Cookie Policy

Effective Date: 01.01.2025
Last Updated: 15.04.2025

Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Malta Web Agency uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website. By continuing to browse and use our website, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy.

If you do not agree to our use of cookies, please adjust your browser settings or discontinue use of our website. For more information about how we handle your personal data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files containing a string of characters that are placed on your computer, tablet, mobile phone, or other device (“Device”) when you visit a website. They allow websites to recognise your device and remember information about your visit.

Types of Cookies by Duration

Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser. They help us link your actions during a particular browsing session.

Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. They remember your preferences across multiple visits to our website.

Types of Cookies by Origin

First-Party Cookies: Set directly by Malta Web Agency when you visit our website. These help us provide core website functionality and improve your experience.

Third-Party Cookies: Set by external services we use (such as Google Analytics, social media platforms, or advertising networks). These are governed by the respective third party’s privacy policy.

How We Use Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

Ensure Website Functionality: Enable core features like security, form submissions, and user authentication
Improve User Experience: Remember your preferences, language settings, and browsing behaviour
Analyse Website Performance: Understand how visitors interact with our site to optimise content and functionality
Deliver Targeted Content: Show relevant information based on your interests and previous interactions
Measure Marketing Effectiveness: Track the success of our advertising campaigns and referral sources
Prevent Fraud and Enhance Security: Protect against malicious activities and unauthorised access

Categories of Cookies We Use

1. Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled in our systems. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as logging in, filling out forms, or setting privacy preferences.

Examples:

Session management and user authentication
Security tokens and CSRF protection
Cookie consent preferences
Basic website functionality and navigation

Legal Basis: These cookies do not require consent as they are necessary for the website to function.

2. Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website by collecting anonymous information about page visits, time spent, and user behaviour patterns.

Services Used:

Google Analytics 4: Tracks website traffic, user behaviour, and conversion events
Google Search Console: Monitors website performance in search results
Hotjar: Records user sessions to understand how visitors navigate our site
Server Analytics: Internal logging for performance monitoring and error tracking

Information Collected:

Pages visited and time spent on each page
Traffic sources (how you found our website)
Device type, browser, and operating system
Geographic location (country/city level)
User interactions and click patterns

Purpose: Improve website performance, identify popular content, and optimise user experience.

3. Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation, such as remembering your preferences and providing customised content.

Examples:

Language and region preferences
Contact form auto-fill information
Website theme and accessibility settings
Previously viewed content recommendations
Live chat preferences and history

Purpose: Provide a more personalised and convenient browsing experience.

4. Advertising and Marketing Cookies

These cookies track your online activity to deliver relevant advertisements and measure the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns.

Services Used:

Google Ads: Conversion tracking and remarketing
Facebook Pixel: Social media advertising and audience building
LinkedIn Insight Tag: Professional network advertising and analytics
Email Marketing Platforms: Track email opens, clicks, and engagement

Information Collected:

Pages visited and content viewed
Products or services you showed interest in
Time spent on different sections of our website
Previous interactions with our advertisements
Referral sources and campaign performance

Purpose: Show relevant advertisements, measure marketing effectiveness, and improve targeting.

5. Social Media Cookies

These cookies are set by social media platforms when you interact with social media content on our website.

Platforms:

Facebook: Social media integration and sharing
LinkedIn: Professional networking and content sharing
YouTube: Video content and channel integration
Instagram: Image sharing and business profile integration

Purpose: Enable social media functionality, track social engagement, and provide social proof.

Detailed Cookie Information

Google Analytics Cookies

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration	Type
_ga	Distinguishes unique users	2 years	Persistent
_gid	Distinguishes unique users	24 hours	Persistent
_gat_UA-*	Throttles request rate	1 minute	Persistent
gtag*	Used by Google Tag Manager	2 years	Persistent

Privacy Policy: Google Privacy Policy

Facebook Pixel Cookies

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration	Type
_fbp	Facebook Pixel tracking	3 months	Persistent
fr	Facebook advertising	3 months	Persistent

Privacy Policy: Facebook Privacy Policy

Essential Website Cookies

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration	Type
mwa_session	User session management	Session	Session
mwa_consent	Cookie consent preferences	1 year	Persistent
mwa_security	Security token	Session	Session
mwa_preferences	User preferences	6 months	Persistent

Third-Party Service Cookies

Hotjar:

Purpose: User behavior analysis and heatmaps
Duration: 1 year
Privacy Policy: Hotjar Privacy Policy

LinkedIn Insight Tag:

Purpose: Professional advertising and analytics
Duration: 2 years
Privacy Policy: LinkedIn Cookie Policy

YouTube (when videos are embedded):

Purpose: Video functionality and analytics
Duration: Varies
Privacy Policy: YouTube Privacy Policy

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

Cookie Consent Manager

When you first visit our website, you’ll see a cookie consent banner that allows you to:

Accept all cookies
Accept only necessary cookies
Customise your preferences by category
Review detailed information about each cookie type

You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in our website footer.

