Cookie Policy

The Melan Group (TMG) uses cookies and similar technologies on our website https://themelan.com to enhance user experience, analyze site performance, and support our digital services. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and your choices regarding their use.

This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy, which provides additional information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal data.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They enable websites to remember your preferences, recognize return visits, and provide personalized functionality. Cookies do not harm your device or files.

Similar technologies include:

  • Web beacons/pixels: Small transparent images that help us understand user behavior
  • Local storage: Browser storage that retains data across sessions
  • Session storage: Temporary storage that expires when you close your browser

Types of Cookies We Use

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled. They enable core functionality such as:

  • Security and authentication
  • Session management
  • Load balancing and performance optimization
  • Remembering privacy preferences

Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies collect information about how visitors use our website to help us improve site performance and user experience:

  • Page views and user navigation patterns
  • Time spent on pages and bounce rates
  • Error monitoring and site optimization data
  • Aggregated traffic and usage statistics

Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization:

  • Language and region preferences
  • Accessibility settings
  • Form data retention for user convenience
  • Content customization based on user behavior

Marketing and Advertising Cookies

These cookies support our marketing efforts and may be used for:

  • Tracking effectiveness of marketing campaigns
  • Delivering relevant content and advertisements
  • Retargeting visitors across platforms
  • Building audience profiles for marketing purposes

Legal basis: Your explicit consent

Specific Cookies We Use

Cookie Name Provider Purpose Duration Category
tmg_session The Melan Group Session management and security Session Strictly Necessary
tmg_consent The Melan Group Remembers your cookie preferences 12 months Strictly Necessary
_ga Google Analytics Distinguishes unique users 2 years Performance
_ga_[ID] Google Analytics Maintains session state 2 years Performance
_gid Google Analytics Distinguishes unique users 24 hours Performance
_fbp Meta (Facebook) Tracks visits for advertising 3 months Marketing
_gcl_au Google Ads Conversion tracking 3 months Marketing
This table includes primary cookies. Additional cookies may be set by third-party services integrated into our website.

Third-Party Cookies

We use reputable third-party services that may set their own cookies:

  • Google Analytics: Website performance and user behavior analysis
  • Google Ads: Advertising effectiveness and conversion tracking
  • LinkedIn: Professional networking integration and B2B marketing
  • Meta (Facebook): Social media integration and advertising
  • Vimeo/YouTube: Video content delivery

These third parties have their own cookie policies, which we encourage you to review.

Your Cookie Choices

Cookie Consent Management

When you first visit our website, you can choose which categories of cookies to accept through our consent banner. You can modify your preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Preferences” link in our website footer.

Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

  • Block all cookies: May impair website functionality
  • Block third-party cookies: Reduces tracking while maintaining core functionality
  • Delete cookies: Removes existing cookies but they may be reset on future visits

Opt-Out Tools

For marketing cookies, you can use these opt-out mechanisms:

  • Google Ads: Visit Google’s Ad Settings page
  • Facebook: Adjust your Ad Preferences in Facebook settings
  • Industry opt-out: Use the Digital Advertising Alliance’s opt-out tool

Professional Services Context

As a science communication consultancy, we use cookies to:

  • Understand how potential clients interact with our service information
  • Optimize content for different audience segments (researchers, institutions, organizations)
  • Measure the effectiveness of our thought leadership content
  • Provide personalized experiences for return visitors

We do not use cookies to collect sensitive research data or proprietary client information through our website.

Data Retention

Cookie data is retained according to the durations specified above. We regularly review and purge unnecessary data in accordance with our data retention policies.

International Considerations

We serve clients globally and comply with applicable privacy regulations including:

  • GDPR (European Union): Explicit consent for non-essential cookies
  • CCPA (California): Right to opt-out of sale of personal information
  • Other jurisdictions: Compliance with local privacy requirements

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Significant changes will be communicated through our website or direct notification to active clients.

Contact Information

For questions about our use of cookies, to exercise your privacy rights, or to report technical issues with cookie settings or website functionality, please contact us available on our website.