- Cookies are understood to be computer data, in particular text files, stored on the User’s device (usually on the computer’s hard drive or mobile device) used to store certain settings and data by the User’s browser in order to use websites. These files allow for recognition of the User’s device and appropriate display of the website, ensuring comfort during its use. The storage of cookies enables the website and the offer to be tailored to the User’s preferences. The server recognises and remembers his/her preferences, such as visits, clicks and previous actions.
- Cookies include, in particular, the domain name of the website from which they originate, the time of storage on the end device and a unique number used to identify the browser from which you connect to the website.
- Cookies are used for:
a) adjusting the content of websites to the User’s preferences and optimizing the use of websites,
b) creating anonymous statistics, which by helping to determine how a User uses websites allow for improving their structure and content,
c) providing website Users with advertising content tailored to their interests.
Cookies are not used to identify Users and their identity is not determined on their basis. - Cookies might be divided into:
a) Essential cookies – these are absolutely essential for the proper functioning of the website or functionality the User wishes to use, as without them we would not be able to provide many of the services we offer. Some of them also ensure the security of services provided by us electronically.
b) Functional cookies – these are important for the operation of the website due to the fact that:
– they serve to enrich the functionality of websites; without them a website will work correctly, but will not be adapted to the User’s preferences,
– they serve to ensure a high level of functionality of websites; without them the level of functionality of the website may decrease, but their absence should not prevent the complete use of the website,
– serve the majority of website functionality; their blocking will cause that some functions will not work properly.
c) Business cookies – these make it possible to implement the business model on the basis of which the website is made available; their blocking will not make the entire functionality unavailable, but may lower the level of service provision due to the website owner’s inability to realise revenues subsidising its operation. Advertising cookies, for example, fall into this category.
d) Cookies for website configuration – they allow setting functions and services on websites.
e) Cookies for website security and reliability – to verify the authenticity and optimize website performance.
f) Authentication cookies – these allow for notifying when the User is logged in so that the website can show relevant information and features.
g) Session status cookies – these cookies enable us to record information about how Users use a website. They may relate to the most frequently visited pages or possible error messages displayed on some pages. Session state cookies help to improve our services and make browsing more comfortable.
h) Cookies for website processes – they allow efficient operation of the website and its functions.
i) Ad serving cookies – they allow for displaying ads that are more interesting to Users and more valuable to publishers and advertisers; cookies may also be used to personalize advertising, and to display ads outside of websites
j) Location-aware cookies – they allow you to tailor the information displayed to the User’s location.
k) Cookies for analysis, research or audience auditing – they allow the owner of websites to better understand the preferences of their Users and through analysis improve and develop products and services. Usually the website owner or research company collects information anonymously and processes data on trends without identifying the personal data of individual Users.
l) Harmless cookies – these are cookies necessary for the proper functioning of the website and needed to enable the functionality of the website, but their action has nothing to do with tracking the User.
m) Research cookies – used to track Users, but do not include information that enables us (without other data) to identify a specific User. - The use of cookies in order to adapt the content of websites to User preferences does not, in principle, mean the collection of any information to identify the User, although this information may sometimes have the nature of personal data, i.e. data allowing for the attribution of certain behaviours to a particular User. Personal data collected using Cookies may only be collected in order to perform specific functions for the User. Such data is encrypted in a manner that prevents unauthorized access.
- The cookies used by this website are not harmful to either the User or the device used by the User, so it is recommended that you should not disable them in your browsers in order for the website to function properly. In many cases, software used to browse the Internet (web browser) by default allows you to store information in the form of “cookies” and other similar technologies on the user’s device. The user can change the way the browser uses “cookies” at any time. In order to do so, the browser settings must be changed. The method of changing the settings varies depending on the software (web browser) used. Relevant instructions can be found on the subpages, depending on the browser you use.
- Cookies are also used to facilitate logging into a User’s account, including via social media, and to enable switching between subpages on websites without having to log in again on each subpage. At the same time, “cookies” are used to secure websites, e.g. to prevent access by unauthorized persons.
- As part of its cookie technology, the Controller may use tracking pixels or clear GIF files to collect information about how Users use its services and how they respond to marketing messages sent by email. A pixel is a piece of software code that allows an object, usually a pixel-sized image, to be embedded on a page, which provides the ability to track User behaviour on the web pages on which it is deployed. When the appropriate consent is given, the browser automatically establishes a direct connection with the server that stores the pixel, so the processing of data collected by the pixel is done within the framework of the data protection policy of the partner who administers the aforementioned server.
- The Controller may use Internet log files (which contain technical data such as the User’s IP address) to monitor traffic on its services, troubleshoot technical problems, detect and prevent fraud, and enforce the provisions of the User Agreement.
- The Controller informs you that the site does not respond to Do Not Track (DNT) signals; however, you may disable certain forms of online tracking, including certain analytics and personalized advertising, by changing the cookie settings in your browser or using our cookie consent tools (if applicable).
- Detailed information on changing the settings for cookies and their independent deletion in the most popular web browsers are available in the help section of your browser and on the following pages (just click on the link):
Chrome
Firefox
Opera
Safari
Microsoft Edge - Please refer to the user guide for your mobile device for details on how to manage cookies on your cell phone or other mobile device.
