Cookie Policy for bjosephson.com
(Effective date: 24 July 2025 – supersedes all previous cookie notices)
1 Purpose of This Cookie Policy
This Cookie Policy (“Policy”) explains in detail how B. Josephson (Boone Eddy Josephson) (“we”, “our” or “us”) uses cookies and comparable technologies on bjosephson.com (the “Website”). It should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which describes in broader terms how we process personal data.
By continuing to browse the Website after seeing the cookie banner, or by clicking “Accept” / “Save preferences”, you consent to our use of cookies as described below. You may withdraw or modify your consent at any time (see Section 8).
2 What Are Cookies?
A cookie is a small text file that a website stores on your computer or mobile device when you visit. Cookies are widely used to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site.
Besides traditional cookies, we also employ:
Local Storage and Session Storage – browser‑based data stores that save information on your device in a similar way to cookies.
Pixels / Web Beacons – small snippets of code that track user behaviour and conversion events (e.g. the Meta/Facebook Pixel).
JavaScript SDKs – pieces of code from third parties that collect or receive information from our Website.
Throughout this Policy we use the term “cookies” to cover all such technologies.
3 Why Do We Use Cookies?
We use cookies and related technologies for five overarching purposes:
Strictly Necessary – to deliver core functionality such as page navigation, secure log‑in (if applicable) and the shopping cart. Without these cookies the Website cannot function properly.
Functional / Preference – to remember user choices, language selection, currency, cookie‑consent state, and other customisable settings that enhance your experience.
Performance / Analytics – to understand how visitors interact with the Website, spot errors, compile statistics, and improve content and layout. We rely primarily on Google Analytics (with IP anonymisation) for this purpose.
Advertising / Targeting – to deliver advertising that is more relevant to you and your interests, limit the number of times an ad is displayed, and measure the effectiveness of ad campaigns. This includes the Meta (Facebook/Instagram) Pixel and, where consent is granted, could include other remarketing tools.
Social‑Media Integration – to allow you to share content or interact with social‑media services directly from our pages (e.g. embedded Instagram feed or YouTube video).
4 Legal Bases for Cookie Use
Under the ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC as amended) and the Belgian Act of 13 June 2005 on electronic communications, cookies that are not strictly necessary for the operation of a service expressly requested by the user require prior, informed consent.
Strictly necessary cookies are set on the basis of our legitimate interest in providing a properly functioning Website and do not require consent.
Functional, analytics, advertising and social‑media cookies are set only with your explicit consent, gathered through the cookie banner or settings panel. Consent can be withdrawn at any time (Section 8).
Under the GDPR, the personal data collected through cookies is processed either because it is necessary for a contract (e.g. to fulfil an order), necessary to comply with a legal obligation, based on our legitimate interest (where minimal privacy impact is assured), or—most commonly for analytics and advertising—based on your consent.
5 First‑Party Cookies We Set
Below is a descriptive list of the main first‑party cookies that may be stored by bjosephson.com. Actual names can vary depending on technical updates.
bj_session – remembers the current session ID so pages know you are the same visitor; expires when you close your browser.
bj_cart – stores a random token linked to your shopping cart in our database; retains items for 48 hours.
bj_cookie_consent – saves your cookie preferences (accepted categories); validity: 12 months.
bj_lang_pref – records your preferred language (en, nl, fr); lifespan: 30 days.
These cookies are essential or functional; disabling them via the browser may impair core features such as checkout.
6 Third‑Party Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our Website relies on carefully selected third‑party providers. Cookies set by these parties are subject to their own privacy and cookie policies. Key partners include:
6.1 Google Analytics
_ga – assigns a randomly generated ID to recognise returning visitors; typical lifespan: 13 months under our configuration.
_gid – distinguishes users over a 24‑hour period.
gat_gtag_UA* – throttles the request rate to reduce server load; expires after one minute.
We anonymise IP addresses before they reach Google servers and disable advertising features by default. Analytics cookies are set only after consent.
6.2 Meta / Facebook Pixel
When you accept advertising cookies the Pixel sets:
_fbp – identifies browsers to deliver personalised ads and measure ad performance; expires after 90 days.
Conversion “event” data – sent via HTTPS to Meta servers whenever you view a product, initiate checkout or complete a purchase; no cookie is stored for this, but the pixel transmits hashed personal data (e.g. email or phone) if available so Meta can match it to your profile.
6.3 Stripe and PayPal
During checkout Stripe and PayPal may set cookies such as stripe_mid, stripe_sid or paypal-pid to detect fraud, remember your preferred payment method and ensure secure transactions. These cookies can persist for up to two years, depending on the provider’s policy, and are essential to complete a payment.
6.4 Brevo (Sendinblue)
When you subscribe to our newsletter or click a link in an email, Brevo may place a cookie (e.g. sib_cuid) that tracks opening and click‑through behaviour to help us analyse campaign performance. This cookie is optional and set only if you allow marketing cookies.
6.5 Embedded Content Providers
If we embed a YouTube video or Instagram post, those platforms may install their own cookies (e.g. VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE, YSC, csrftoken). We have no direct control over such cookies, but they will not load until you interact with the embedded element or consent to the corresponding cookie category.
7 Server Logs and Security Tools
Even if you refuse all optional cookies, certain essential data is automatically logged by our web server—such as your truncated IP address, date and time of request, user‑agent string and requested resource—to detect malicious activity and ensure system integrity. These logs are purged after 30 days unless they are required for security investigations or to comply with legal obligations.
8 Managing Your Cookie Preferences
8.1 Cookie Banner
On your first visit a banner allows you to:
Accept All – consent to all non‑essential cookies.
Reject All – keep strictly necessary cookies only.
Customise – enable or disable categories (Functional, Analytics, Advertising).
Your choice is stored in a cookie named bj_cookie_consent for 12 months. After that period you will be asked again.
8.2 Settings Panel
A “Cookie Settings” link appears in the footer of every page. Clicking it reopens the preference centre where you can modify your selections at any moment.
8.3 Browser Controls
Most browsers let you view, delete and block cookies per site or globally. Instructions:
Chrome – Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data.
Firefox – Preferences → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data.
Edge – Settings → Cookies and site permissions.
Safari – Preferences → Privacy.
Disabling all cookies may prevent the shopping cart or checkout from functioning.
8.4 Google Analytics Opt‑Out
You can install the Google Analytics Opt‑out Browser Add‑on from Google to prevent measurement by Google Analytics across all sites.
8.5 Do‑Not‑Track (DNT)**
Our Website currently does not alter its behaviour upon receiving a DNT signal because there is no industry standard on how to respond. You may still manage cookies through the methods above.
9 Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Policy to reflect changes in technology, legislation or our business. Significant changes will be announced via a prominent notice on the Website. The “Effective date” at the top indicates the newest version. Continued use of the Website after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.
10 Contact Us
Questions, comments or requests regarding cookies can be directed to:
B. Josephson – Privacy Officer
Vandenpeereboomstraat 336, 1501 Halle, Belgium
Email: edbuun@gmail.com
Tel.: +32 489 572 707
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Belgian Data Protection Authority or your local supervisory authority if you believe our cookie practices infringe data‑protection rules.
