What is a “cookie”?
A “cookie” or tracker is an electronic file placed on a device (computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.) and accessed, for example, when browsing a website, reading an email, installing, or using software or a mobile application, regardless of the type of device used. (Source: CNIL)
When browsing the website, cookies from the company responsible for the site and/or from third-party companies may be stored on your device.
Upon your first visit, an explanatory banner regarding the use of cookies will appear. By continuing to browse the site, the user is considered informed and has accepted the use of cookies. This consent will be valid for a period of thirteen (13) months. If you manually delete cookies or trackers from your browser, the consent request process will reoccur.
Each website will request cookie consent separately.
The website(s) utilize the following cookies
The website(s) use the following cookies to enhance user experience, monitor site performance, and gather insights on visitor behavior. These cookies are an integral part of web analytics, helping the website’s administrators improve services and optimize functionality. Below is a detailed description of the cookies employed:
1. Cookie Name: _utma
Type: Third-party persistent cookie for analytics and tracking
Provider: Google Inc.
Purpose: The _utma cookie plays a key role in identifying unique visitors. Each time a user accesses the website, this cookie helps distinguish whether the visitor is new or returning by assigning a unique ID to each user. It updates with each page view, ensuring that the analytics platform keeps track of the total number of visits made by the user. This data helps the site administrators understand how often users return, providing valuable insight into user retention and engagement trends over time.
Lifespan: 2 years
Additional Information: The extended lifespan of 2 years allows for long-term tracking, meaning that a returning user within that timeframe will be recognized as the same visitor, helping to build a comprehensive profile of user behavior across multiple visits.
2. Cookie Name: _utmb
Type: Third-party persistent cookie for session tracking
Provider: Google Inc.
Purpose: The _utmb cookie is crucial for tracking user sessions. A session is defined as a period of active user interaction with the website. This cookie logs the time when the user enters the site and records when the user becomes inactive for more than 30 minutes. Its purpose is to determine when a session starts and ends. In combination with the _utmc cookie, it provides insight into session duration and the user’s browsing patterns within a session.
Lifespan: 30 minutes of inactivity
Additional Information: The 30-minute timeout is used to approximate when a session can be considered finished. If a user returns to the site after this time, it is treated as a new session, providing clear data on how long users typically stay engaged on the site.
3. Cookie Name: _utmc
Type: Third-party session cookie
Provider: Google Inc.
Purpose: The _utmc cookie works in tandem with _utmb to determine whether the user is starting a new session or continuing an existing one. Unlike _utmb, this cookie does not have a specific expiration time; instead, it expires at the end of the browsing session. By pairing the two cookies, the website can accurately track when a visitor closes the browser or leaves the site, offering a detailed view of session behavior.
Lifespan: Expires at the end of the session
Additional Information: Although this cookie has a shorter lifespan, it is critical for pinpointing the precise moment a user leaves the site, giving administrators a clear picture of user engagement during each session.
4. Cookie Name: _utmz
Type: Third-party persistent cookie for traffic source tracking
Provider: Google Inc.
Purpose: The _utmz cookie is used to track where users are coming from before they land on the website. It records details such as the referral source (search engine, direct traffic, or a referring website), the type of referral (organic search, paid ad, etc.), and any keywords used in search queries. This information is essential for understanding how users discover the site and which marketing channels are most effective in driving traffic. It also helps site owners evaluate the performance of specific campaigns and improve marketing strategies.
Lifespan: 6 months
Additional Information: The 6-month lifespan of this cookie allows it to capture long-term trends in how users find the site, making it easier to analyze the effectiveness of various traffic sources over time. The lifespan can also be adjusted using the _setCookieTimeout() function if administrators wish to customize how long the cookie stores traffic data.
Why These Cookies Matter
These cookies, specifically provided by Google Analytics, are vital tools for understanding how visitors interact with the website. By tracking user behavior, session data, and traffic sources, the website administrators can optimize content, improve navigation, and make data-driven decisions to enhance user experience. The data collected by these cookies remains anonymous, ensuring that no personally identifiable information (PII) is stored.
While these cookies are essential for analytics and optimization, users have control over their privacy settings. At any time, they can manage or delete cookies through their browser settings, allowing for full customization of what data is stored on their devices. Additionally, users can opt-out of Google Analytics tracking by using browser add-ons provided by Google.
How to Manage Cookies
If users wish to manage or remove cookies, they can do so by adjusting their browser’s cookie settings. Most browsers offer options to block third-party cookies, delete cookies after each session, or clear specific cookies. For more control over Google Analytics tracking, users can install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, which prevents websites from sending data to Google Analytics. This empowers users to take full control of their online privacy while still enjoying the benefits of a personalized web experience.
Google Analytics Service
To obtain precise insights and statistical analysis of user navigation on its website, the Company uses the Google Analytics service. The data collected through this service is processed and stored on Google’s servers, which adhere to the security standards in compliance with the Safe Harbor Agreement, as outlined in Decision 2000/520/EC of 26/07/2000. All relevant details and information about this service are available at: google.com/analytics.
To disable Google Analytics cookies, you can visit the following page: tools.google.com.
Cookie Consent
It is possible to decline cookies either by removing the opt-out cookie or by manually adjusting your browser settings.
Depending on your browser, cookie management settings can be found in the following locations:
- Internet Explorer™
- Safari™
- Chrome™
- Firefox™
- Opera™
The storage of cookies on your device is primarily based on your consent, which you can express and modify at any time, free of charge, through the options provided by your browser software.
You also have the option to reject cookies entirely by adjusting your browser settings to disable them. However, please note that if you choose to disable cookies, some of the website’s features and pages that rely on cookies may not function correctly. The Company cannot be held responsible for any limitations in site functionality caused by disabling cookies.
How to Manage Cookies
Managing cookies is simple and can be done through your browser settings, where you can delete, block, or limit cookies at your discretion. Each browser provides a different path for managing cookie preferences:
- In Internet Explorer™, you can manage cookies under “Tools” > “Internet Options” > “Privacy” settings.
- In Safari™, cookies can be managed under “Preferences” > “Privacy.”
- In Chrome™, cookie settings are available in “Settings” > “Privacy and Security” > “Cookies and other site data.”
- In Firefox™, you can manage cookies under “Preferences” > “Privacy & Security” > “Cookies and Site Data.”
- In Opera™, cookie management is found in “Settings” > “Privacy & Security” > “Cookies.”
Your Rights
You have complete control over whether or not cookies are stored on your device. If you prefer to refuse cookies, you can either disable the cookie feature in your browser or manually delete cookies as needed. Keep in mind that blocking cookies may prevent you from fully utilizing certain website functionalities. However, you can always adjust your preferences later if needed.
By giving you these tools, we ensure that your privacy remains a priority while still allowing us to provide a tailored and optimal browsing experience. Your decision to enable or disable cookies will not impact your ability to access essential areas of the website, though some additional features may be affected.
The Company encourages users to make informed choices regarding cookie usage, and the ability to modify or reject cookies empowers you to manage your online privacy as you see fit.