Consult the information on cookies of our platform
The information shown below is taken directly from the official website of the “Privacy Guarantor” for educational purposes to explain what Cookies are.
The final part of the page shows the use that StartDeals makes of this information.
WHAT ARE COOKIES
The discipline relating to the use of the so-called “cookies” and other similar tools (web beacons/web bugs, clear GIFs, etc.) in the terminals (personal computers, notebooks, tablet PCs, smartphones, etc.) used by users, has recently been modified following the implementation of the new “GDPR” legislation (General Data Protection Regulation) EU 2016/679.
This document aims to provide, through the FAQ tool, clarifications on the new Italian and European legislation with particular regard, in fact, to cookies.
1. What is meant when we talk about cookies?
Cookies are small text files that the sites visited by the user send to his terminal (usually the browser), where they are memorized before being re-transmitted to the same sites at the next visit by the same user. While browsing a site, the user can also receive cookies from different sites or web servers on his terminal (so-called “third-party” cookies); this happens because on the website visited there may be elements such as, for example, images, maps, sounds, specific links to web pages of other domains that reside on servers other than the one on which the requested page is located. In other words, they are those cookies that are set by a website other than the one you are currently visiting.
Cookies are used to perform computer authentication, session monitoring and storage of specific information regarding users accessing the server and are usually present in each user’s browser in very large numbers.
Some operations could not be performed without the use of cookies, which in some cases are therefore technically necessary: for example, access to home banking and the activities that can be carried out on your online current account (viewing the account, bank transfers, payment of bills, etc.) would be much more complex to carry out and less secure without the presence of cookies that allow the user to be identified and maintain their identification within the session.
Cookies can also remain in the system for long periods and can also contain a unique identification code. This allows the sites that use them to keep track of the user’s navigation within the site itself, for statistical or advertising purposes, i.e. to create a personalized profile of the user starting from the pages that he has visited and therefore show him advertising targeted (so-called Behavioral Advertising).
2. What does the e-Privacy directive now provide for cookies?
The EU “GDPR” directive 2016/679 and active since 25 May 2018, has introduced various innovations that guarantee greater safety for the user who navigates within the pages of internet sites.
Let us list some of the most important measures:
– confirmed the “opt-in” principle in all cases in which “information” of technical cookies necessary for the correct functioning of the website is accessed or recorded;
– need for valid consent (free, informed, unambiguous and specific) in the case of “Third-party” cookies;
– need to guarantee the correct modification/updating at any time of the consent to the cookies previously given;
– need to use normal language that is understandable to almost all users (legal language abandoned);
– inform of the retention time of cookies.
However, the possibility of freely using cookies (or similar devices) remains if they are used “for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network, or to the extent strictly necessary for the provider of a service of the company of the information explicitly requested by the subscriber or user to provide this service”. In this case, we speak of “technical” cookies.
3. What characteristics must the information to users have?
As mentioned, the storage of cookies on users’ terminals must first be brought to the attention of the same through clear information, provided with the simplified procedures pursuant to art. 13, paragraph 3 of the Code. This applies regardless of the need to obtain the consent of users or contractors (see previous point).
With the introduction of the “GDPR” regulation it is not possible to show “Third party” cookies (Analytics, Adsense, Facebook, ..) before receiving the consent from the user.
STARTDEALS COOKIES
In order to comply with the new European legislation “GDPR” (General Data Protection Regulation) EU 2016/679 in force since 25 May 2018, StartDeals has decided to eliminate all superfluous cookies while keeping active only those technical cookies necessary for the correct performance of site operations.
Now let’s see all the useful information regarding our cookies, the storage period, where they reside and who requests them.
Technical cookies
These are cookies used specifically to allow the correct functioning and use of our site.
For example, technical cookies are used for the user’s login functionality and general use of the portal. They are mainly served by StartDeals servers.
Activities strictly related to the use of the site:
This type of cookie is used to save the User’s session and to carry out other activities that are strictly necessary for the functioning of the same, for example in relation to the distribution of traffic.
