Cookie Policy
Last updated: April 2026
Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how Shannon Associates, Ltd. (“Shannon Associates,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website at shannonassociates.com and related subdomains (the “Site”). This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which explains how we process personal data.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and supply information to site owners. Cookies can be “first-party” (set by the website you are visiting) or “third-party” (set by a different domain). They can also be “session” cookies (deleted when you close your browser) or “persistent” cookies (remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them).
Similar Technologies
In addition to cookies, we may use other similar technologies such as web beacons (also known as pixel tags or clear GIFs), local storage, and session storage. These technologies serve similar purposes to cookies and are covered by this policy. References to “cookies” in this policy include these similar technologies unless otherwise stated.
Types of Cookies We Use
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the Site to function properly. They enable core features such as page navigation, secure access to authenticated areas, and load balancing. Without these cookies, the Site cannot function as intended. These cookies do not require your consent under applicable law.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| __session | Maintains your session state across pages | Session |
| __csrf | Protects against cross-site request forgery | Session |
| cookie_consent | Stores your cookie consent preferences | 1 year |
| refresh_token | Maintains authenticated sessions on portals | 7 days |
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences (e.g., language, display settings) and providing features you have requested. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these features may not function properly.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| sidebar_state | Remembers sidebar open/closed preference | 30 days |
| view_preference | Remembers your preferred gallery view (grid/list) | 30 days |
Analytics and Performance Cookies
These cookies collect information about how visitors use our Site, including which pages are visited most often, how visitors navigate between pages, and whether visitors encounter error messages. All information collected by these cookies is aggregated and therefore anonymous. We use this data to improve the Site's performance and user experience.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics — distinguishes unique users | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics 4 — maintains session state | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics — distinguishes users (24h) | 24 hours |
Marketing and Advertising Cookies
We do not currently use marketing or advertising cookies on our Site. If this changes in the future, we will update this policy and provide you with the ability to opt out before any such cookies are placed on your device.
Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on our Site are set by third-party services that appear on our pages. We do not control these third-party cookies. The third-party services we use that may set cookies include:
- Google Analytics: web analytics service provided by Google LLC. Google may use the data collected to contextualize and personalize ads in its own advertising network. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
- Google Fonts: web font delivery service that may log your IP address. Google Fonts does not set cookies but makes network requests to Google servers.
- Amazon CloudFront: our content delivery network may set cookies for performance optimization and load balancing.
Your Cookie Choices
Consent
When you first visit our Site, you will be presented with a cookie consent banner allowing you to accept or decline non-essential cookies. Strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled as they are required for the Site to function. You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clearing your cookies and revisiting the Site, or through the cookie settings link in our footer.
Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically find these settings in your browser's “Options,” “Preferences,” or “Settings” menu. The following links provide guidance for popular browsers:
- Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
- Mozilla Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Apple Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
- Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Manage and delete cookies
Please note that blocking or deleting cookies may affect the functionality of our Site and prevent certain features from working as intended.
Opt-Out Tools
In addition to browser settings, you can opt out of certain third-party cookies using industry opt-out tools such as the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) opt-out page, the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) opt-out page, or, for European users, the European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance (EDAA) Your Online Choices tool.
Global Privacy Control (GPC)
We honor the Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal. If your browser sends a GPC signal, we will treat it as a request to opt out of non-essential cookies and the sale or sharing of personal information, where applicable under laws such as the CCPA/CPRA.
Cookies and International Visitors
If you are visiting from the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom, or another jurisdiction that requires consent before placing non-essential cookies, we will only set non-essential cookies after you have provided your explicit consent through our cookie consent mechanism. This is in compliance with the EU ePrivacy Directive, the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), and equivalent legislation. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time.
Do Not Track
Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature. There is no uniform standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. We honor the GPC signal as described above. For other DNT mechanisms, please use the browser settings and opt-out tools described in this policy to manage your preferences.
Data Retention for Cookies
Session cookies are automatically deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies remain on your device for the duration specified in the tables above or until you delete them manually through your browser settings. Analytics data collected via cookies is retained in aggregated form and is not associated with individual users after initial processing.
Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use, changes in technology, or changes in applicable law. When we make material changes, we will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. If we introduce new categories of cookies or significantly change how we use existing cookies, we will request your consent again where required by law.
Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:
Shannon Associates, Ltd.
Email: info@shannonassociates.com
For more information about how we handle your personal data, please see our Privacy Policy.