Cookie Policy & Data Usage
Last updated: June 2026
The short version
SwapTest uses essential cookies, the small files needed to keep you signed in and to keep the site secure. Those cannot be turned off, because the site cannot work without them.
We also use Google Analytics to understand which pages people find useful and where they give up. That is optional. Nothing analytics related is loaded and no Google cookie is set unless you press Accept all on the cookie banner. If you choose Essential only, or ignore the banner, Google Analytics is never loaded at all.
We do not use advertising cookies, retargeting, or social media tracking pixels, and we do not sell or share your data with advertisers.
What is a cookie?
A cookie is a small text file that a website stores on your device. Cookies let a site remember things between page loads, for example, that you are logged in. Under UK law (the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, "PECR", and the UK GDPR), cookies that are strictly necessary to provide a service you have requested do not require consent, while non-essential cookies do.
Cookies we use
| Cookie | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session token | Keeps you signed in to your account as you move between pages. | Essential | Until you log out or it expires |
| swaptest-cookie-consent | Remembers your cookie preference so we don't ask again. Stored in your browser's local storage, not sent to our servers. | Essential | Until you clear your browser data |
Because both of these are strictly necessary for the service to function, they are exempt from the consent requirement under PECR. The banner you see is informational and lets you record a preference in case we introduce optional cookies in the future.
What we do NOT use
- No advertising or retargeting cookies
- No social media tracking pixels
- No cross-site or behavioural profiling
- No analytics of any kind unless you have accepted it, and none at all if you have not
Analytics
We use Google Analytics 4 to understand how many people visit SwapTest, which websites refer them to us, and which parts of the service people give up on. It helps us see, for example, whether a page is confusing or a step is losing people.
Google Analytics sets cookies, so under UK PECR it needs your consent. We treat that literally: the Google script is not loaded, and no request is made to Google, until you press Accept all on the cookie banner. Choosing Essential only, or simply ignoring the banner, means it never loads.
We do not send Google your name, email address, phone number or test details. To change your mind later, clear this site's data in your browser and the banner will appear again.
How we use your data
Beyond cookies, SwapTest processes a limited amount of personal data to run the matching service. In summary:
- Account data (name, email, phone, encrypted password): to create your account and notify you of matches
- Listing data (test centre, date, preferences): to find swap matches for you
- IP address: held briefly for rate limiting to prevent abuse
Your contact details are only shared with another user after you both agree to swap. We never sell your data. The full detail, including the third-party processors we rely on (Resend, Neon, Vercel, Upstash, Cloudflare, and Google Analytics if you accepted it) and your rights under UK GDPR, is set out in our Privacy Policy.
Managing cookies
You can clear or block cookies at any time through your browser settings. Note that blocking the essential session cookie will prevent you from staying logged in, so parts of SwapTest will not work. To reset your consent choice, clear this site's data in your browser and the banner will appear again on your next visit.
Your rights
Under UK GDPR you have the right to access, correct, delete, restrict, port, and object to the processing of your personal data. To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details below. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.
Contact us
Questions about cookies or your data? Email us at hello@swaptest.co.uk.