What are cookies and why do I need them?

A cookie is a small computer file that's sent to your computer by a website to store the details and preferences that you provide to that particular website.

During the course of any visit to bbc.co.uk, the pages you see, along with a cookie, are downloaded to your computer. You can find out more at BBC's Privacy & Cookie's Policy.

In addition, BBC iPlayer sets a cookie when you use Parental Guidance to help you ensure that Guidance labelled programmes are not watched by those who shouldn't.

The information gathered with these cookies is used to provide you with BBC iPlayer functionality and you can read how the BBC uses your personal details here.

BBC iPlayer also sets a third party cookie when you watch streamed programmes. This cookie is used by the BBC and its service providers for capacity management, evaluating usage and improving your experience of BBC iPlayer.

Any website can send a cookie to your computer if your internet browser is set up to allow it. You can set your browser to accept all cookies or to let you know when a cookie is sent so you have a choice whether or not to let it be stored on your computer.

Go to the Help menu of your browser to learn how to change your cookie preferences.

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