If your website uses cookies, you must inform your visitors. In some cases you also need your visitors' explicit consent to set cookies.
What are cookies?
A cookie is a file that saves internet settings on your website visitors' computer, smartphone or tablet. Some cookies are used to better the performance of a website, other cookies are used to follow the surfing behaviour and/or provide targeted adverts to website visitors. The Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) can give you further information about cookie regulations.
Explicit consent
You will need your visitors' explicit consent to set so-called tracking cookies. These cookies are able to keep track of your visitors' surfing behaviour and therefore enables you to tailor your advertisements. Please note that tracking cookies often collect sensitive personal data.
No consent
You do not need your visitors' consent if you do not store any sensitive personal data. Examples are:
- Functional cookies: used to make your website function properly, such as recording the contents of a shopping cart.
- Analytical cookies: used for collecting anonymous information about the use of your website. The information is used only to improve your website's quality and functionality. Note: You are still required to inform your visitors about these cookies..
- A/B testing cookies: used to determine which version of a given commercial or website is more appreciated by visitors.
- Affiliate cookies / performance cookies: used to determine which advertisement affects the consumer's purchase decision.
Permission to use cookies
If you want to place cookies on your website, you first need to ask permission. You must mention the following:
- which information you want to collect
- why you want to collect it
- how you want to collectit
- the purpose of the information you want to collect. For example, how long you intend to store this information and with which companies you share this information.
Please note: You must ensure when visitors enter your website that they are given a clearly visible choice whether or not to consent to the use of cookies. You cannot use pre-checked boxes and you must be able to show proof of your visitors' consent. It is also unacceptable to state unclear or incomprehensible information in the general conditions or privacy statement of your website on purpose.
