Functionality Cookies

Cookies that enable enhanced features and personalization beyond basic site operation, such as remembering language preferences, region selection, accessibility options, video player settings, or previous searches. Functionality cookies improve user experience by remembering choices and providing customization. These cookies fall between essential cookies (strictly necessary) and targeting/advertising cookies (used for tracking and ads). The consent requirements for functionality cookies vary by interpretation—some regulators consider them non-essential requiring consent, while others view some functionality cookies as sufficiently beneficial to users to qualify for softer consent approaches. Best practice is categorizing functionality cookies separately from essential and advertising cookies, being transparent about their purpose, and allowing users to control them. While functionality cookies enhance experience, they're typically not necessary for basic site operation, so seeking consent aligns with privacy-protective principles.