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Cookies are small text strings that the sites visited by the user send to their terminal (usually the browser), where they are stored before being re-transmitted to the same sites at the next visit by the same user. Cookies are distinguished by duration, purpose and origin.

The duration of cookies can be session or persistent. The first type of cookie is automatically deleted after the browser is closed, while the second type remains on the user's device until a set deadline. The purposes of cookies are two: technical cookies and profiling cookies.

Technical cookies are those necessary for the functioning of the site and the provision of services; these are used for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.

Some examples of technical cookies are:

  • navigation or session cookies, which guarantee normal navigation and use of the site (allowing, for example, to authenticate to access restricted areas);
  • analytics cookies, used to collect information in aggregate form on the number of users and how they visit the site;
  • functionality cookies, which allow the user to navigate the site according to the characteristics and criteria selected in order to improve the service offered (for example, the choice of language).

Profiling cookies, on the other hand, are designed to create user profiles and are sometimes used in order to send advertising messages in line with the preferences expressed by the user while surfing the net.

Some examples of profiling cookies are:

  • advertising profiling cookies are used to propose interest-based advertising that users manifest while browsing;
  • retargeting cookies are used to offer advertisements to users who have visited the site previously;
  • social network cookies are used for sharing content on social networks;
  • statistical cookies are used for the management of navigation statistics.

These types of cookies can be from third parties and first parties. A third-party cookie is sent from a site other than the one viewed by the user, while the first-party cookie is the cookie installed by the operator of the site the user is visiting.

Depending on the type and origin of the cookies, the installation will be subject to the provision of your consent or not.