Legal

Cookie Policy

How we use cookies and similar technologies on our website.

Last updated: 5 March 2026

1. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners. We also use browser localStorage for similar purposes, which we disclose below for transparency.

2. How Cookies Apply to You

The cookies and data we collect depend on how you use our site:

Anonymous Visitors

If you browse the site without creating an account, only essential cookies are set automatically (e.g., consent preferences). Analytics cookies are set only if you give explicit consent. No personal data is stored unless you choose to opt in.

Registered / Signed-In Users

When you create an account and sign in, additional essential cookies are used to maintain your session and enable single sign-on across our tools. Your cookie preferences are also saved to your account profile so they persist across devices.

If you subscribe to a paid service (e.g. ATSC 3.0 Inspector), we also collect usage data related to your subscription for billing and account management purposes. This data is processed under our contractual obligation to provide the service, not on the basis of cookie consent. Payments are handled by Stripe; we do not store your card details.

Users Who Reject Non-Essential Cookies

If you reject non-essential cookies, the site continues to function normally using essential cookies only. No analytics data is collected about your visit. You can change your preferences at any time using the controls on this page or the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer.

3. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Keep you signed in to your account
  • Remember your preferences and settings
  • Understand how you use our website
  • Improve our services based on usage patterns

4. Types of Cookies We Use

TypePurpose
EssentialRequired for the operation of our website (e.g., login, security, consent preferences).
AnalyticsHelp us understand website usage and improve functionality.
PreferenceRemember your choices (e.g., language or region selection).

Note: We do not use advertising, social media tracking, or marketing cookies. Essential cookies are placed automatically and do not require consent, as they are necessary for the website to function. Analytics cookies are only placed with your explicit consent, in line with the UK GDPR and PECR.

The specific cookies in each category are detailed below.

Essential Cookies

Required

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms.

CookiePurposeDuration
obs_cookie_consentStores your cookie consent preferencesPersistent (localStorage)
__sessionMaintains your authenticated sessionSession
obs_sso_tokenSingle sign-on between OBS toolsSession
sidebar_stateRemembers sidebar open/closed preference7 days

Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information. This data is used to improve our services. Analytics cookies are only set if you consent.

CookiePurposeDuration
_gaGoogle Analytics — distinguishes unique users2 years
_ga_*Google Analytics — maintains session state2 years

5. Your Cookie Choices

When you first visit our website, a cookie consent banner will ask for your preferences. You can accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or manage individual categories. You can also update your preferences at any time using the controls below or via the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer.

Essential Cookies

Required for the website to function. Cannot be disabled.

Always Active

6. Browser Cookie Settings

You can also control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

  • View what cookies are stored and delete them individually
  • Block cookies from specific sites
  • Block third-party cookies
  • Block all cookies
  • Delete all cookies when you close your browser

Please note that blocking all cookies may affect the functionality of this and other websites.

7. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages. We do not control these cookies. The third parties include:

  • Google (Firebase): Authentication, hosting, and analytics
  • Stripe: Payment processing for paid subscriptions

Please refer to these third parties' privacy policies for more information about their cookies.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. If we make significant changes, we will request your consent again through our cookie consent banner.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us:

Ocean Blue Software Ltd

Bath Road, Arno's Vale

Bristol BS4 3AP

United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0) 1179 723869

Email: support@oceanbluesoftware.co.uk