Browser Settings

You can also manage cookies through your web browser settings:

Google Chrome:

Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
Choose your preferred cookie settings
Manage exceptions for specific websites

Mozilla Firefox:

Go to Options > Privacy & Security
Under “Cookies and Site Data,” choose your settings
Manage exceptions as needed

Safari:

Go to Preferences > Privacy
Choose your cookie and website tracking preferences
Manage website data as needed

Microsoft Edge:

Go to Settings > Cookies and site permissions
Choose your cookie settings
Manage permissions for specific sites

Opt-Out Tools

Google Analytics: Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on

Facebook: Adjust your Facebook Ad Preferences

LinkedIn: Manage your LinkedIn Ad Preferences

Industry Opt-Out: Visit Your Online Choices for additional opt-out options

Mobile Device Settings

iOS (iPhone/iPad):

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking
Toggle “Allow Apps to Request to Track” on/off
Manage individual app tracking preferences

Android:

Go to Settings > Privacy > Ads
Toggle “Opt out of Ads Personalization”
Reset advertising ID if desired

Impact of Disabling Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookies: Disabling these cookies may prevent core website functionality, including:

Logging into your account
Submitting contact forms
Accessing secure areas
Maintaining your session

Performance Cookies: Disabling these cookies means:

We cannot improve website performance based on usage data
You may experience slower loading times
We cannot identify and fix technical issues effectively

Functional Cookies: Disabling these cookies results in:

Loss of personalised content and recommendations
Having to reset preferences on each visit
Reduced website convenience and functionality

Marketing Cookies: Disabling these cookies means:

You may still see advertisements, but they will be less relevant
We cannot measure the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns
You may see repeated advertisements across different websites

Data Processing and Transfers

International Transfers

Some of our cookie providers (particularly Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn) may transfer data outside the EU/Australia. We ensure these transfers are protected by:

Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
Adequacy decisions where applicable
Appropriate technical and organisational safeguards

Data Retention

Cookie data is retained for different periods based on the cookie type:

Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
Analytics cookies: Typically 2 years, with automatic data deletion
Marketing cookies: Usually 3-6 months, depending on the service
Functional cookies: 6 months to 1 year, depending on the feature

Children’s Privacy

Our website and services are not directed at children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through cookies. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect:

Changes in cookie technologies
New services or features we implement
Updates to legal requirements
Feedback from users and regulators

Notification of Changes:

Significant changes will be communicated via email to active clients
A notice will be displayed on our website for 30 days after updates
The “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy will be revised

Your Continued Consent: Continued use of our website after policy updates constitutes acceptance of the revised cookie practices. You can always adjust your preferences through our Cookie Consent Manager.

Legal Compliance

This Cookie Policy complies with:

EU ePrivacy Directive and GDPR for EU visitors
Malta Data Protection Act for Malta-based operations
Australian Privacy Act 1988 for Australian visitors
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for California residents

Contact Information

Cookie-Related Inquiries

For questions about cookies or to exercise your privacy rights:

Email: contact@maltawebagency.com
Subject Line: “Cookie Policy Inquiry” or “Cookie Preferences”

Malta Address:

W.J.D. Pty Ltd
Malta Web Agency
Calm Waters, Block B – Flat 8
Dun Anton Debono
San Giljan, Malta

Technical Support

For technical issues related to cookie settings or website functionality:

Use our website’s live chat feature
Submit a support ticket through your client portal

Data Protection Authorities

If you’re not satisfied with our response regarding cookies, you may contact:

Malta: Office of the Information and Data Protection Commissioner
Australia: Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

Useful Resources

All About Cookies – General information about cookies
Your Online Choices – European advertising opt-out
Digital Advertising Alliance – US advertising opt-out
Network Advertising Initiative – Industry self-regulation

By using Malta Web Agency’s website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Cookie Policy and consent to our use of cookies as described herein.

This Cookie Policy is effective as of 01.01.2025 and forms part of our overall Privacy Policy.