What are cookies?
Cookies are text files which store information about the user of the website on the user’s computer. Should the user return to this web page (an online store e.g), cookies can be used to display relevant pages or data which could interest the user. This makes web browsing much more user friendly as the content on the website can be tailored to precisely suit the user’s interests.
Which data protection rules are worth considering when it comes to cookies?
If cookies create references to specific persons, including for example: E-mail addresses, user names, IP addresses or similar data, the website operator must obey the Data Protection Act (DSG). Additionally, cookies must also fulfill the data protection law provisions stipulated in the Telecommunications Act (section 96 (3) TKG).
You can adjust the settings of your browser so that it will inform you before placing a cookie on your computer. You can then decide in each case whether you wish to accept the cookie, prevent certain cookies from being placed or deactivate cookies categorically. Please note that some of the functions offered on our website may not be available if you have cookies deactivated. All popular browsers offer functions that allow you to prevent the placing of cookies generally or specifically only for cookies from third-party providers.
Frequently used cookies:
We use cookies for authentication and identification purposes, to store certain settings and to generate user statistics. The legal basis for the processing of your personal data with cookies is our prevailing legitimate interest pursuant to Article 6 Para.1 lit. f GDPR.
Session cookies are cookies which remain stored for a specific period of time. They are then automatically deleted when the session ends by closing the browser window. Persistent cookies alternatively, are deleted after a specific time limit expires. First-Party cookies are cookies which are set by the user, and to an extent by the operator of the website being visited. Third-Party-Cookies are set by a third party, not by the operator of the specific website visited. These can include banner advertising, web beacons and social plug-ins etc. There is also a “general” session from which the interests of the user are discerned, allowing the website to be personalised appropriately. Examples of the cookie usage:
- Online stores (session cookies)
- Social plug-ins, Facebook e.g. (third party cookies)
- Analysis tools, Google Analytics e.g. (third party cookies)
