Version 1.0, last updated 5 Nov 2026
Cookies and device storage
In short
We use one cookie to keep you signed in. We count visits without tracking you. We use no advertising cookies, no social media pixels and no cross-site tracking. If you turn on alerts, your browser stores a small code and a small program for that. That starts only when you press a button.
What this page covers
Cookies are small files that a website puts on your phone or computer. Similar tools include local storage, and the codes and small programs a browser keeps so that a site can work offline or send alerts. This page lists everything The Bench stores on your device, and why.
What The Bench stores
- Security token
- What it does: Protects forms from forged requests
- How long: Until you close the browser
- Why we are allowed: Strictly necessary (security)
- Robot check (Cloudflare Turnstile)
- What it does: Checks that a sign-up or form is sent by a person
- How long: Set by Cloudflare; its own notice says what it stores
- Why we are allowed: Security: preventing abuse and fraud.
- Alerts: a code your browser stores (a push subscription) and a small program (a service worker)
- What it does: Lets us send you alerts on this device
- How long: Until you turn alerts off
- Why we are allowed: You ask for it by pressing a button, and your browser then asks your permission
- Home-screen app files
- What it does: If you add The Bench to your home screen, your device keeps the app's files so it opens quickly
- How long: Until you remove the app
- Why we are allowed: You ask for it by adding it
- Visit counting
- What it does: No cookie and no local storage. A small script sends us the kind of page you opened (never its exact address), the kind of site that sent you (search, social, email, direct or other) and whether you are on a phone, tablet or computer. Nothing identifies you.
- How long: Daily totals only
- Why we are allowed: To see which pages are useful. It identifies no one.
What we do not use
Advertising cookies, social media pixels, Google Analytics, fingerprinting, or anything that follows you to other sites.
How to say no to visit counting
Videos and maps from other sites
If you block cookies
You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings. If you block the sign-in cookie, you cannot stay signed in.
Members aged 16 and 17
Everything above applies in the same way. We do not profile you and we do not show you adverts.
Who provides The Bench
The Bench, by Hamed Arab Academy, is provided by Studio Saina Ltd, company number 12770445, Victoria Mansions, 32-35 Hall Street, Birmingham B18 6BS. You can write to us at hi@hamedarab.academy.