What is a cookie and how can I change the settings?

The information sent by the cookie helps internet browsers to recognise you more easily, so that users receive relevant and "personalised" content. Cookies make browsing more convenient. Cookies also allow website operators to compile anonymous statistics on the habits of visitors to their sites. These can be used by site editors to further personalise the look and feel of the site and its content.

Most internet browsers accept cookies by default. If you prefer, you can set your browser to refuse cookies or to warn you that cookies have been sent to your computer. Our website uses such cookies to provide certain features or for convenience only. The cookies we use do not overload, slow down or harm your computer.

To find out more about changing your browser settings, check your browser instructions or help. To find out about cookie settings for the most popular browsers, click on the links below:

Google Chrome

Safari

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Internet Explorer 11

Firefox

What kind of cookie (cookie) do you encounter?

Temporary cookies that remain on your device until you leave the website.

Persistent cookies, which, depending on your web browser settings, may remain on your device for a longer period of time or until you delete them.

Third-party cookies that are placed on your browser by a third party (e.g. Google Analytics), which are placed on your browser when the website you visit uses services provided by the third party.

Essential session-id cookies (cookies):

Their use is essential for navigating the website and for the functionality of the website. Without their acceptance, the website or parts of it may not be displayed or may be displayed incorrectly.

Analytical or performance cookies (cookies):

These help us to distinguish visitors to the website and collect data on how visitors behave on the website. These "cookies" are used, for example, to ensure that the website remembers when you log in when you request it. They do not collect any information that can identify you, the data is aggregated and stored anonymously ( e.g. Google Analytics)

Functional cookies (cookies):

These cookies are used to improve the user experience. They detect and store, for example, the device you use to access the website, or information you have previously provided and requested to be stored, such as automatic logins, your choice of language, text size, font or other customisable elements of the website. These "cookies" do not track your activity on other websites. However, the information they collect may include personally identifiable information that you have shared.

Targeted or advertising cookies (cookies):

These help websites to provide information (marketing) that is most relevant to your interests. This requires your explicit consent. These cookies collect detailed information about your browsing habits.

Do cookies contain personal data?

Most "cookies" do not contain personal information and do not identify users. The data stored is necessary for browsing convenience and is stored in a way that does not allow unauthorised access.

Why are cookies important on the internet?

The role of cookies is to make the browsing experience more convenient for users, as it uses browsing history to set the advertising and content for users. Disabling or restricting "cookies" makes some websites unusable. However, disabling or restricting "cookies" does not mean that users will not see ads, but that the ads and content displayed are not "personalised", i.e. not tailored to the user's needs and interests. Some examples of the use of "cookies":

- Display content, services and products tailored to the user's needs.

- Offers tailored to the user's interests.

- In the case you have requested a login comment (stay logged in).

- Comment on parental controls for internet content (family mode options, safe search functions).

- Limiting the frequency of advertisements; i.e., limiting the number of times an advertisement can be displayed on a website that is given to a user.

- Showing ads that are relevant to the user.

- geotargeting

Factors related to security and data security.

Cookies are not viruses or spyware. As they are plain text files, they cannot be executed and are therefore not considered programs.