PhysicsUK Cookie Notice
PhysicsUK uses cookies and similar browser storage only for essential service operation and functional features. We do not use optional analytics cookies, advertising cookies, marketing cookies or third-party tracking tags.
Cookie settings
There are currently no optional analytics, advertising or tracking cookies to accept or reject. This page is kept as the permanent place to review our browser-storage position. If we introduce non-essential tracking storage, we will update this notice and provide the controls required by law before using it.
Essential cookies and storage
- Authenticated session cookie (
connect.sid): keeps authenticated sessions secure and supports login and account features. It is HTTP-only, same-site and configured to expire after 24 hours. - Guest session cookie (
guestSessionId): supports rate limits and continuity for guest practice. It is HTTP-only, same-site and expires after 7 days. - PAG authentication cookie (
token): supports the separate PAG account area. It is an HTTP-only, same-site JWT and expires after 1 hour. - Some tools use local or session browser storage for functional preferences, in-progress work such as drawing drafts, and interface continuity. This storage is not used for advertising or analytics.
How to object to functional storage: you can block or clear PhysicsUK local/session storage using your browser’s site-data or privacy settings at any time, free of charge. Preferences and draft recovery may then stop working, while requested login or guest features may still require their essential cookies.
Authenticated service activity
When a person is signed in, PhysicsUK may record limited account-linked page and resource activity server-side to provide service administration, reporting, security and improvement features. For pupil pages, this can include an active-study-time update based on a visible, recently used page. This is account/service data, not a separate analytics cookie or browser tracking system. Login and security records may contain additional technical information where needed to protect accounts and prevent abuse. The Terms & Privacy Notice explains these uses.
Other essential service components
Some pages load third-party components only when the related feature is used: hCaptcha helps protect the contact form from abuse; Pusher supports authenticated real-time classroom and presence features; and content-delivery services provide interface, maths and chart libraries. These components may receive technical request information such as an IP address and browser details under their own service terms. They are not used by PhysicsUK for advertising or optional analytics.
No advertising cookies
PhysicsUK does not currently use advertising, behavioural-advertising or conversion-tracking technologies. We will update this notice and ask for any required permission before introducing them.
Children and privacy
PhysicsUK is likely to be used by people under 18. We therefore avoid optional analytics, avoid advertising trackers, and explain our essential cookies and account data uses in plain English. See the Terms & Privacy Notice for details of learning data and automated tools.