Cookies and their purpose
Cookies are small text files that are stored on the visitor's computer when they visit a website. They usually contain technical information that increases user convenience. Examples: the desired language, login data of a logged-in user or preferred view settings. The information stored is often deleted when the website is closed or after a period specified by the website operator (hours or days).
Use of the stored data
The data is anonymous or personal. The danger lies in the unsolicited transmission of the stored data, which can log user behavior, e.g. information on purchasing behavior. Third-party providers can carry out individual analyses, making the user increasingly transparent. Political, religious, sexual or consumer preferences can be recorded.
In order to protect consumers, the EU data protection authorities have drawn up a directive on the use of cookies and other forms of local storage, which obliges website operators based in the European Union to provide information on the use of these technologies and, if necessary, to obtain the user's consent.
EU directive as PDF file
Guidelines on the use of cookies
Cookies and the storage of data on this website
Cookies set directly by this website do NOT contain any tracking information, are used exclusively to increase user-friendliness and are NOT analyzed by the operator to evaluate visitor behavior.
Cookies set by third-party providers (facebook, Google, etc.) (if available) are created to personalize content and ads, to offer social media functions and to analyze access to this website. They pass on information about the use of the website to partners for social media, advertising and analysis.
Further information on the topic at Wikipedia