Explaining Cookies
Cookie Deployment and User Information Collection: We use cookies to collect data from your devices such as computers, tablets, or mobile phones. A cookie is a small file that your browser places on your device, which helps us recognize you and tailor your visits by storing information about your previous interactions. Cookies ensure our website functions correctly and allow us to deliver requested services effectively.
During your visit, we set a session cookie on your device that expires once you leave our site. Additionally, we place persistent cookies that remember your preferences and simplify future visits. You may adjust your browser and device settings to block these cookies and local storage devices, but doing so may limit your access to certain functionalities of our service.
(1) Rationale Behind Our Cookie Usage
- Required or strictly necessary cookies. These cookies are essential for our websites to operate correctly and to provide you with requested services. For example, we use cookies to authenticate you, so when you log on to Organization websites, we know who you are.
- Functionality cookies. We use functionality cookies to enhance website features, such as videos and live chat, and for personalization, such as storing your preferences (e.g. username and language selection). Functionality cookies may be set by Organization or by third parties whose services we have added to our websites. If you do not allow these cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of our websites or technology network, and some website may not work properly.
- Social media cookies. Social media cookies may be set by third parties to collect information about your social media usage.
- Analytics cookies. Analytics cookies collect information about your use of our websites and technology network, and help us improve the way it works. For example, analytics cookies identify the most frequently visited pages, record any difficulties you have, and show whether our advertising is effective. This allows us to see the overall patterns of usage, rather than the usage of a single person. We use the information to analyze the websites' traffic.
- Targeting/advertising cookies. We use targeting/advertising cookies to create profiles and personalize content. We may use third party products, such as Analytics, to market Organization’s services to you on third party websites. For example, if you visit Organization websites, you may then see advertisements for Organization on other websites.
(2) Understanding Browser Cookie Settings
Refusing Cookies Through Browser Settings: You can choose to refuse cookies by activating the appropriate setting on your browser. This may limit your access to certain parts of our site. If you do not configure your browser to refuse cookies, our system will issue them when you log in to our site. Please be aware that third-party websites linked from our site may also use cookies, which we cannot manage.
(3) Miscellaneous Guidelines
Email Interaction Tracking
Our emails may use a "web beacon pixel" to determine if they have been opened and to track interactions with content. This data is used to gauge the relevance of our communications. You can avoid this tracking by disabling image downloads or viewing emails in text-only mode.