COOKIES
Definitions, characteristics and applications
Cookies are small text files which the website that users visit sends to their computer or mobile devices, where they are stored and then re-transmitted to that website when the users next access it. The use of cookies enables the website to record a user's preferences (e.g. the selected language, the font size etc.) so that they do not need to be re-assigned when the user returns to visit this site or navigates between its pages. Cookies, therefore, are used to perform IT authentication, session monitoring and storage of information on the activities of users who access a website, and they may also contain a unique identification code that enables the user's navigation within the website to be tracked for statistical or advertising purposes.
While browsing a website, the user's computer may also receive cookies from websites or web servers other than the one currently being visited ("third party” cookies). Some operations cannot be performed without the use of cookies, which are therefore technically necessary, in some cases, for the website's operation.
Various types of cookies exist, depending on their characteristics and functions, and they remain on the user's computer for different periods of time: session cookies, which are automatically deleted when the browser is closed; persistent cookies, which remain on the user's computer until a predetermined expiry date.
The user's specific approval to the use of cookies is not always required, in conformity with regulatory provisions applicable in Italy.
More particularly, the User's consent is not required for the use of "technical" cookies i.e. cookies used for the sole purpose of transmitting a communication on an electronic communications network, or in so far as strictly necessary to provide a service which the user specifically requests. In other words, these cookies are indispensable for the website's operation or necessary in order to implement services or activities which the user requests.
The Italian Data Protection Authority Identification Measure of 8 May 2014 (as amended by way of clarification, which identifies simplified procedures for the privacy notice and for the obtaining of consent for the use of cookies, hereinafter also the “Provision”) includes the following cookies in the category of "technical cookies”, which do not require consent for their use:
- analytic cookies, where utilised directly by the site operator to gather information in aggregate form on user numbers and on how users visit that website,
- navigation or session cookies (for authentication purposes),
- functional cookies, which enable the user to browse the web based on a series of preselected criteria (e.g. language, products selected for purchase) in order to improve the service received.
Profiling cookies require the user's prior approval: their purpose is to create user profiles and they are used for sending advertising messages based on user preferences displayed while browsing the web.
Cookie settings
The user can block (partly or completely) technical and functional cookies by using his/her specific browser functionality. Note, however, that failure to consent to technical cookies could make it impossible to use the website, view its content and receive the services offered. If functional cookies are disabled, it is possible that certain services or specific functions of the website will not be available or function correctly, and the user may have to alter or manually enter specific information or preferences whenever accessing the website.
The user's cookie-related choices will, in turn, be recorded in a special cookie. This cookie, however, may not function correctly in certain circumstances: in such cases, please delete unwanted cookies and disable their use also using the browser's functionality.
Your cookie-related preferences will be reset if you use different devices or browsers to access the website.
How to view and modify cookies using the browser
You can block or delete cookies (partly or completely) by using your specific browser functionality. Further information is provided with instructions on how to set preferences for the use of cookies through your browser: