Cookie Policy
Last Updated: 1 November 2025
1. At a Glance (Summary)
This summary provides an overview of how 5sum uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website.
It outlines our approach to privacy, compliance, and user control in simple terms.
For detailed information about specific cookie categories, retention periods, and your rights, please refer to the full policy sections below.
Our Use of Cookies
5sum uses cookies and similar technologies on its business-to-business (B2B) website to:
- Deliver core website functionality.
- Improve site performance and security.
- Analyse traffic and user interactions.
- (If permitted) support limited marketing and analytics.
All cookie use complies with applicable privacy regulations — including the UK/EU GDPR, PECR, and U.S. CCPA/CPRA.
Non-essential cookies are only deployed where lawful and always in accordance with the user’s consent or opt-out rights.
Strictly Necessary by Default
By default, only strictly necessary cookies are active.
These are required for basic site operation — such as remembering preferences, maintaining session security, and balancing network load.
These essential cookies:
- Are exempt from consent under most data-protection laws (e.g., PECR, GDPR Article 5).
- Do not store personally identifiable information.
- Cannot be disabled without impairing website functionality.
Consent in the UK and EU (Opt-In Model)
If you visit from the United Kingdom, European Union, or European Economic Area, no non-essential cookies (e.g., analytics or marketing) will be set unless you actively opt in via our cookie banner.
You will be given clear options to Accept, Reject, or Customise your cookie preferences.
We do not use pre-ticked boxes or treat silence or scrolling as consent.
Until explicit consent is provided, only strictly necessary cookies will operate.
This approach aligns with guidance from the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the European Data Protection Board (EDPB).
Opt-Out Framework in the United States (CCPA/CPRA)
For visitors from the United States, our website follows an opt-out model consistent with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA).
Certain cookies — aside from those strictly necessary — may be active by default.
However, U.S. users have the right to opt out of the “sale” or “sharing” of personal information derived from cookies (for example, data used for cross-site advertising).
We provide a visible “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” link to disable marketing and advertising cookies at any time.
We also honour Global Privacy Control (GPC) browser signals, treating them as valid opt-out requests for cookie-based data sharing.
Rest of World (Informational Notice)
Visitors from other jurisdictions without specific cookie laws will see a brief informational banner explaining our use of cookies.
By continuing to use the website after viewing this notice, you acknowledge that cookies may be used as described in this Policy.
However, you remain in full control — you can modify or withdraw non-essential cookies at any time through our Cookie Settings panel.
Even where local law does not require consent, 5sum applies a consistent, privacy-first global standard.
Cookie Categories
To enhance transparency, we classify cookies into four categories:
- Strictly Necessary Cookies– Enable basic site operation and security.
- Functional Cookies– Remember settings and improve user experience.
- Performance / Analytics Cookies– Collect anonymous statistics on usage to help improve our site.
- Marketing / Advertising Cookies– Support outreach and measure engagement, only if consented to.
The detailed table later in this Policy outlines examples of each category, the purpose, and typical retention periods (e.g., session cookies, Google Analytics 4, LinkedIn Insight Tag).
Email Tracking
In addition to website cookies, we may use tracking pixels (also called “web beacons”) in emails to measure engagement — for example, to know whether you opened an email or clicked a link.
You can opt out of email tracking by:
- Disabling automatic image loading in your email client, or
- Unsubscribing from our emails via the link provided in every message.
We will only send marketing emails if you have opted in, and you can unsubscribe or change preferences at any time.
Your Control and Choices
You remain in full control of cookies and can:
- Adjust your preferences at any time via the Cookie Settingslink on our website.
- Use browser settings to block or delete cookies (including third-party cookies).
- Limit tracking through device privacy controls (for mobile).
Please note that disabling all cookies may affect the proper functioning of some site features.
We do not restrict access or reduce service for users who choose to disable non-essential cookies, although some personalised features may not operate as intended.
Data Protection and Compliance
Any personal data collected via cookies or similar technologies is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and safeguarded by appropriate technical and organisational measures.
