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Church Library

Our Cookie Policy

 

1. How We Use Google Maps

We embed interactive maps provided by Google LLC (or Google Ireland Limited if you are located within the European Economic Area/UK) on our website to help you visualize  locations.

When you load a page containing an embedded Google Map, your web browser automatically establishes a direct connection with Google's servers. As a part of this process, Google deploys tracking technologies (including cookies, local storage, and browser fingerprinting) to collect data about your interaction.

2. What Data is Collected?

Because this content is delivered directly from Google's servers, we do not control or have access to the data they collect. Google may collect and process:

  • Technical Data: Your IP address, your browser type, device information, operating system, and the specific URL of the page you visited on our site.
  • Location Data: Your precise geographic location (if location services are enabled on your device or browser).
  • Usage & Authentication Data: If you are actively logged into a Google Account while browsing our website, Google can associate your browsing activity on our site directly with your personal Google profile.

3. Cookies Set by Google Maps

Google utilizes these identifiers primarily for functional security, preferences (such as remembering your zoom levels or language), and targeted advertising/profiling across the web. Common cookies include:

Cookie NameProviderPurposeType & Lifespan
NID / SIDGoogleStores user preferences (e.g., preferred zoom level, language) and creates a unique profile for targeted advertising and tracking.Persistent (Up to 6 months)
AEC / SOCSGoogleUsed for security, fraud prevention, and to track user consent state across Google services.Persistent (Up to 13 months)
__Secure-*GoogleVarious secure cookies used to authenticate users, protect user data from unauthorized access, and prevent fraudulent credentials.Session / Persistent

 

4. Legal Basis for Processing & Consent

In compliance with global data privacy regulations (such as GDPR, UK Data Protection Act, and CCPA):

  • These tracking cookies are classified as Non-Essential / Marketing Cookies.
  • We will not load the Google Maps elements or drop these cookies until you have explicitly given your opt-in consent via our website's Cookie Consent Banner.
  • If you decline or reject marketing/third-party cookies, the interactive Google Map will be blocked, and a placeholder text or static alternative will display instead.

5. How to Opt-Out and Manage Your Data

You can opt-out of Google's tracking at any time through the following methods:

  • Our Cookie Settings: Re-open our website's Cookie Banner/Consent Manager to revoke your marketing cookie preferences.
  • Google Account Settings: If you are logged into Google, you can turn off ad personalization or review your activity history via Google My Activity.
  • Browser Controls: You can set your browser to reject all third-party cookies or block scripts originating from *.google.com or *.googleapis.com.

For more details on how Google processes and protects your data, please read the official Google Privacy Policy.