Duration: Until the user logs out or a maximum of 30 days.
Place: Italy – Privacy Policy.
Operator: StartDeals.
“Third Party” Cookies:
These are cookies offered by services external to StartDeals, the use of which facilitates and improves the management of our community.
As already specified, StartDeals has eliminated all types of unnecessary superfluous cookies (Pixel Facebook, Social Buttons, …) and offers its users the possibility of activating only 2 cookies provided by Google which are very useful in managing the portal.
Not being mandatory for the correct performance of the portal and in compliance with the “GDPR” legislation, the user has the possibility to express his consent (informed, free and specific) regarding his wish to activate those types of cookies.
They will not be activated if the user does not give his consent.
Google Adsense: advertising service
Google AdSense is an advertising service provided by Google Inc. This service uses the “Doubleclick” Cookie, which tracks use of this Application and User behavior in relation to advertisements, products and services offered. The user can decide at any time not to use the Doubleclick Cookie either by disabling receipt on StartDeals or by directly deactivating it: google.com/settings/ads/onweb/optout.
Duration: 36 months.
Place: USA – Privacy Policy.
Manager: Google.
Google Analytics: analytical service (anonymous IP)
Google Analytics is a web analytics service provided by Google Inc. (“Google”). Google uses the Personal Data collected for the purpose of tracking and examining the use of this Application, compiling reports and sharing them with other services developed by Google. Google may use the Personal Data to contextualize and personalize the ads of its advertising network. This integration of Google Analytics makes your IP address anonymous. The anonymization works by shortening the IP address of the Users within the borders of the member states of the European Union or in other countries adhering to the agreement on the European Economic Area. Only in exceptional cases will the IP address be sent to a Google server and shortened within the United States.
Duration: 36 months.
Place: USA – Privacy Policy.
Manager: Google.
PayPal: electronic payment service
PayPal is the most famous online payment service in the world and its cookies are necessary in order to verify the correct execution of the virtual payment. StartDeals uses the PayPal service to manage online purchases (GP points, reservations, sponsorships, banners) and blocking these cookies would prevent any online purchase.
Duration: Execution of the transaction.
Location: Luxembourg – Privacy Policy.
Manager: PayPal.
YouTube: video sharing service
YouTube is the world’s most used online video sharing platform and is owned and operated by Google. StartDeals uses youtube cookies to show its users introductory video tutorials or explanatory videos of each business. By not accepting this type of cookie, you will not be able to view any video from youtube.
Duration: Viewing the video.
Place: USA – Privacy Policy.
Manager: Google.
How to give or withdraw consent
In compliance with the new European legislation “GDPR” EU 2016/679, consent (free, specific, informed and unambiguous) must be expressly given by the user before any type of cookie installation.
Consent to the use of cookies must therefore be given before browsing the StartDeals page which will undertake to show a full-page information that will ask the user for their wishes through a free and informed consent.
EU legislation 2016/679 guarantees the user the right to be able to update/revoke his consent at any time and StartDeals offers its users the possibility to modify the consents previously expressed directly from their personal profile.
Note: In addition to what is indicated, the user can manage preferences relating to Cookies directly within his browser and prevent – for example – that third parties can install them. Through the browser preferences it is also possible to delete the Cookies installed in the past, including the Cookie in which the consent to the installation of Cookies by this site is possibly saved. It is important to note that by disabling all cookies, the functioning of this site could be compromised. The User can find information on how to manage Cookies in his browser at the following addresses:
-Google Chrome
-MozillaFirefox
-AppleSafari
-Microsoft Windows Explorer.
In the case of services provided by third parties, the user can also exercise his right to oppose tracking by inquiring through the privacy policy of the third party, via the opt-out link if explicitly provided or by contacting the same directly.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the owner informs that the user can make use of Your Online Choices. Through this service it is possible to manage the tracking preferences of most of the advertising tools.