If cookie data is transferred internationally (for example, to analytics or cloud service providers in the U.S.), we ensure lawful transfer mechanisms such as Standard Contractual Clauses or adequacy decisions (e.g., the EU–U.S. Data Privacy Framework).
5sum does not sell personal information to third parties.
All third-party providers engaged through cookies or scripts are contractually required to:
- Process data only for the specified purpose,
- Implement adequate security, and
- Comply with relevant privacy laws.
We continuously monitor regulatory guidance from authorities such as the ICO, EDPB, CNIL, and FTC, updating this Policy whenever necessary.
If we introduce new cookies or technologies, we will update this Policy and your consent options promptly.
2. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies
Cookies are small text files that a website stores on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit. They contain a modest amount of data and act as a unique identifier for your browser. Cookies allow a website to recognise your device on subsequent visits and remember information such as preferences or prior actions (for example, language settings or whether you are logged in).
Cookies are generally classified as:
- First-party cookies:Set by the website you are visiting (e.g., 5sum.com). Only that site can read them.
- Third-party cookies:Set by a domain other than the one you are visiting. These arise when a site incorporates external services (for example, analytics providers, ad networks, or social media features). Those third parties can read and use the cookies they set.
Similar technologies may be used alongside or instead of cookies:
- Web beacons / pixel tags / clear GIFs:Tiny transparent images embedded in webpages or emails that signal when content is viewed. They do not store data on your device but can work with cookies to understand engagement (e.g., email opens or link clicks).
- Local Storage and Session Storage:Browser features that store data on your device. Local Storage persists until cleared; Session Storage lasts until the browser tab is closed. These can hold preference data to improve performance.
- Browser fingerprinting:Techniques that combine device and browser attributes to identify a session or device. 5sum does not use fingerprinting for identification or tracking. If such methods are ever introduced for essential security purposes, they will be implemented lawfully and transparently.
- Other tracking scripts:Any script that stores or accesses information on your device (for example, for analytics or heatmaps) is treated as akin to cookies for compliance purposes.
Legal context: In many jurisdictions (including the UK and EU), storing or accessing information on a user’s device requires prior consent unless the technology is strictly necessary for the service the user requests. This Policy therefore covers cookies and all similar technologies to provide clear, comprehensive information about how they are used and how you can control them.
3. Why and How We Use Cookies
5sum uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance website performance and user experience while respecting your privacy choices.
- Essential functionality (strictly necessary):Enables core features such as secure navigation, form protection, session management, load balancing, and remembering your cookie preferences. Without these, services you expect may not function properly. These are used minimally and only for service delivery.
- Preferences and convenience (functional):May remember settings such as language or region, media playback choices, or interface preferences so that you do not need to reconfigure them on each visit.
- Performance and analytics:With your permission, analytics tools help us understand how the site is used (for example, which pages are visited and how users navigate). We configure analytics to minimise personal data collection and review data in aggregate to improve content and usability. As of the Last Updated date, non-essential analytics are not active by default and will only run if you consent (in opt-in regions) or where you have not opted out (in opt-out regions).
- Marketing and advertising:5sum does not currently use targeted advertising cookies or third-party ad networks on its website. In the future, limited marketing pixels may be used to measure our own campaign effectiveness or provide relevant content. These would only be activated in accordance with the consent or opt-out rules applicable to your location. If our practices change, we will update this Policy and your choices in advance.
Our approach is privacy-first: we minimise the use of non-essential technologies, deploy them only with the appropriate legal basis, and provide clear controls so you can manage your preferences at any time.
4. Categories of Cookies We Use
For transparency, 5sum organises cookies and similar technologies into four categories. For each category, we note purpose, typical characteristics, and how consent applies.
4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
Purpose: Provide core website functionality and security (e.g., session management, load balancing, form protections, consent storage).
Typical characteristics: First-party; session or short-lived persistent; minimal data.
Consent: Not subject to prior consent in most jurisdictions; always active because the site will not function correctly without them.
