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Cookie Policy

Last updated: March 18, 2025

1. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide reporting information, and assist with advertising and personalisation.

Cookies may be set by the website you are visiting ("first-party cookies") or by third parties whose services the website uses ("third-party cookies"). Cookies can remain on your device for different periods of time, session cookies are deleted when you close your browser, while persistent cookies remain until they expire or you delete them.

2. How We Use Cookies

The Sunstone (thesunstone.ro) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies for the following purposes:

2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to function properly. They enable core features such as security, consent preference storage, and page navigation. These cookies do not collect any personally identifiable information and cannot be disabled.

CookiePurposeDuration
sunstone_consentStores your cookie consent preferences365 days
security_storageSecurity-related functionalitySession

2.2 Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) via Google Tag Manager to measure page views, session duration, traffic sources, and user behaviour patterns.

CookiePurposeDuration
_gaGoogle Analytics, distinguishes unique users2 years
_ga_*Google Analytics, maintains session state2 years
_gidGoogle Analytics, distinguishes users24 hours
_gatGoogle Analytics, throttle request rate1 minute

2.3 Marketing / Advertising Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver advertisements and measure their effectiveness. They track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customised ads. We use advertising pixels and tags from the following platforms via Google Tag Manager:

PlatformCookie / PixelPurpose
Meta (Facebook/Instagram)_fbp, _fbc, Meta PixelConversion tracking, retargeting, custom audiences
Google Ads_gcl_au, _gcl_awConversion tracking, remarketing lists
TikTokTikTok Pixel, _ttpConversion tracking, audience building
LinkedInLinkedIn Insight Tag, li_sugrConversion tracking, professional audience targeting

3. Google Consent Mode v2

We implement Google Consent Mode v2, the latest standard for privacy-compliant tag management. This technology ensures that all Google tags and third-party marketing pixels on our website respect your consent choices in real time.

3.1 How Consent Mode v2 Works

When you first visit our website, all non-essential cookies and tracking technologies are blocked by default until you provide explicit consent. Consent Mode v2 communicates your preferences to all tags loaded through Google Tag Manager using the following consent signals:

Consent SignalControlsDefault
analytics_storageAnalytics cookies (e.g. Google Analytics)Denied
ad_storageAdvertising cookies (e.g. Google Ads, Meta Pixel)Denied
ad_user_dataSending user data to Google for advertising purposesDenied
ad_personalizationPersonalised advertising and remarketingDenied
functionality_storageCookies for enhanced functionality (e.g. language)Denied
personalization_storageCookies for personalisation (e.g. video recommendations)Denied
security_storageSecurity-related cookies (authentication, fraud prevention)Granted

3.2 Consent Mode v2, Advanced vs. Basic

We use Advanced Consent Mode, which means:

  • Google tags load on every page but operate in a cookieless, privacy-safe manner until consent is granted
  • When consent is denied, Google tags send cookieless pings, anonymous, aggregated signals that do not contain personal data
  • These pings allow Google to model conversions and provide aggregated insights without compromising individual user privacy
  • When consent is granted, tags switch to full functionality with cookies enabled

3.3 Integration with Google Tag Manager

All tracking tags on this website are deployed through Google Tag Manager (GTM). Our GTM container is configured to honour Consent Mode v2 signals, meaning:

  • No marketing or analytics cookies are set before consent is obtained
  • Consent state is updated in real time when you change your preferences
  • All third-party tags (Meta Pixel, TikTok Pixel, LinkedIn Insight Tag, Google Ads) are governed by the same consent signals
  • Your consent choice is stored locally and remembered for 365 days

4. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You can manage your cookie preferences at any time:

  • Cookie consent banner: When you first visit our site, you can accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customise your preferences by category
  • Change preferences: You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer of any page
  • Browser settings: You can also control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies. Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of some website features

5. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages. We do not control the use of these cookies. Third-party cookie providers include:

6. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our data practices. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates when this policy was last revised.

7. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us at:

The Sunstone
Email: razvan@thesunstone.ro
Website: thesunstone.ro