This page explains what cookies thegeolab.net uses, why we use them, and how you can accept, reject, or change your choice at any time.
1. What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They are used to remember preferences, measure how a site is used, and deliver certain features. Some are set by the site you are visiting; others are set by third-party services used by that site.
2. Cookies we use
We use two categories of cookies on thegeolab.net: strictly necessary (needed for the site to work) and analytics (help us understand how visitors use the site). We do not use advertising, marketing, or retargeting cookies.
Strictly necessary
| Name | Set by | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
geolab_cookie_consent | thegeolab.net (localStorage) | Stores your cookie consent choice (accepted or rejected) so the banner does not reappear. | Until cleared |
wordpress_* / wp-settings-* | WordPress | Session and preference cookies set only when you log in or comment. | Session – 1 year |
wfwaf-authcookie-* / wfvt_* | Wordfence (security) | Identifies trusted visitors and blocks malicious traffic. | Up to 1 day |
Strictly necessary cookies are exempt from consent under UK PECR because the site cannot function without them.
Analytics (only set if you accept)
| Name | Set by | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Google Analytics 4 | Distinguishes unique visitors. | 2 years |
_ga_T8WJ03WJ80 | Google Analytics 4 | Persists session state for our GA4 property. | 2 years |
We use Google Analytics 4 to understand aggregate patterns — which pages are read, how visitors arrive, whether research is useful. IP addresses are anonymised by Google before storage. See Google’s Privacy Policy for how Google handles this data.
3. Google Consent Mode v2
Google Analytics is loaded with Consent Mode v2 defaulting to denied. That means GA4 does not set _ga cookies or send identifying data until you click Accept All on our cookie banner. If you reject or ignore the banner, Google receives no cookie-based measurement from your visit.
4. How to change your choice
Click the button below to reopen the cookie banner and change your decision at any time:
You can also clear cookies through your browser settings — see guides for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
5. Third-party services that do not set cookies on this site
Some features on thegeolab.net rely on third parties but do not place cookies on our domain:
- RankMath SEO — runs server-side, no client cookies.
- Google Site Kit — loads Google Tag Manager (
GT-TQRVXWHK) which delivers GA4. Site Kit itself does not set additional cookies. - WP Mail SMTP — server-side email delivery, no client cookies.
- Contact Form 7 / Flamingo — only set cookies if you submit a form (form-state preservation).
- Outbound social links — Twitter, LinkedIn, GitHub. Cookies are only set if you follow those links and land on the third-party site.
6. Your rights
Under UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) you have the right to refuse non-essential cookies without losing access to the site. You can also request access to, correction of, or deletion of any personal data we hold — see our Privacy Policy for the full list of rights.
7. Contact
Questions about cookies or privacy:
The GEO Lab
Email: artur@thegeolab.net
Have questions about this topic? Contact The GEO Lab · Return to homepage