4.2 Functional Cookies
Purpose: Remember user choices and settings to improve convenience (e.g., language, region, media playback, UI preferences).
Typical characteristics: First-party or third-party; session or persistent.
Consent: Requires opt-in in the UK/EU. In U.S. jurisdictions, available subject to opt-out where applicable.
4.3 Performance / Analytics Cookies
Purpose: Collect aggregated statistics on site usage to improve performance, content, and user experience (for example, page views, navigation paths, error diagnostics).
Typical characteristics: First-party or third-party; persistent (with defined retention).
Consent: Requires opt-in in the UK/EU. In U.S. jurisdictions, may be active by default subject to opt-out rights.
Current status: Not active by default as of the Last Updated date. They will only run if and when you provide consent (or have not opted out in opt-out regimes).
4.4 Marketing / Advertising Cookies
Purpose: Measure campaign effectiveness and, where used, support interest-based content or retargeting on third-party platforms.
Typical characteristics: Third-party; persistent; may involve cross-site identifiers when enabled.
Consent: Requires opt-in in the UK/EU. In U.S. jurisdictions, subject to opt-out rights, including “Do Not Sell or Share” and Global Privacy Control signals.
Current status: Not in use by default as of the Last Updated date. Any future introduction will be disclosed in advance and reflected in our consent banner and cookie settings.
Note on current practice: As of the Last Updated date, 5sum’s website deploys primarily Strictly Necessary cookies. Functional, Analytics, and Marketing cookies are not set by default. If any optional categories are enabled in the future, this Policy and the in-page cookie list will be updated, and consent/opt-out tools will reflect those changes.
5. Cookie Categories and Details
Below we explain in detail how each category of cookies operates on our website — including their purpose, examples, duration, and consent requirements.
For quick reference, a cookie summary table follows this section, listing all cookies and technologies in use (or planned for future deployment).
5.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the operation of our website and its core functionality. Without them, the site cannot operate properly.
Purpose:
Strictly necessary cookies enable functions such as page navigation, session management, security, load balancing, and remembering your cookie preferences. They also support secure form submissions and protect against fraud (for example, by verifying that form requests originate from legitimate users).
These cookies do not store personally identifying information beyond what is essential to deliver the service you request.
Examples:
- Session cookie(e.g., SESSIONID): Assigns a temporary ID so the server recognises your browser as you move between pages.
- Consent memory cookie(e.g., CookieConsent or OptanonConsent): Remembers your cookie preferences to prevent repetitive prompts.
- Security cookie(e.g., __cf_bm, XSRF-TOKEN): Used by platforms like Cloudflare or our own infrastructure to distinguish legitimate users from bots and prevent cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks.
Duration:
Most strictly necessary cookies are session-based and expire when you close your browser.
Others persist for a short time (typically 6–12 months) — for example, cookies that store your consent preferences so we remember your selection.
First/Third Party:
Usually first-party (set by 5sum.com). However, some essential third-party services (such as security or CDN providers) may set their own cookies to maintain secure delivery.
Consent Requirements:
Under UK/EU law, these cookies are exempt from consent requirements as they are strictly necessary for the service you request. For transparency, we list them here, but they cannot be turned off through our banner.
Blocking these cookies in your browser may impair core website functionality.
5.2 Functional Cookies (Preferences)
Functional cookies provide enhanced usability and personalisation. They are not essential but improve convenience by remembering your preferences and enabling richer content.
Purpose:
These cookies may remember:
- Language or regional settings.
- Display preferences (e.g., dark/light mode).
- Whether you have dismissed certain notices or tutorials.
- Consent to load embedded content (e.g., playing a YouTube video or viewing a map).
We treat cookies from embedded third-party services as “functional” only if they are limited to providing the content or feature requested and do not track users for advertising.
Examples:
- pref_lang– stores your chosen language for future visits.
- theme– remembers display mode or interface layout.
- map_pref– remembers your last used location in an embedded map.
