This is done via GoSquared, a third-party service.
No personal or confidential data is stored in the cookie. The information these cookies collect is anonymous and used only to generate visitor ‘stats.’
A cookie is a very small data file which is stored, normally temporarily, on a user’s computer. They are not executable pieces of code and cannot be used to infect a computer with malware or a virus.
Cookies are a practical and convenient mechanism for conveying information from one session to another; over 92% of websites currently use cookies. For example, a user’s viewing preferences might be stored in a persistent cookie so that when they revisit the website they don’t have to re-enter their preferences. In other words, cookies are how, for example, Amazon ‘remembers’ you when you revisit the site.
You can choose to prevent these cookies from being stored; however as a rule this may downgrade or break certain elements of the functionality of many websites – for instance, most e-commerce or online banking sites require cookies in order to function correctly.
You can prevent the setting of cookies by adjusting the settings on your browser (see your browser ‘Help’ for how to do this). Be aware that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of many websites which you visit. Therefore it is recommended that you do not normally disable cookies.
Sites which feature social media buttons and/or plugins which allow you to connect with social networks such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn may also set cookies through this site which can be used to enhance your profile on their service or contribute to the data they gather as outlined in their respective privacy policies.
For more general information, read the Wikipedia article on cookies.