7.Cookies, Analysis Tools, and Social Media Applications

7.1 Cookie

Purpose and Scope of Data Processing

Cookies are small files that allow specific information about the device (PC, smartphone, or similar) from which the user accesses a website to be saved on the device and retrieved when the user returns to the same site. Cookies serve to improve your online experience on our site as they allow us to make it easier to use, faster, and more secure. Also, by anonymously analyzing how you use our website, they are used for advertising purposes and to conduct market research. We use cookies pursuant to Art. 6 (1) (f) of the GDPR based on our legitimate interests in analyzing, optimizing, and managing our online store for commercial purposes.

Third-party cookies are cookies provided by providers other than the operator who manages the online offer. Cookies are called “permanent” or “persistent” if they remain saved even after the browser is closed. We mainly use the so-called “session cookies”, which are deleted automatically after your visit. Depending on the purposes for which they are used, the following categories of cookies are distinguished:

• Technical / Required cookies: these cookies are functional, i.e., absolutely necessary to ensure essential site functionality. For example, they allow site navigation; therefore, they cannot be disabled. 
  
• Analytical / Performance cookies: These cookies are about performance and allow you to improve the functionality of the website. They can, for example, increase speed, save page settings you selected, or your wish list. Analytical cookies are also used to conduct statistical evaluations of website usage and improve it. Preventing the storage of these cookies may result in the site responding more slowly or certain features being limited.
  
• Advertising / Tracking cookies: These cookies are to create user profiles and are used to send the user advertising based on their browser behavior. We use tracking cookies to analyze visitor preferences (e.g., which pages of our online store a customer has visited and which products he/she has viewed). This way, we can personalize your shopping experience and improve the marketing communications we send you. By refusing these cookies, the products suggested to you may not match your interests. 
  
  The following information can be detected through cookies: IP address, unique identifier (UDID) and device model, domain, browser used and selected language, operating system and system settings, country-specific and time zone-specific cookie identifier (cookie identifier), cookie information, and other information, such as whether the software required to use certain functions is installed on your device, previously visited Internet pages, the URL of the site from which you arrived at our site, information about interaction with our pages, such as access times, the path taken by users on the site, preferences, and purchases.
  
  

7.2 Google Analytics

Based on our legitimate interests (i.e., interest in analyzing, optimizing, and commercial management of our online offer within the meaning of Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR), we use the web analysis service Google Analytics. Google Analytics employs so-called “cookies,” text files that are stored on your computer to allow an analysis of your use of the site. Google employs such information to examine your use of the site, compile reports on activity in this online offer, and provide us with other services related to the use of this online offer and the Internet. In doing so, pseudonymous user usage profiles can be created from the data processed. The information generated by the cookie about your use of this website is normally transmitted to a Google server in the United States and stored there. IP anonymity is active on this website for the use of Google Analytics. This means that when the browser has to transmit the user’s IP address for technical reasons, Google anonymizes it by shortening the IP address (deleting the last eight digits). The IP address transmitted by your browser as part of Google Analytics will not be associated with any other data held by Google. Google is Privacy Shield certified and therefore guarantees compliance with European data protection laws (https://www.privacyshield.gov/participant?id=a2zt000000001L5AAI&status=Active)

For more information, see the following page: https://www.google.com/intl/en/analytics/learn/privacy.html

You can disable Google Analytics via the following link: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/181881?hl=en

7.3 Use of Facebook and LinkedIn plug-ins

Facebook and LinkedIn plug-ins (hereinafter, “Social Media Platforms”) are used on our websites. The plug-ins are recognizable by the respective company logos. When you use such plug-ins, a connection is established with the Social Media Platform’s server, and the Social Media Platform is displayed. In this way, the Social Media Platform is transmitted your IP address, and it is communicated which pages of our site you have visited and when. If, at the same time, you are logged in as a member on the Social Media Platform, the Social Media Platform will assign this information to your personal account. The social media service, through the transmitted data, is able to identify your username and, in some cases, even your real name and link this information to your personal account on social media. You can avoid this by logging out of your account before using the plug-in. For more information on data acquisition and use by Facebook and LinkedIn and your rights and options concerning data protection, please refer to the privacy policy of each Social Media Platform.

This Privacy and Cookies Policy was drafted on May 25, 2020

Last updated on May 25, 2020.