- Embedded content consent – stores whether you allowed an external widget (e.g., Vimeo, SoundCloud) to load.
Duration:
Functional cookies are typically persistent, lasting from a few days to one or two years depending on purpose (e.g., language remembered for 6–12 months).
First/Third Party:
May be first-party (set by 5sum.com) or third-party (set by embedded service providers). Third-party functional cookies are only permitted when necessary for the specific feature you choose to use.
Consent Requirements:
- UK/EU:Opt-in consent required before activation.
- S.:May be enabled by default but can be disabled through our cookie settings or opt-out mechanism.Disabling these cookies may reduce convenience or disable optional features (such as remembering preferences or playing embedded media).
5.3 Performance & Analytics Cookies
Performance and analytics cookies help us understand how visitors use our site so that we can improve its structure, navigation, and content.
Purpose:
These cookies collect aggregated, anonymised data such as:
- Pages visited and time spent on each page.
- Navigation patterns and traffic sources.
- Browser or device type (in non-identifiable form).
- Errors or broken links encountered.
The goal is to enhance usability, not to identify individual visitors.
Examples:
- Google Analytics 4 (GA4):
- _ga– assigns a random user ID (default expiry: 2 years).
- _gid– distinguishes short-term visits (expiry: 24 hours).
- _ga_xx– maintains session state for analytics reporting.GA4 is configured to anonymise IP addresses and prevent personal identification.
- Hotjar:
- _hjid– allows us to view aggregated heatmaps or session replays for usability testing (expiry: ~1 year).Used solely for internal performance improvement, not behavioural profiling.
Duration:
Persistent; typically from a few hours to 13–24 months depending on provider. We configure the minimum necessary duration.
First/Third Party:
Analytics cookies are generally first-party (set by our domain) but data is processed by third-party providers (e.g., Google).
Consent Requirements:
- UK/EU:Prior opt-in consent required before activation.
- S.:Usually allowed by default since analytics for internal measurement does not constitute a “sale” or “sharing,” but users may opt out if desired.We do not permit analytics providers to use data collected from our site for their own commercial purposes.
5.4 Marketing & Advertising Cookies
Marketing cookies track visitors across websites to deliver relevant advertisements or measure campaign effectiveness. While 5sum does not currently use advertising cookies, this category is included for transparency and future readiness.
Purpose:
If introduced, marketing cookies would be used only to:
- Measure the effectiveness of our campaigns (e.g., LinkedIn or Meta Ads).
- Provide aggregated reporting on ad performance.
- Show relevant 5sum content to users who previously engaged with us.
Examples:
- Meta (Facebook) Pixel:
- _fbp– identifies browsers for ad delivery and analytics (expires ~3 months).
- LinkedIn Insight Tag:
- UserMatchHistory, AnalyticsSyncHistory– track engagement for conversion measurement (expire 30 days).
- Google Ads Conversion Tracking:
- _gcl_aw– tracks ad click conversions (expires 90 days).
Duration:
Usually persistent, ranging from 30 days to 6 months depending on the platform.
First/Third Party:
Typically third-party (ad or social network providers). 5sum only partners with verified, compliant providers and never resells or discloses cookie data beyond campaign measurement.
Consent Requirements:
- UK/EU:Prior opt-in consent required (never enabled by default).
- S.:Operates on an opt-out basis under CCPA/CPRA. We provide a clear “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” link and honour Global Privacy Control (GPC) browser signals.We do not sell personal data or use advertising technologies to profile users across unrelated websites.
