Cookies Policy
Last updated: 10 October 2026
What cookies and similar technologies are
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They allow the site to remember actions and preferences over time. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels and local storage. These tools can store or access information such as your IP address, browser type, device identifiers, pages visited and actions taken. Under UK law they are regulated by the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations together with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
Why this site uses cookies and similar technologies
backstageix operates a commercial platform focused on professional media feeds, live signal management and broadcast-quality content distribution. Cookies help deliver core functionality, improve performance, remember user settings and support legitimate business interests such as security and analytics. Without them many features would not work reliably.
Categories of cookies we use
We group cookies into five categories: strictly necessary, functional, analytics or performance, advertising or targeting, and social-media. Each category serves distinct purposes and is subject to different legal rules under PECR.
First-party versus third-party cookies
First-party cookies are set by backstageix itself and relate directly to our media-feed services. Third-party cookies are placed by external providers such as analytics platforms or content-delivery networks. Third-party cookies may track activity across multiple sites and are therefore subject to stricter consent requirements.
Session versus persistent cookies and retention periods
Session cookies are deleted when you close the browser. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a defined period, typically between 30 days and 24 months depending on purpose. Retention is limited to what is necessary for the stated purpose and is reviewed regularly.
Data handled and purpose of each category
Strictly necessary cookies handle login status, security tokens and load balancing. Functional cookies store language preference, video-player settings and form data. Analytics cookies collect aggregated usage statistics to improve site reliability. Advertising cookies record viewing behaviour for targeted content recommendations. Social-media cookies enable sharing of broadcast clips when available. Each category processes only the minimum data required.
Legal basis and consent requirements under UK law
Strictly necessary cookies rely on the strict necessity exemption and do not require prior consent. All other categories require affirmative consent under PECR. Consent is obtained via our site-wide cookie banner and can be withdrawn at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing already carried out.
Cookie and provider table
The following table summarises the cookies currently in use. Names, providers, categories and durations are listed for transparency.
- _sessionid – backstageix – strictly necessary – session
- pref_lang – backstageix – functional – 12 months
- _ga – Google Analytics – analytics – 24 months
- vid_track – content delivery partner – performance – 6 months
- ad_pref – advertising platform – advertising – 13 months
How the consent manager works and how to change choices
Our cookie banner appears on first visit and allows granular selection of categories. You may accept all, reject non-essential cookies or manage preferences. Settings are stored for 12 months. To update choices later, revisit the banner via the footer link or clear site data in your browser. Withdrawal of consent takes effect immediately for future visits.
Browser-level controls and consequences of disabling cookies
Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through settings. Disabling strictly necessary cookies will prevent core functions such as live-signal access and account login. Blocking analytics cookies limits our ability to improve service quality but does not stop the site from operating.
International transfers and reference to the Privacy Policy
Some third-party providers may process data outside the United Kingdom. Appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses are used. Full details of data handling appear in our Privacy Policy, which should be read alongside this document.
Policy changes, contact route and further information
We review this policy periodically. Material changes will be notified via the cookie banner or site notice. For questions about cookies please contact us using the details on our Contacts page or email [email protected]. Our postal address is 6 Union Court, 20-22 Union Road, London, SW4 6JP, United Kingdom and telephone number is 01483 234344. This Cookies Policy forms part of our commitment to transparent data practices under UK GDPR.
Additional explanatory text follows to ensure comprehensive coverage of practical implications. Users should understand that refusing certain cookies may affect the quality of live video feeds and content distribution features we provide. Persistent cookies for analytics help us maintain high broadcast standards by identifying performance bottlenecks. Consent records are kept securely and are available for inspection by the Information Commissioner’s Office upon request. We do not sell personal data obtained through cookies. All processing is limited to the purposes described above and any further use would require fresh consent or another lawful basis. Regular audits confirm that retention periods remain proportionate. Visitors from the United Kingdom benefit from the same rights as those set out in the Data Protection Act 2018, including access, rectification and erasure requests. These rights can be exercised by writing to the address above. The policy is drafted in plain English to assist understanding without legal jargon wherever possible. Should you require clarification on any section, our team is available during standard business hours.