What is a Cookie?
The term Cookie refers to a small text file that a website places on a user’s device when visiting, browsing or interacting with it, whether from a PC, tablet, phone or any other device from which it is accessed.
The most common purpose for which information is stored in this file is to “remind” the website of the users’ data or preferences the next time they visit it or while they are browsing, such as the language chosen, visual preferences, the last items they left in their shopping cart or the last minute they watched a video.
Therefore, when accessing the site again or browsing to another section, this file is automatically read and the page is able to be displayed based on this information, which is necessary to make browsing easier and more user-friendly.
This reading and writing process is managed by the browser, which acts as a connection between the website and the local device.
Since they are simply text files, the information is accessible to the user, they take up very little space on the device and cannot damage it.
Although the general term “Cookie” is the most common because it is the main method for storing information used, with the advance of web language, technology and standards there are now also other methods of local storage that the browser can use for the same purposes, so that henceforth we will refer indistinctly to the term “Cookie” or “Local Storage”.
Types of Cookies
In the previous point we have mentioned the most common use of cookies and listed some examples by way of introduction, but nevertheless the types of data stored and their purposes may be diverse, so we proceed with their classification below:
Depending on the entity that manages the content involved on the website:
- Own cookies: Cookies that are sent to the user’s terminal equipment from a computer or domain managed by the publisher and from which the service requested by the user is provided.
- Third-party cookies: Cookies that are sent to the user’s terminal equipment from a computer or domain that is not managed by the publisher but by another entity that processes data obtained from cookies.
As a clarification, it is argued that the website visited may store its own cookies, but that in turn the website may have specific functionalities or modules from third parties that are not of its own development, and that may manage their own cookies in parallel, external and out of the website publisher’s control, such as a video player inserted from another website, a meter to count visits or an advertising space managed by the advertiser.
According to how long they remain active:
- Session Cookies: Cookies designed to collect and store data while the user accesses a website, which remain only during the time of visit and browsing through the website.
- Persistent cookies: Cookies in which data is still stored on the device and can be accessed and processed for a predefined period of time by the person responsible for the cookies, so it may be available for future access to the website.
According to functionality:
- Technical Cookies: Cookies which enable the user to browse through a website or online platform and use the different options or services that exist therein, such as identifying the session or accessing parts of restricted data access through a login process.
- Customisation Cookies: Cookies which enable the user to access the service with some characteristics according to a series of criteria, such as the predefined language depending on the origin of the visit.
- Analysis cookies: Cookies which enable the person in charge to follow and analyse website users’ behaviour (how long they stay in each section, areas where they click, etc…). This type of cookies, although not exempt from the duty to obtain informed consent for its use, is unlikely to represent a risk to the privacy of users, provided that the data is used for strictly statistical purposes.
- Advertising Cookies: Cookies which enable a management of advertising spaces.
Behavioural Advertising Cookies: Cookies which enable the advertising spaces management that, where appropriate, the publisher has included on a website, application or platform from which it provides the requested service. These cookies store information on the behaviour of the users obtained through the continuous observation of their browsing habits, which allows them to develop a specific profile to display advertising based on it.
What are cookies used for on this website?
Cookies are an essential part of both the proper functioning of our website and to provide the ease and convenience of browsing that would be expected by the user. Therefore the main purpose of our Cookies is to improve your experience, using them to remember your preferences (language, country, etc…) during browsing and future visits.
The information collected in the Cookies also enable us to improve the website by estimating numbers and patterns of use, adapting the website to the individual interests of users, speeding up searches, etc.
Sometimes, if we have obtained your prior informed consent, we may use Cookies to obtain information that allows us to show you suggestions on our website for third party pages or any other element or advertising based on the analysis of your browsing habits.
What are cookies NOT used for on this website?
This website DOES NOT store in the Cookies any sensitive personal identification information of any user such as address, phone number, e-mail, password, etc… or credit or debit card data, etc…
Who uses the information stored in the cookies on this website?
The information stored in the Cookies of our website is used exclusively by us for the purposes mentioned above, with the exception of those identified as “Third-Party Cookies” and which we detail below, as they are used and managed by external entities that provide us with the services requested by us to improve the user’s experience.
Changes to Cookie Policy
This website reserves the right to modify the Cookies policy as a result of legislative changes, recommendations from authorities, or changes in the characteristics and purposes, so it is recommended that users periodically visit this section, without prejudice to any significant change shall be informed to them.
The information table about the specific Cookies we use will be updated as soon as possible in case the services or functionalities offered on this website change and affect them.
How can I avoid the use of Cookies on this website?
If you prefer to avoid the use of Cookies on this page, taking into account the limitations and risks in the service and browsing quality, you should firstly disable the use of Cookies in your browser and secondly delete the Cookies saved in your browser associated with this website.
Cookies can be avoided at any time.
How to disable and delete the use of Cookies?
To restrict, block or delete Cookies from this website you can do so, at any time, by modifying the configuration of your browser according to the guidelines indicated below. Although the parameterization of each browser is different, it is usual that the configuration of Cookies is done from the “Preferences”, “Options” or “Tools” menu of the browser. For more details on the configuration of the Cookies in your browser, consult the menu “Help” of the same one or consult the manufacturer’s support.
For the most popular browsers, here are the steps to access this menu:
- Internet Explorer: Tools -> Internet Options -> Privacy -> Settings.
- Firefox: Tools -> Options -> Privacy -> History -> Custom Settings.
- Chrome: Settings -> Show advanced options -> Privacy -> Content settings.
- Safari: Preferences -> Security.
Next, we show you through links how to disable cookies following the instructions of the most used browsers:
Limitations and consequences of disabling Cookies
Disabling or eliminating Cookies shall affect the quality of the service that this website offers, preventing smooth browsing, causing unexpected or illogical behaviour, affecting the correct display of the elements and the correct functionality. It may also affect full access to certain sections or functions. These are several of the reasons why if you proceed under this premise we cannot guarantee that this website shall fulfil its purpose.
Disabling Cookies altogether in your browser may affect similarly most websites you visit, as it is a standard feature of information storage between websites and the user’s device.
Consent and Revocation of the Use of Cookies
Users are hereby informed that it shall be understood that they give their consent to the use of Cookies by this website if they continue to browse the site without configuring their browser to prevent such use.
MORE INFORMATION.
Please send your queries to the following e-mail address: lena@lenakarelova.com.