6. Cookie Table Summary
The following table provides a summary of cookies and technologies that may be active on 5sum’s website. Cookies not currently deployed are included for transparency and may be activated only after appropriate updates to this Policy and our consent banner.
| Category | Cookie Name / Example | Purpose | Provider | Duration | Consent Required |
| Strictly Necessary | SESSIONID, XSRF-TOKEN, __cf_bm, CookieConsent | Session management, security, load balancing, remembering consent | 5sum / Cloudflare / CMP provider | Session–12 months | No |
| Functional | pref_lang, theme, map_pref, embed_consent | Remember preferences and enable requested content features | 5sum / feature provider (e.g., Vimeo, Maps) | 30 days–2 years | Yes (UK/EU) |
| Performance / Analytics | _ga, _gid, _hjid | Site performance, usage analytics, improvement | 5sum / Google / Hotjar | 1 day–24 months | Yes (UK/EU) |
| Marketing / Advertising | _fbp, UserMatchHistory, _gcl_aw | Campaign measurement and audience reach | Meta / LinkedIn / Google | 30–180 days | Yes (UK/EU); Opt-out (US) |
Note: As of 1 November 2025, only Strictly Necessary cookies are active by default.
All other categories remain inactive unless you explicitly enable them via our Cookie Settings panel.
7. Cookie List and Retention Periods
The table below lists the cookies and similar technologies that may be active on the 5sum website, grouped by category. Each entry describes its purpose, duration, and provider. Cookies marked as “Potential” are not currently in use but are disclosed for transparency and future readiness.
| Cookie Name | Category | Provider / Domain | Purpose | Duration |
| CookieConsent | Strictly Necessary | 5sum (First-party) | Remembers your cookie consent preferences (e.g., accepted/rejected categories) so that your choice is honoured on future visits. Prevents the banner from re-appearing each time. | 12 months (persistent) |
| SESSIONID / session | Strictly Necessary | 5sum (First-party) | Generic session identifier used to maintain state across pages (e.g., form submissions or secure logins) and balance traffic between servers. | Session (expires when browser closes) |
| XSRF-TOKEN (or similar) | Strictly Necessary | 5sum (First-party) | Security cookie preventing cross-site request-forgery (CSRF) attacks. Ensures that form submissions originate from legitimate users. | Session (resets each visit) |
| __cf_bm (Cloudflare Bot Management) | Strictly Necessary | cloudflare.com (Third-party) | Distinguishes between human visitors and bots to protect against automated abuse and maintain performance. | 30 minutes (auto-renewed as needed) |
| __cflb (Load Balancer) | Strictly Necessary | cloudflare.com (Third-party) | Binds the visitor to a specific server to ensure consistent performance and stability during the session. | Session |
| csrftoken | Strictly Necessary | 5sum (First-party) | Cross-Site Request Forgery protection token (used in certain frameworks). Helps verify form authenticity. | 1 year (persistent) |
| preferredLang (potential) | Functional | 5sum (First-party) | Remembers your selected language or region so content displays in your preference on return visits. | 6 months (persistent) |
| siteSettings (potential) | Functional | 5sum (First-party) | Stores personalisation choices such as layout or text-size adjustments. | 6 months (persistent) |
| youtube.com cookies (e.g., VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE, YSC) | Functional / Embedded Media | youtube.com (Third-party) | Set when YouTube videos are embedded. Used to optimise video quality (VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE, ~6 months) and track play sessions (YSC, session). Only active with your consent. | VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE – 6 months; YSC – Session |
| _ga (potential) | Performance / Analytics | 5sum (First-party, data to Google) | Google Analytics 4 cookie distinguishing unique visitors for aggregated traffic analysis. Configured to anonymise IPs. | Up to 2 years (persistent; may be shortened to 13 months) |
| _gid (potential) | Performance / Analytics | 5sum (First-party) | Google Analytics cookie differentiating daily visits. Supports daily unique-visitor metrics. | 24 hours (persistent) |
| _gat / _gat_UA-**** (potential) | Performance / Analytics | 5sum (First-party) | Google Analytics throttle cookie limiting request rates to prevent overload. | 1 minute (persistent) |
