What is a cookie?

A cookie is a small text file which the website you are visiting asks to save on your computer. If you do not want to allow cookies, you can change the settings in your browser so that they are not accepted. Cookies are used on most websites to provide visitors with access to various functions. The information in cookies can be used to monitor users’ browsing patterns.

There are two types of cookie. One type saves a file that remains on your computer for a time. This is used for functions that indicate what is new since you last visited the site in question, for example.

The second type is called a session cookie. While you are browsing a website, this cookie is temporarily stored in your computer’s memory in order to keep track of what language you selected, for example. Session cookies are not saved on your computer for a long period: they disappear when you close your browser.

How does Smartson use cookies?

Smartson uses a statistics tool to view and measure traffic information on our sites. We can see which of our pages are being visited, and how frequently. This information may be processed and used to improve the formulation of our services. In some cases, cookies may also be used in mailings so that we can establish opening frequencies. The statistics obtained are completely anonymous and compiled in a way that makes it impossible for us to link information to individual users or their IP addresses. We (and our authorised third parties) may also use non-personal information from both permanent cookies and session cookies for statistical purposes, such as performing surveys in order to improve your interaction with the website, providing anonymous information to third parties so that you can be targeted with more appropriate advertising, and determining the use, time and frequency of the site and its products.

We use the following external cookies for the service:

Google Analytics
Facebook Pixel

How are cookies deselected?

You can define settings in your browser that will let you know when a website contains cookies. You can also choose whether to make your browser automatically reject the use of cookies. You can also delete previously stored cookies from your browser. See your browser’s help pages for more information on how to control the use of cookies.

Here is an example of a tool that can be used to manage and block cookies:

Google Ads Settings

Remember, deactivated cookies may prevent parts of our website working correctly.

Consent to the use of cookies

For our website to function properly we use cookies. To obtain your valid consent for the use and storage of cookies in the browser you use to access our website and to properly document this we use a consent management platform: CookieFirst. This technology is provided by Digital Data Solutions BV, Plantage Middenlaan 42a, 1018 DH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Website: https://cookiefirst.com referred to as CookieFirst.

When you access our website, a connection is established with CookieFirst’s server to give us the possibility to obtain valid consent from you to the use of certain cookies. CookieFirst then stores a cookie in your browser in order to be able to activate only those cookies to which you have consented and to properly document this. The data processed is stored until the predefined storage period expires or you request to delete the data. Certain mandatory legal storage periods may apply notwithstanding the aforementioned.

CookieFirst is used to obtain the legally required consent for the use of cookies. The legal basis for this is article 6(1)(c) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Data processing agreement

We have concluded a data processing agreement with CookieFirst. This is a contract required by data protection law, which ensures that data of our website visitors is only processed in accordance with our instructions and in compliance with the GDPR.

Server log files

Our website and CookieFirst automatically collect and store information in so-called server log files, which your browser automatically transmits to us. The following data is collected:

• Your consent status or the withdrawal of consent
• Your anonymised IP address
• Information about your Browser
• Information about your Device
• The date and time you have visited our website
• The webpage url where you saved or updated your consent preferences
• The approximate location of the user that saved their consent preference
• A universally unique identifier (UUID) of the website visitor that clicked the cookie banner