Cookie Policy

Last updated: April 2026

This Cookie Policy explains how ARTIFACT uses cookies and similar technologies on artifact.io-research.org. We are committed to transparency about how we use cookies and to complying with the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and EU ePrivacy Directive, as well as UK/EU GDPR.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device by a website when you visit it. They are widely used to make websites work, improve performance, and provide information to site operators. Cookies can be "session cookies" (deleted when you close your browser) or "persistent cookies" (which remain on your device for a set period).

2. How We Use Cookies

ARTIFACT uses a minimal set of cookies. We do not use advertising cookies, tracking cookies, or third-party analytics cookies.

3. Cookies We Use

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the platform to function and cannot be switched off. They are set only in response to actions you take, such as logging in. Without these cookies, services you have requested cannot be provided.

• Session authentication cookie
  Purpose: Maintains your login session after you authenticate. Without this cookie, you would need to log in on every page.
  Type: Session cookie (deleted when you close your browser or log out).
  Set by: ARTIFACT / Directus CMS.
  Data stored: An encrypted session token. No personally identifiable information is stored in the cookie itself.

These cookies are set on the basis of legitimate interests and the necessity to provide the service you have requested. As they are strictly necessary, they do not require your consent under PECR, though we inform you of them here in the interest of transparency.

4. Cookies We Do Not Use

ARTIFACT does not currently use:

• Analytics or performance cookies (e.g. Google Analytics)
• Advertising or targeting cookies
• Social media tracking cookies
• Third-party cookies of any kind

If this changes in the future, we will update this policy and, where required by law, obtain your consent before placing non-essential cookies.

5. Managing Cookies

You can control and manage cookies in your browser settings. Please note that disabling strictly necessary cookies will prevent you from logging in to ARTIFACT, though you can still browse the platform as a guest.

How to manage cookies in common browsers:

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

For further guidance on managing cookies, visit aboutcookies.org or ico.org.uk.

6. Local Storage

In addition to cookies, ARTIFACT may use browser local storage to remember interface preferences (such as your last selected content type). This data is stored locally on your device only and is not transmitted to our servers. It can be cleared at any time through your browser settings.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time as our use of cookies changes or as legal requirements evolve. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us at artifact@io-research.org.

For more information about how we handle your personal data more broadly, please see our Privacy Policy.