| _hjid (potential) | Performance / Analytics | 5sum (First-party, data to Hotjar) | Hotjar ID cookie allowing aggregated session analysis (heatmaps, scroll tracking). | 1 year (persistent) |
| _hjIncludedInSample (potential) | Performance / Analytics | 5sum (First-party) | Indicates whether a user session is included in Hotjar sampling. No personal data stored. | Session |
| AnalyticsSyncHistory (potential) | Marketing / Advertising | linkedin.com (Third-party) | Tracks when LinkedIn last synchronised a browser ID for advertising analytics. | 30 days (persistent) |
| UserMatchHistory (potential) | Marketing / Advertising | linkedin.com (Third-party) | Maintains a short history of LinkedIn ad viewer ID matches for analytics and retargeting. | 30 days (persistent) |
| _fbp (potential) | Marketing / Advertising | 5sum (First-party, data to Meta) | Meta (Facebook) Pixel cookie identifying browsers for ad delivery and site analytics. | 3 months (persistent) |
| fr (potential) | Marketing / Advertising | facebook.com (Third-party) | Facebook cookie storing encrypted user/browser IDs for ad measurement. | 90 days (persistent) |
| _fbc (potential) | Marketing / Advertising | 5sum (First-party, data to Meta) | Stores click-ID when a user visits from a Meta ad to attribute conversions. | 2 years (persistent) |
| li_gc (potential) | Marketing / Advertising | linkedin.com (Third-party) | Records cookie-consent state for LinkedIn visitors to determine whether additional cookies may be set. | 6 months (persistent) |
| IDE (potential) | Marketing / Advertising | doubleclick.net (Third-party, Google) | Google Ads cookie for serving and personalising ads on non-Google sites and measuring conversions. | ~13 months (EU); up to 2 years (elsewhere) |
| _gcl_au (potential) | Marketing / Advertising | 5sum (First-party) | Google Ads/AdSense cookie measuring conversion events and ad effectiveness. | 90 days (persistent) |
| Newsletter Tracking Pixel | Email Tracking (not a cookie) | 5sum / Email Service | 1×1 pixel used in marketing emails to measure open or click rates. Loads once per open; no data stored on your device. | One-time load; no storage |
- Regular Updates:This list is current as of 1 November 2025and is reviewed at least annually. When cookies are added, removed, or reclassified, we update this Policy and—where legally required—re-prompt for consent.
- Name Variations:Some cookies may appear in your browser with variable suffixes (e.g., _ga_ABC123). These are property-specific identifiers of the same cookie family. Our consent-management tool recognises and manages them automatically.
- Provider/Domain Definitions:
- First-party:Set directly by 5sum.com.
- Third-party:Set by an external service provider’s domain (e.g., facebook.com).
- Transparency on “Potential” Cookies:Cookies labelled as “Potential” are not currently deployed but may be introduced later to support new functionality or analytics. Any activation will be preceded by consent (for UK/EU users) or opt-out availability (for U.S. users).
- No Sensitive Data:None of our cookies collect sensitive personal data (e.g., financial, health, or identity documents). Collected information relates only to device, session, and general interaction data.
- Questions:If you notice a cookie not listed here or have questions about our cookie use, contact privacy@5sum.com. We will investigate and, where applicable, update this Policy.
8. Your Consent Choices and Managing Cookies
We believe in giving you meaningful control over all non-essential cookies and similar technologies.
This section explains how our consent system works and how you can manage or withdraw your consent at any time — through our website tools, browser settings, or other methods.
8.1 Cookie Consent Banner & Preference Center
When you first visit our site, a Cookie Consent Banner will appear.
It is region-specific to ensure compliance with local regulations.
UK/EU Visitors — Prior Consent (Opt-In Model)
Visitors from the UK, EU, or EEA see a banner that requests your preferences before any non-essential cookies are set.
You may choose:
- Accept All– enables all categories (Functional, Analytics, Marketing).
- Reject All– enables only strictly necessary cookies.
- Customize / Manage Preferences– allows you to enable or disable individual categories.
All optional categories are disabled by default. No pre-ticked boxes or implied consent are used.
Rejecting cookies is as simple and visible as accepting them, in line with regulatory expectations.
Your consent choices are stored in a necessary cookie so that your preferences are remembered for future visits.
