COOKIES

1. WHAT ARE COOKIES?

Cookies are pieces of data, specifically text files, stored on users’ end devices, intended for use when browsing websites.

The cookies used by the Controller are safe for users’ devices. Typically, they contain the domain name from which they originate, the duration of storage on the device, and a unique identifier. Cookies cannot be used to introduce malicious software or viruses.
Cookies do not have the capability to collect any personal or confidential data from the user’s device.

2. TYPES OF COOKIES USED

2.1. Session cookies – stored on the user’s device until the browser session ends. Once the session is closed, these cookies are automatically deleted.

2.2. Persistent cookies – stored on the user’s device for a period defined in their parameters or until they are manually deleted. Ending a session does not remove them.

3. PURPOSE OF USING COOKIES

First-party cookies (placed by the Controller) are used for the following purposes:

a/ authenticating and maintaining the user’s session on the website (so they don’t have to log in again when navigating to another page – these are known as essential cookies)

b/ optimising and improving the performance of provided services – performance cookies collect data on how users interact with the website

c/ enhancing the functionality and reliability of the service and ensuring access to all features, as well as correct configuration of selected settings – functional cookies allow user preferences to be remembered, such as language, font size, and website layout

d/ ensuring the website’s security, e.g., detecting abuses in the authentication process within the service

Third-party cookies, placed by the Controller’s Partners, are used for:

a/ collecting general, anonymous statistical data using available analytical tools (e.g. cookies used by Google Analytics – privacy policy: www.google.com/intl/en/policies)

b/ advertising purposes – tailoring advertising content to user interests based on their browsing behaviour, and controlling the number of ads displayed

c/ presenting multimedia content published on external platforms such as www.youtube.com – privacy policy: www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy

4. DELETING COOKIES

4.1. By default, web browser settings allow cookies to be placed on the user’s device. Users can restrict or disable cookies via the browser settings.

Restricting the use of cookies may impact the availability of some website features.

4.2. Users can modify default settings in their browser to block automatic cookie handling or to receive a notification each time a cookie is sent to their device.

4.3. Detailed information on cookie management is available in the settings of the relevant browser:

• Chrome
  
• Firefox
  
• Internet Explorer
  
• Opera
  
• Safari
  
• Microsoft Edge
  

4.5. If browser settings are not changed, it means the user consents to cookies being placed on their device.

5. PROFILING AND ONLINE TRACKING

The Controller profiles data of users of its website and tracks their activity. This data is used to display personalised advertisements and to optimise the website’s usability.

The Controller uses the following tools for profiling:

– Google AdWords
– Google Analytics

Profiling using Google AdWords
Profiling through Google AdWords involves tools such as Remarketing and Similar Audiences.

These tools enable the Controller to target ads to users who have already visited the website or users with similar characteristics, and to display messages about products or services that may interest them.

Explanation of how Remarketing and Similar Audiences are used in online ads
The Controller uses remarketing tools to monitor users’ online activity and deliver personalised ads based on their preferences and previously expressed interest in specific products or services. This allows the Controller to inform users about promotions or special offers related to items they viewed before.

Similar users are individuals who haven’t visited the Controller’s website but have similar characteristics to those who have. Google categorises these users based on their online behaviour and allows the Controller’s ads to be displayed to them – strictly at the Controller’s request.

Information on how third-party vendors, including Google, display the Controller’s ads online
Ads are shown by third-party vendors, including Google, on websites such as those within the Google Display Network, which allows display of targeted ads via Google AdWords.

Information on how third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to display ads based on previous visits
Ad placements on third-party sites are auction-based. Multiple advertisers, including the Controller, bid for the ad space. The Controller uses a list of its audience based on cookies it has collected to participate in these auctions.

Opting out of cookies
Users can opt out of Google cookies via the following link, which allows them to manage ad settings:
https://adssettings.google.pl/authenticated

Users can also opt out of third-party cookies via the Network Advertising Initiative:
http://optout.networkadvertising.org/?c=1#!/

Profiling using Google Analytics
The Controller uses DoubleClick remarketing pixels. Users can opt out of DoubleClick cookies via the DoubleClick website or the Network Advertising Initiative.

Google Analytics is used by the Controller to monitor website traffic, conduct market and statistical analysis, and improve the quality of content on the website. Additionally, Google Analytics is used to build marketing lists based on specific user activity.

The Google Analytics tool stores data for 50 months from the date of collection. This applies to user-level and event-level data linked to cookies, user identifiers (e.g. User-ID), and advertising identifiers (e.g. DoubleClick cookies, Android ad ID, Apple IDFA).

Users can independently disable tracking on the Controller’s website using this tool:
https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

Consent for the use of cookies (in terms of profiling) may be given by clicking the “Continue” button or the “X” on the pop-up displayed when entering the Controller’s website.

Consent for profiling can be withdrawn at any time. This will not affect the lawfulness of data processing carried out prior to its withdrawal.

Consent may be withdrawn by clicking the following button:
https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

Consequences of opting out of profiling cookies
Opting out of cookies used to display interest-based ads means users will no longer see ads from the Controller that relate to their activity on the website. In other words, such users will not see any ads from the Controller based on cookies. However, they may still see other, non-personalised ads from the Controller.How will the Controller’s websites work without cookie consent?
If users do not consent to cookies for profiling, only essential cookies required for the website to function correctly (e.g. language preferences, order forms, etc.) will be saved. Users can change these settings in their browser, but some parts of the site may no longer function properly.