Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer by the websites that you visit. They are widely used in order to make websites work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the web site owners on your web surfing preferences.

Different types of cookies exist according to their origin, function, and duration.

In terms of origin, a distinction can be made between:

• first-party cookies, which are set by the website visited by the user;
• third-party cookies, which are set by a website of a third-party;

In terms of duration, a distinction can be made between:

• permanent cookies, which remain in your browser after the session unless deleted by you;
• session cookies, which remain in your browser during your browser session only, i.e. until you leave the website.

In terms of function, a distinction can be made between:

• strictly necessary or essential cookies, which ensure basic functionality on the website and cannot be opted-out of;
  • performance cookies, which collect information about your use of the website, such as web pages visited and any error messages and are used to improve how a website works;
• functionality cookies, which allow the website to remember any choices you make about the website; and
• advertising (targeting) cookies, which are third-party cookies that gather information from you in order to build a profile of your interests and display relevant adverts on other sites.