The Role of Cookies

they collect information about visitors and their devices;
they remember individual settings of visitors, which may be used;
they facilitate the use of the website;
they provide a high-quality user experience.

To provide personalized service, a small data package — called a cookie — is placed on the user’s computer and read back during later visits. If the browser returns a previously saved cookie, the service provider managing the cookie may link the current visit of the user with previous ones, but only in terms of its own content.

Strictly necessary session cookies:

The purpose of these cookies is to ensure that visitors can fully and smoothly browse the website, use its functions, and access the available services. These types of cookies are valid until the end of the session (browsing); they are automatically deleted from the computer or other device used for browsing when the browser is closed.

The data subject’s choice regarding cookies

Browser Cookies:

In their browser settings, the data subject may accept or reject new cookies and delete existing ones. The browser can also be set to notify the user each time new cookies are placed on their computer or other device. More information about managing cookies can be found in the browser’s “help” function.

If the visitor chooses to disable some or all cookies, they may not be able to use all features of the website.

Third-party cookies (analytics, statistics, marketing)

The use of the following cookies may vary depending on how the website is used:

Use of Google Analytics (analytics, statistics):

The data controller’s website also uses Google Analytics, a third-party cookie. By using Google Analytics, a web analytics and statistical service, the data controller collects information about how visitors use the website. The data is used to improve the website and enhance the user experience. These cookies remain on the visitor’s computer or other device and in their browser until they expire, or until the visitor deletes them.

If websites or applications use Google Analytics together with other Google advertising products — such as Google Ads — they may also collect additional advertising identifiers. Users can disable this feature or change their cookie settings in the Ads Settings menu.

Google Analytics collects users’ IP addresses to help maintain service security and to provide website owners with information about the geographic location of their visitors — such as country, region, or city (a process known as “IP-based geolocation”). Google Analytics offers an option to mask collected IP addresses; however, website owners may still see users’ IP addresses even if they do not use Google Analytics.

The IP address transmitted by the visitor’s browser as part of Google Analytics is not linked to any other Google data. Cookie storage can be prevented by configuring the browser software accordingly, but doing so may result in the visitor being unable to fully use all functions of the website.

In addition, the visitor can prevent the collection of data generated by cookies and related to their use of the website (including their IP address) by Google, as well as the processing of these data by Google, by downloading and installing the browser plugin available at the link below:

Current link: http://www.google.com/policies/privacy/ads/.

Google acts as a data processor for the data controller through the use of Google Analytics.

According to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Google Analytics qualifies as a data processor because it collects and processes data on behalf of its clients (such as the data controller) and under their instructions. Google may only use the data in accordance with the terms of its contracts with Google Analytics clients and the settings those clients configure in the product interface.

Google Analytics uses first-party cookies, device/browser-related data, IP addresses, and activity on the website/application. These data are collected to measure and report on user interactions with websites and/or applications that use the Google Analytics service. Clients can customize cookies and the scope of data collected through features like cookie settings, User-ID, Data Import, and the Measurement Protocol.

Google Analytics uses IP addresses to infer the geographical location of visitors and to protect the service and its clients. Clients can enable a feature called IP masking, which causes Google Analytics to use only a portion of the collected IP address instead of the full address. In addition, clients can override IP addresses using the IP override function if needed.

Google uses the data managed within the Google Analytics service to provide measurement services to its clients. Identifiers — such as cookies and app instance IDs — are used to measure user interactions with clients’ websites and/or applications. IP addresses are used to maintain service security and to provide website owners with insight into the geographical origins of their users.

Use of social plug-ins

The data controller’s website also incorporates embedded content from social media platforms (e.g., Facebook). In such cases, joint data control is established with the social media platform provider. The legal basis for data processing is the data subject’s consent (Article 6(1)(a) of the General Data Protection Regulation), given by accepting the information regarding cookie-based data collection and consenting to the collection itself.