Cookies and how we use them
This policy details how we use cookies and cookie-like files and technologies on its websites, e.g. Local Shared Objects, also known as “Flash cookies”, web beacons etc. We refer to these generically as “cookies”. If you visit our websites and your browser settings accept cookies, we consider this as acceptance of our use of cookies.
What are cookies and how do they work?
Cookies are small files that are sent to and stored in you computer by the websites you visit. Cookies are stored in your browser’s file directory. Next time you visit the site, your browser will read the cookie and relay the information back to the website or element that originally set the cookie. To learn more about these technologies and how they work, please see e.g. allaboutcookies.org.
Why do we use cookies?
We use cookies to offer you a smoother experience. View your options for managing cookies in the next chapter.
Basic functions
These cookies are essential for running our web sites and are the key to providing you a seamless experience.
You can navigate uninterrupted e.g. by remembering language and country choices you’ve made and by preserving authentication to secure parts of the domain. These cookies also remember products of interest when you are redirected to an Operator site for a possible purchase.
Site improvement
These cookies enable us to improve our websites by looking at how they are used.
We do analytical profiling to understand e.g. unique users reading a particular article (to know what is popular) or if a video file was viewed or abandoned half way through. We also look at where content is accessed so we know how to arrange our sites for optimal user experience. We count clicks on “Like” and “Tweet” plugins and what content from our sites was shared or referenced.
Personalization
These cookies help make the content as personalized as possible, for example by showing you targeted banners and relevant recommendations.
We examine what type of reference was used to reach our sites, e.g. an email campaign or a link from a referral site, so we can estimate the effectiveness of our promotions and advertising campaigns.
Advertising
Our domains may include elements that set cookies on behalf of a third party, e.g. a “Like”-button from Facebook or a “Tweet”-button from Twitter.
How can I manage cookies?
You can review the options available to manage cookies in your browser. The browser can be used to manage cookies relating to basic functions, site improvement, personalization and advertising. Different browsers use different ways to disable cookies, but they are usually found under a Tools or Options menu. You can also consult the browser’s help menu. In addition to cookie management, browsers usually let you control files similar to cookies, for example Local Shared Objects, e.g. by enabling the browser’s privacy mode.
You may be able to opt-out from certain third party managed advertising cookies through third party cookie management sites, such as Google Analytics.
Disabling cookies may prevent you from using certain parts of the website. If you delete your cookies from the browser, you may need to remember to re-install opt-out cookies.
How long do we keep the information?
It depends based on the type of cookies. Session cookies expire when you close the browser. Persistent cookies, including Local Shared Objects (“Flash cookies”), have typical expiration dates ranging from two months up to a couple of years.