U.S. Visitors — Notice & Opt-Out (CCPA/CPRA Model)
U.S. visitors see a cookie notice compliant with state privacy laws.
The banner provides clear notice and includes a “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” link (or equivalent).
This allows you to opt out of cookies used for cross-context advertising or data sharing.
We also honour Global Privacy Control (GPC) signals automatically.
If your browser sends a GPC signal, we treat it as a valid opt-out — disabling marketing or sale-related cookies by default.
Our opt-out mechanism covers all state laws that provide similar rights (California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, and others).
Other Regions — Transparency Mode
Visitors from regions without specific cookie laws see a simplified notice explaining that cookies are used, with a link to this Policy.
By continuing to use the site, you indicate understanding and acceptance of cookie use.
Even in these regions, you can still manage preferences at any time through our on-site Cookie Settings link, usually located in the footer.
8.2 Cookie Preferences Center
You can revisit and change your cookie settings at any time through our Cookie Preferences or Privacy Settings link (available on every page).
This opens our Preferences Center, showing all cookie categories with toggle options.
- Turning a category offimmediately stops new cookies in that category from being set.
- Turning a category onenables them again.
- Some existing cookies may remain until cleared manually (see below).
Preferences take effect once saved and may require a page refresh to apply fully.
We do not use “cookie walls” — declining cookies will never block access to our site.
Certain features may simply revert to defaults (e.g., videos or personalisation).
8.3 Withdrawing Consent or Opting Out Later
You can withdraw consent or opt out at any time using any of the following methods:
- Our Cookie Settings Tool:Re-open the Cookie Preferences Center and switch off the categories you no longer allow.Refresh the page or clear stored cookies to remove remnants of previous consent.
- Global Privacy Control (GPC):Enable GPC in your browser or extension.We continuously monitor for GPC signals and automatically interpret them as an opt-out from cookie-based selling or sharing.This overrides any previous marketing consent.
- Browser Settings:Each major browser offers cookie controls under Privacyor Security
- Delete existing cookiesto remove all stored identifiers.
- Block new cookiesglobally or by site.
- Block third-party cookiesfor a balanced privacy setting.
Examples:
- Chrome → Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox → Settings → Privacy & Security → Enhanced Tracking Protection
- Safari → Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge → Settings → Cookies and site permissions
Blocking all cookies may affect site operation, including remembering your consent preferences.
- Opt-Out Links for Third-Party Providers:
- Google:Analytics Opt-out Add-on and Ads personalisation settings.
- Meta (Facebook):Ad Preferences in your Facebook account.
- LinkedIn:Advertising preferences under Settings → Data Privacy → Advertising.
- Industry-wide:info/choices (US) and youronlinechoices.eu (EU).
8.4 Impact of Disabling Cookies
Depending on which categories you disable:
- Functional cookies off:Preferences such as language, layout, or media consents will not persist between visits.
- Analytics cookies off:Your activity will not appear in our usage statistics; site usability remains unaffected.
- Marketing cookies off:You may still see generic 5sum content but not personalised promotions or retargeting.
Essential services, forms, and informational content will always remain accessible.
If functionality seems limited after adjusting preferences, you can temporarily re-enable the relevant category or contact us for assistance.
8.5 Browser “Do Not Track” and Global Privacy Signals
We support Global Privacy Control (GPC), a browser setting that automatically communicates a “do not sell/share” preference.
When detected, we treat GPC as equivalent to rejecting all non-essential cookies.
We also recognise Do Not Track (DNT) signals as a general expression of privacy preference.
Although DNT is not widely standardised, our systems reduce non-essential tracking when it is detected.
For comprehensive control, we recommend using our cookie settings or GPC functionality.
8.6 Cookie Consent Renewal
Your consent preferences typically remain valid for 12 months or until you clear your browser cookies.
You may be asked to reconfirm earlier if:
- New cookies or tools are introduced that materially change data use.
- Significant policy updates occur.
- Regulatory guidance requires renewed consent.
- You revisit after more than a year of inactivity.
The banner will then reappear, giving you an opportunity to reaffirm or update your choices.
9. International Data Transfers and Third Parties
Because 5sum operates globally and uses international service providers (e.g., Google, Meta, LinkedIn), some data collected through cookies may be processed outside your country. For example, if you consent to Google Analytics, certain usage data (like truncated IPs or device identifiers) may be processed in the United States or other jurisdictions.
9.1 Safeguards for International Transfers
We ensure all international transfers are lawful and appropriately protected:
- Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and IDTA:For transfers from the UK or EU to countries without adequacy decisions (e.g., the U.S.), we use the latest EU Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)or the UK International Data Transfer Agreement (IDTA).These contracts require equivalent privacy safeguards and provide you with enforceable rights and legal remedies.
- Supplementary Measures:In line with GDPR’s Schrems IIrequirements, we assess whether further technical or organisational protections are necessary.For example, we implement IP anonymisation, encryption, and data minimisation for analytics data to reduce personal identifiability.
- Data Privacy Framework (DPF):Where applicable, we rely on the EU–U.S. Data Privacy Frameworkand the UK–U.S. “Data Bridge”, which recognise certified U.S. organisations (such as Google and Meta) as offering adequate protection.
- Vendor Due Diligence:We only use reputable third parties with published GDPR/CCPA compliance commitments and standard transfer safeguards.Each vendor (e.g., Google, Meta, LinkedIn) has SCCs incorporated into their terms of service by default.
- Transparency:Key third parties used for analytics or marketing are listed in this Policy.Further details (including sub-processors and transfer safeguards) are available in our Privacy Policy annex or upon request.We can provide copies of relevant SCCs or certifications, subject to confidentiality redactions.
In summary: if cookie-related data travels internationally, it is transferred securely and under recognised legal frameworks. 5sum remains the data controller responsible for ensuring adequate protection at all stages.
We do not use any provider unable to meet our privacy or compliance standards.
10. Relationship to Privacy Policy
This Cookie Policy forms part of and should be read alongside the 5sum Privacy Policy.
- The Privacy Policy explains in greater detail:
- How we process personal data beyond cookies.
- The lawful bases for processing.
- Your data protection rights (access, rectification, deletion, etc.).
If cookie technology results in the collection of personal data (e.g., an online identifier linked to you), such processing is covered by the same rights and principles as outlined in our Privacy Policy.
- Legal Bases Recap:
- UK/EU:Consent (GDPR Article 6(1)(a)) for non-essential cookies; Legitimate Interests or Contract Necessity for strictly necessary cookies.
- S.:Opt-out rights and transparency per CCPA/CPRA and equivalent state laws.
If there is any discrepancy between this Cookie Policy and the Privacy Policy, this document governs for cookie-specific matters. Both are designed to operate consistently.
11. Contact Us
We welcome all questions or concerns about our cookie practices or privacy framework.
Contact Details:
- Email:privacy@5sum.com
- Mail:Privacy TeamFIVE SUM LTD (5sum)27 Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3AX, United Kingdom
You may also contact us to:
- Request access to or deletion of any data collected through cookies.
- Ask for details of third-party providers or international transfer safeguards.
- Obtain a redacted copy of our Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).
If you believe we have not addressed your privacy concern satisfactorily, you may lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), an EU Data Protection Authority, or a relevant U.S. State Attorney General.
However, we encourage you to contact us first — we are committed to resolving any issue directly and transparently.
12. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect:
- Changes in our technology or cookie usage,
- Updates in law or regulatory guidance, or
- Adjustments to our service providers.
All changes will be posted on this page with a new “Last Updated” date.
If material changes occur (for example, new cookie categories or providers), we will seek renewed consent or provide additional notice.
Thank you for taking the time to read our Cookie Policy.
At 5sum, we believe privacy is part of good design — you should always feel informed, respected, and in control of your data.
Our website and services are designed to function transparently whether you choose full cookies or only the essential ones.
Effective Date: 1 November 2025