Cookie Policy
Cookie Policy
Last Updated: 28 June 2025
This Cookie Policy explains how TheOntarioDuiLawyers.com (the “Site,” “we,” “us” or “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to recognise you when you visit the Site. It also explains what these technologies are, why we use them, and how you can control them in accordance with Canada’s privacy framework (PIPEDA), the EU e‑Privacy Directive (because we operate from Spain), and best‑practice guidelines.
This Policy forms part of our overall Privacy Policy. Capitalised terms not defined here have the meaning given there.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that a website places on your computer or mobile device when you visit. They are widely used to “remember” you and your preferences, either for a single visit (through “session cookies”) or for multiple repeat visits (using “persistent cookies”). Similar technologies—such as web beacons, pixels, local‑storage objects, or SDKs—have the same purpose and are treated as “cookies” in this Policy.
2. Why We Use Cookies
We use first‑ and third‑party cookies for several reasons:
| Category | Purpose |
| Strictly Necessary | Enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility (e.g., login session). |
| Preferences | Remember your choices (language, cookie consent) so the site functions the same way during future visits. |
| Analytics | Understand how visitors interact with our pages to improve performance and content (Google Analytics 4). |
| Advertising / Remarketing | Deliver relevant ads and measure campaign performance (Google Ads, Meta Pixel). |
| Multimedia & Maps | Support embedded media players (YouTube) and interactive maps (Google Maps). |
| Payments | Facilitate secure transactions and fraud prevention (Stripe, PayPal). |
3. Cookies We Set
Below is a non‑exhaustive list of the cookies that may be placed when you visit the Site. Because cookies can change over time, this table is illustrative rather than definitive.
| Category | Cookie Name (example) | Provider | Purpose | Retention | 1st / 3rd Party |
| Strictly Necessary | PHPSESSID | TheOntarioDuiLawyers | Maintain user session across page requests | Session | 1st |
| laravel_session | TheOntarioDuiLawyers | Framework session cookie for logged‑in lawyers | Session | 1st | |
| Preferences | cookie_consent_status | TheOntarioDuiLawyers | Store visitor’s cookie preferences | 1 year | 1st |
| Analytics | _ga | Google Analytics 4 | Distinguish users | 2 years | 3rd |
| _gid | Google Analytics 4 | Distinguish users | 24 h | 3rd | |
| _gat | Google Analytics 4 | Throttle request rate | 1 min | 3rd | |
| Advertising | _gads | Google Ads | Deliver ads / measure performance | 13 months | 3rd |
| _fbp | Meta (Facebook) | Ad delivery & retargeting | 3 months | 3rd | |
| IDE | Google DoubleClick | Ad optimisation | 13 months | 3rd | |
| Multimedia & Maps | VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE | YouTube | Estimate bandwidth | 6 months | 3rd |
| NID | Google Maps | Remember map preferences | 6 months | 3rd | |
| Payments | __stripe_sid | Stripe | Fraud prevention | 30 min | 3rd |
| ts_c | PayPal | Security / fraud prevention | 3 years | 3rd |
4. How You Can Control Cookies
4.1 Consent Banner (Manual Implementation)
When you first visit the Site, a banner appears at the bottom of the page offering three choices:
- Accept All – enable all non‑essential cookies (preferences, analytics, advertising, multimedia, payments).
- Reject All – disable all non‑essential cookies.
- Manage Preferences – open a panel to individually enable/disable each cookie category.
Until you click Accept All (or enable a category in Manage Preferences), we block the loading of analytics, advertising, multimedia, and payment cookies via our custom script (compatible with the ASAP WordPress theme). Your choice is stored in cookie_consent_status for one (1) year, after which we will prompt you again.
4.2 Browser Controls
Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies. The method varies; please consult your browser’s help documentation.
4.3 Interest‑Based Advertising Opt‑Outs
You may also opt out of interest‑based advertising through:
- Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA): https://optout.aboutads.info
- Meta Ad Preferences: https://www.facebook.com/adpreferences/ad_settings
5. Consequences of Rejecting Cookies
If you reject or disable cookies, the Site will still function, but certain features (personalised ads, video playback, embedded maps, and quick checkout) may be limited or unavailable.
6. Third‑Party Cookies Beyond Our Control
Embedded content (e.g., YouTube, Google Maps) may set additional cookies over which we have no direct control. Such cookies are governed by the policies of the respective providers. We provide alternative text descriptions or direct links when feasible. Contact us if you need information in an accessible format.
7. Updates to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes to the cookies we use or legal requirements. The date at the top indicates the most recent revision. Significant changes will be announced via banner or email where feasible.
8. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies:
E‑mail: info@theontarioduilawyers.com
Postal: Calle El Llanito 3, 38629 San Miguel de Abona, Tenerife, Spain