MOLA Cookies Policy
Since 26 May 2011, there is a legal requirement (external link) that cookies on websites can only be used with your specific consent. MOLA is currently working on a solution to obtain your consent without compromising your enjoyment of the site.
As we use a number of cookies to operate this site, we have created this page to explain our cookies policy.
This statement applies only to Museum of London websites. It does not cover any external sites that we may link to, so you should always be aware of this if you move to another site and be sure to read the privacy statement on that site.
1. What is a cookie?
A cookie is a small data file that is created by web browsers and stored on your computer or mobile device. This data file stores the information you provide us with and in doing so enables us to 'remember' you on repeat visits, effectively letting you move around the site without having to keep reintroducing yourself.
Most browsers accept cookies automatically, and if your browser’s preferences allow it, each website or third party service provider is able to send a cookie to your browser. However, to protect your privacy, your browser only allows these websites or third party service providers to access cookies already sent to you, not the cookies sent to you by other sites or other third party service providers.
Cookies record information about your online preferences, which are then used to tailor our website to your individual preferences, such as the look and feel of the site. You can set your devices to accept all cookies, to notify you when a cookie is issued, or not to receive cookies at any time. However, if you choose the third option, please bear in mind that you may not be able to take full advantage of all of the features on our site. Each browser is different, so check the "Help" menu of your browser to find out how to change your cookie preferences. See section 4 for further information on controlling and deleting cookies.
2. How does the MOLA use cookies?
MOLA does not use cookies to collect personally identifiable information about you as a user of the site.
MOLA uses Google Analytics and WebTrends, two web analytics services. Google Analytics and WebTrends set cookies in order to help us understand, evaluate and optimise the use of Museum of London websites.
Some anonymous log-file information is also collected automatically when you visit the site:
- your IP (Internet Protocol) address;
- your browser and operating system;
- the date and time of your visit;
- the pages you request;
This information is used to analyse overall patterns of web site use.
Third Party Cookies on MOLA pages
Please note that during your visits to the Museum of London websites you may notice some cookies that are not related to us. When you visit a page with content embedded from, for example, YouTube or Flickr, you may be presented with cookies from these websites. MOLA does not control the dissemination of these cookies. You should check the third party websites for more information about these.
MOLA does have links to websites owned and operated by third parties. However, we are not responsible for their privacy policies, including cookies, and we advise you to review them.
Sharing Tools
MOLA carries embedded ‘share’ buttons on some sections of our websites to enable users of the site to easily share articles with their friends through a number of popular social networks. These sites may set a cookie when you are also logged in to their service. We do not control the dissemination of these cookies and you should check the relevant third party website for more information about these.
Google Analytics & WebTrends
MOLA uses Google Analytics and WebTrends, two web analytics services. Google Analytics and WebTrends set cookies in order to help us understand, evaluate and optimise the use of Museum of London websites.
3. Cookies used on Museum of London websites
Below is a list of the cookies set by the Museum of London websites, and what each is used for.
| Cookie |
Cookie Name |
Purpose |
| Site branding |
CurrentWebsite |
This cookie stores the path you used to enter the Museum of London website, e.g. either Museum of London or Museum of London Docklands or MOLA. This is for branding a previously viewed page correctly depending on what branding the page had on a previous visit to the site. So for example, if you entered the site via Museum of London Docklands, you will see the site branded in blue, whilst if you entered the site by Museum of London, you will see the site in pink. |
| Session cookie |
sessionState |
This cookie is used to remember information between one page view and the next. For example in our collections online section, if you visit the advanced search page, your search criteria are saved for the length of the browsing session, so when you click on the most recent search you will automatically get linked back to the original search results. |
| WebTrends |
WT_FPC |
The WebTrends cookie is used to collect information about how visitors use our site. We use the information to compile reports that help us improve the site. The cookies collect information in an anonymous form, including the number of visitors to the site, where visitors have come to the site from and what pages they have visited. |
| Google Analytics |
__utma
__utmb
__utmz |
These are the Google Analytics cookies which are used to collect information about how visitors use our site. We use the information to compile reports to help us improve the site. The cookies collect information in an anonymous form, including the number of visitors to the site, where visitors have come to the site from and what pages they have visited. |
4. How to control and delete cookies
MOLA does not use cookies to collect information that can personally identify you. However, if you wish to restrict or block the cookies which are set by us on our websites, or indeed any other website, you can do this through your browser settings.
Please be aware that disabling or restricting cookies on the Museum of London websites may affect your experience of the site where the functionality is controlled by the use of cookies.
If you wish to decline cookies, please select the browser you are using from the list below and follow the instructions to prevent cookies being served to you during your visit.
Alternatively, you may wish to visit the external website www.aboutcookies.org, which contains comprehensive information on how to do this on a wide variety of browsers. You will also find details on how to delete cookies from your computer as well as more general information about cookies.
For information on how to do this on your mobile phone browser, you will need to refer to your handset manual.
