What are cookies?
A cookie is a small text file that a website stores on your browser when you visit. Cookies help websites remember things about your visit — such as your preferences or whether you have seen a particular notice — so they do not have to ask you every time.
Cookies do not run programmes or contain viruses. They are simply data files that your browser holds and may send back to a website on subsequent visits.
Cookies we use
We use a small number of cookies, grouped into three categories:
Essential cookies
These are needed for the website to function. They cannot be switched off. They include the cookie we use to remember that you have seen and acknowledged our cookie notice.
Analytics cookies
These help us understand how visitors use our site — for example, which pages are read most, how people arrive at the site, and how long they typically spend. The data is aggregated and does not identify individual visitors. We use this information to improve the website over time.
Functional cookies
These remember choices you have made (such as your region or language preference) so the site behaves consistently on return visits. They are not strictly necessary, but they improve your experience.
Cookie reference
The table below lists the specific cookies currently in use on this website.
| Cookie name |
Type |
Purpose |
Duration |
pv_cookie_consent |
Essential |
Records your cookie preference so we do not show the notice again |
12 months |
_ga |
Analytics |
Google Analytics — distinguishes unique visitors using a randomly generated identifier |
2 years |
_ga_* |
Analytics |
Google Analytics — stores session state |
2 years |
_gid |
Analytics |
Google Analytics — distinguishes users over a 24-hour period |
24 hours |
pv_region |
Functional |
Remembers your region selection if applicable |
6 months |
This list is updated when we add or remove cookies. Third-party providers such as Google Analytics may also set their own cookies subject to their own policies.
Third-party cookies
Some cookies on our site are set by third-party services such as Google Analytics. We do not control these cookies directly; they are governed by the privacy policies of the relevant providers. We have configured Google Analytics to anonymise IP addresses and have not enabled advertising features.
We do not use cookies from social media platforms, remarketing networks, or advertising exchanges.
Managing your cookie preferences
You have several options for controlling cookies:
Through our cookie notice
When you first visit the site, you will see a notice that allows you to accept or decline non-essential cookies. You can revisit this choice at any time by clearing the pv_cookie_consent value from your browser's local storage and reloading the page.
Through your browser
Most browsers allow you to view, manage, and delete cookies. Common paths:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions
Note that disabling all cookies may affect the functionality of this and other websites you visit.
Changes to this policy
We may update this cookie policy when we add or change the cookies we use. The current version will always be available on this page with an updated date at the top.
Questions
If you have questions about how we use cookies, you are welcome to contact us:
For further information about cookies generally, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data provides guidance at www.pcpd.org.hk.