Last updated: 1 March 2026
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by websites you visit. They are widely used to make websites function effectively, to remember your preferences, and to provide information to the operators of the site about how visitors engage with their content.
This policy explains in plain terms which cookies this site places, what each cookie does, and how you can manage or remove them.
We divide the cookies used on this site into three categories:
These cookies are essential for the website to function. They enable core operations such as page navigation, consent preference storage, and security measures. The site cannot function correctly without these cookies, and they do not require your consent under UK GDPR. They do not collect personal data for profiling purposes.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| rc_consent | Stores your cookie consent preference | 13 months |
| rc_session | Maintains session state during your visit | Session |
| rc_csrf | Protects form submissions against cross-site request forgery | Session |
These cookies help us understand how readers engage with our articles and site structure. The data collected is anonymised and aggregated; no individual visitor is profiled. Analytics cookies are placed only if you accept them via the cookie banner. You may withdraw consent at any time using Cookie Settings in the footer.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _rc_analytics | Tracks page views and reading time (anonymised) | 12 months |
| _rc_ref | Records the referral source for the current visit | 30 days |
| _rc_scroll | Records approximate scroll depth on article pages | Session |
Functional cookies remember choices you make on the site — for example, your preferred reading text size or dismissed notification states — so that repeat visits are more consistent. These cookies do not track your activity across other websites. They are placed only with your consent.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| rc_prefs | Stores display preference settings | 6 months |
| rc_dismissed | Records dismissed banners or notification states | 30 days |
Certain content and functionality on this site may load resources from third-party domains (for example, embedded maps or fonts). These third parties may place their own cookies on your device, subject to their own privacy and cookie policies. We do not control these third-party cookies and they are not covered by this policy. We recommend reviewing the privacy and cookie policies of any third-party services you interact with.
We do not currently use third-party advertising cookies or cross-site tracking cookies on this site.
You have several options for managing cookies:
For all non-essential cookies (analytics and functional categories), we obtain your consent before placing them on your device. Consent is recorded as a first-party cookie (rc_consent) with a 13-month duration.
You may withdraw consent at any time by clicking Cookie Settings in the footer. Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of any processing based on consent before its withdrawal. Strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled as they are required for the site to operate.
This Cookie Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in the cookies used on this site or in applicable law. When material changes are made, the "last updated" date at the top of this page will be revised. We recommend reviewing this policy on each visit if you have specific concerns about cookie use.
If you have questions about how we use cookies on this site, please contact the editorial desk:
Runalek Compendium · 74 Carnaby Street, W1F 8TN London · [email protected]