Cookie Policy

1. What are cookies?

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

Cookies may be first-party (set by the website you are visiting) or third-party (set by a different domain). They may be session cookies (deleted when you close your browser) or persistent cookies (which remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them).

In addition to cookies, websites may use similar technologies such as local storage, session storage and pixel tags. Where we refer to "cookies" in this policy, we mean all such technologies unless otherwise specified.

2. Cookies we currently use

BetaTesters.org currently uses only a minimal set of strictly necessary and functional cookies. We do not use advertising cookies or any form of cross-site tracking.

We do not set any third-party cookies. We do not use Google Analytics, advertising networks, social media pixels or any other third-party tracking technology at this time.

3. Essential cookies

Essential cookies are strictly necessary for the website to function. Without them, core features such as logging in would not work. Under applicable law, essential cookies do not require your prior consent, although we still disclose them here in the interest of transparency.

The only essential cookie we set is PHPSESSID, a standard PHP session identifier. It contains no personal information and is used solely to associate your browser with your authenticated session on our server. It is deleted when you close your browser or when your session expires (typically after 24 minutes of inactivity, depending on server configuration).

4. Functional cookies

Functional cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow functional cookies, some of these features may not work.

We currently use one functional cookie:

• bt_consent: This cookie records whether you have accepted or declined non-essential cookies via our consent banner. It is a first-party cookie, contains only a consent state value (no personal information), and expires after 365 days. You can reset this preference at any time using the "Manage preferences" link in the website footer or by clearing your cookies in your browser settings.

5. Analytics cookies

We do not currently use analytics cookies or any third-party analytics service.

If we introduce analytics tools in the future (for example, to understand how visitors use the platform and to improve it), we will:

• Update this Cookie Policy before deploying any new cookies.
• Display a refreshed consent banner seeking your explicit consent for analytics cookies where required by applicable law.
• Provide you with the ability to accept or decline analytics cookies independently of essential cookies.

Analytics cookies will never be used to build advertising profiles or to track you across websites we do not operate.

6. Managing your cookie preferences

When you first visit BetaTesters.org, a consent banner is displayed. You can:

• Accept all — accept all cookies, including any functional cookies.
• Reject non-essential — accept only strictly necessary cookies (PHPSESSID). The platform will continue to function normally.
• Manage preferences — choose which categories of cookie to accept.

You can change your preference at any time by clicking Manage cookie preferences or by clearing your cookies in your browser settings (see Section 7).

Please note that rejecting non-essential cookies will not affect the core functionality of BetaTesters.org. You will still be able to create an account, sign in, browse projects and submit feedback.

7. Browser controls

All modern browsers allow you to manage cookies through your browser settings. You can typically:

• View the cookies stored on your device.
• Delete all cookies or cookies from specific websites.
• Block all cookies or cookies from specific websites.
• Set your browser to notify you when a website attempts to place a cookie.

Instructions for the most commonly used browsers:

• Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari (macOS): Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
• Safari (iOS): Settings → Safari → Advanced → Website Data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data

Please be aware that blocking the PHPSESSID session cookie will prevent you from signing in to BetaTesters.org, as it is required for authentication.

For more information about cookies and how to manage them, visit allaboutcookies.org or, for UK residents, the ICO's guide at ico.org.uk.

8. Changes to this policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. When we introduce new cookies or make material changes to how we use existing ones, we will update the effective date at the top of this page and, where required by law, request fresh consent via the consent banner.

We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

9. Contact us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us: