Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy

The purpose of this Policy is to explain why CourseMatch uses cookies and similar technologies on the CourseMatch website and Platform, the categories of cookies and similar technologies used, the information collected through those technologies, and the choices available to users in managing their preferences.

Cookies are small text files placed on a device by a website or online service. Similar technologies include local storage and other device identifiers used within the Platform. These technologies are commonly used to keep users logged in, remember preferences, support Platform functionality and measure performance.

CourseMatch uses the following categories of cookies and similar technologies on the website and Platform:

Essential Cookies

Essential cookies are strictly necessary for the operation of the Platform, including keeping users authenticated and maintaining secure sessions. Without these cookies, the authenticated parts of the Platform cannot function properly.

Functional Cookies

Functional cookies allow the Platform to remember user preferences and settings, so that CourseMatch can provide a more consistent and personalised experience when a user returns to the Platform.

Analytics Technologies

Analytics technologies assist CourseMatch to understand how the Platform is used, including engagement and performance information, so that CourseMatch can maintain and improve the Platform over time.

Third-Party Technologies

Third-party technologies are cookies and similar technologies placed by service providers engaged by CourseMatch to support hosting, authentication, security and content delivery functionality, as described further in clause 8 (Third-Party Technologies) below.

CourseMatch uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• authenticate users and maintain secure sessions;
• remember user preferences and settings;
• understand how the Platform is used and measure performance;
• detect and prevent security incidents;
• support hosting, authentication, security and content delivery functionality provided by third-party service providers; and
• ensure reliable operation of the Platform.

Depending on the category of cookie or similar technology used, information collected may include:

• login and session status;
• authentication tokens;
• device and browser information;
• Platform usage and performance information;
• security and access logs; and
• preference settings.

Users may manage or disable cookies and similar technologies through their browser settings at any time. Where a user disables or deletes a cookie used by the Platform, the user may be logged out and authenticated or enhanced Platform features may not work correctly.

Most browsers allow a user to:

• view cookies stored on a device;
• delete existing cookies;
• block cookies from being set in future;
• set preferences for particular websites; and
• receive a notification when a cookie is set.

Users should refer to their browser's help function for further information on managing cookies.

CourseMatch engages third-party service providers who may place or read cookies and similar technologies on the Platform in order to provide hosting, authentication, security and content delivery functionality. These providers include:

CourseMatch does not permit third-party providers to use cookies placed through the Platform for advertising, retargeting or cross-site tracking purposes.

CourseMatch retains information collected through cookies and similar technologies only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. The session cookie used to keep a user authenticated may remain active for up to 180 days, after which the user may be required to log in again. Other cookies and similar technologies are retained for such shorter periods as are reasonably necessary for their respective purposes.

CourseMatch takes reasonable steps to protect information collected through cookies and similar technologies, including through:

• encryption in transit;
• encryption at rest;
• secure authentication;
• role-based access controls; and
• monitoring and logging.

While CourseMatch takes reasonable steps to protect information collected through cookies and similar technologies, no online system can guarantee complete security.

CourseMatch may introduce additional cookies or similar technologies in the future as the Platform develops, including functional, analytics or third-party technologies of the kind described in this Policy. Where CourseMatch intends to use cookies or similar technologies for purposes requiring consent under applicable law, CourseMatch will implement appropriate consent mechanisms before doing so.

CourseMatch may update this Policy from time to time, including to reflect changes in law, regulatory guidance, technology or Platform functionality. The current version will always be published on the CourseMatch website.

If you have any questions about this Policy, please contact: