handles," "we," "our") uses cookies and similar technologies on Handles.org and related domains (collectively, the "Site") in accordance with the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are downloaded to your device when you visit a website. They enable the website to recognise your device and store certain information (e.g., user preferences). “First‑party” cookies are set by the Site you are visiting; “third‑party” cookies are placed by domains other than Handles.org (e.g., analytics or payment providers).
We also use local storage, session storage, and pixels which function similarly to cookies. For simplicity, we refer to all of these technologies as “cookies.”
2. Why We Use Cookies
Category | Purpose | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
Strictly Necessary | Operate core site functions such as user authentication, account routing, and security (e.g., CSRF protection). | Contract (art. 6(1)(b) UK GDPR) / Legitimate interests |
Functionality | Remember user settings (e.g., language), maintain session preferences. | Consent (where not strictly necessary) |
Analytics | Collect pseudonymised statistics on how our Site is used so we can improve performance and features. | Consent |
Third‑Party Integrations | Enable payment processing via Stripe and embedded social‑media content or widgets. | Consent |
We do not use cookies for cross‑site behavioural advertising.
3. Cookies We Set
Below is the current list of cookies. Names may change as we refine the Service; the live cookie banner will always reflect the latest set.
Cookie Name | Provider | Type / Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
handles_session | Handles (1st‑party) | Strictly Necessary – Session | Maintains authenticated user session after OAuth login. |
csrftoken | Handles (1st‑party) | Strictly Necessary – Session | Prevents cross‑site request forgery. |
cookie_consent | Handles (1st‑party) | Functionality – 6 months | Stores a user’s cookie preferences so the banner is not shown repeatedly. |
matomo_session | Matomo (1st‑party) | Analytics – 30 minutes | Tracks pages viewed for first‑party analytics. |
matomo_id | Matomo (1st‑party) | Analytics – 13 months | Recognises returning visitors in anonymised form. |
_stripe_mid | Stripe (3rd‑party) | Strictly Necessary – 1 year | Enables secure payment transactions and fraud detection. |
_stripe_sid | Stripe (3rd‑party) | Strictly Necessary – 30 minutes | As above. |
Note: We may embed widgets (e.g., YouTube, X/Twitter) on marketing pages. These providers may set additional third‑party cookies when you play content or interact with the widget. You will be prompted for consent before such cookies load.
4. Managing Cookies
When you first visit the Site, a cookie banner asks whether you accept (a) all cookies or (b) strictly necessary cookies only. You may:
Change or withdraw consent at any time via “Cookie Settings” in the Site footer.
Block cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies.
Warning: Blocking strictly necessary cookies may cause the Service to stop working or prevent login.
Opt‑out of analytics only by toggling “Analytics” off in the Cookie Settings panel or enabling “Do Not Track” in supported browsers.
5. Updates to This Policy
We will update this Cookies Policy if our use of cookies materially changes. For significant changes, we will display an in‑app notification and, where required, request fresh consent. The “Effective Date” at the top indicates when it was last revised.
6. Contact
Questions? Email privacy@handles.org or write to:
Data Protection Officer
Handles Group Ltd
Suite 5 Manor House, 1 Macauley Road
Broadstone, BH18 8AS, United Kingdom
© Handles Group Ltd, 2025.
Feb 4, 2025
Digital Identity & The Handle Economy
Everybody wants their name on their favourite social media platform. To be the ONLY person in the world who can indisputably call themselves @Jane would be a flex of atmospheric proportions.
Written by
Handles Team
Feb 4, 2025
Digital Identity & The Handle Economy
Everybody wants their name on their favourite social media platform. To be the ONLY person in the world who can indisputably call themselves @Jane would be a flex of atmospheric proportions.
Written by
Handles Team
Feb 4, 2025
Digital Identity & The Handle Economy
Everybody wants their name on their favourite social media platform. To be the ONLY person in the world who can indisputably call themselves @Jane would be a flex of atmospheric proportions.
Written by
Handles Team
Feb 4, 2025
Digital Identity & The Handle Economy
Everybody wants their name on their favourite social media platform. To be the ONLY person in the world who can indisputably call themselves @Jane would be a flex of atmospheric proportions.
Written by
Handles Team
