Last updated: August 2018

BabySwim.ro uses its own and third-party cookies in order to provide visitors with a much better browsing experience and services tailored to each user’s needs and interests.

Cookies play an important role in facilitating access to and delivery of the multiple services users enjoy on the Internet, such as:

What is a “cookie”?

An “Internet Cookie” (also known as a “browser cookie”, “HTTP cookie”, or simply “cookie”) is a small file consisting of letters and numbers that will be stored on a user’s computer, mobile device, or other equipment used to access the Internet.

A cookie is installed through a request issued by a web server to a browser (e.g. Google Chrome, Firefox) and is completely “passive” (it does not contain software programs, viruses, or spyware and cannot access information on the user’s hard drive).

A cookie consists of 2 parts: the name and the content or value of the cookie. Furthermore, the lifetime of a cookie is determined; technically, only the web server that sent the cookie can access it again when a user returns to the website associated with that web server.

Cookies themselves do not require personal information in order to be used and, in most cases, do not personally identify Internet users.

There are 2 main categories of cookies:

What are the advantages of cookies?

A cookie contains information that links a web browser (the user) and a specific web server (the website). If a browser accesses that web server again, it can read the previously stored information and react accordingly. Cookies ensure users a pleasant browsing experience and support the efforts of many websites to provide comfortable services to users, such as online privacy preferences, website language options, shopping carts, or relevant advertising.

What is the lifetime of a cookie?

Cookies are managed by web servers. The lifetime of a cookie may vary significantly depending on the purpose for which it is placed. Some cookies are used exclusively for a single session (“session cookies”) and are no longer retained once the user leaves the website, while some cookies are retained and reused each time the user returns to that website (“persistent cookies”). However, cookies can be deleted by a user at any time through browser settings.

What are third-party cookies?

Certain sections of content on some websites may be provided through third parties/providers (e.g. a news box, a video, or an advertisement). These third parties may also place cookies through the website, and they are called “third-party cookies” because they are not placed by the owner of the respective website. Third-party providers must also comply with the applicable law and the privacy policies of the website owner.

How cookies are used by this website

A visit to this website may place cookies for the following purposes:

Visitor Analytics Cookies

Each time a user visits this website, analytics software provided by a third party generates a user analytics cookie. This cookie tells us whether you have visited this website before. The browser will tell us if you have this cookie, and if not, we will generate one. This allows monitoring of unique users visiting the site and how often they do so.

As long as you are not registered on this website, this cookie cannot be used to identify individuals and is used only for statistical purposes. If you are registered, we may also know the details you provided to us, such as your e-mail address and username — these being subject to confidentiality and the provisions of the Privacy Policy, as well as the applicable legislation regarding personal data protection.

What type of information is stored and accessed through cookies?

Cookies store information in a small text file that allows a website to recognize a browser. The web server will recognize the browser until the cookie expires or is deleted.

The cookie stores important information that improves the Internet browsing experience (for example: language settings for accessing a website; keeping a user logged into a webmail account; online banking security; keeping products in the shopping cart).

Why are cookies important for the Internet?

Cookies are central to the efficient functioning of the Internet, helping generate a friendly browsing experience tailored to each user’s preferences and interests. Refusing or disabling cookies may make some websites impossible to use.

Refusing or disabling cookies does not mean you will no longer receive online advertising — only that it will no longer be able to take into account your preferences and interests, highlighted through your browsing behavior.

Security and privacy issues

Cookies are NOT viruses! They use plain text formats. They are not made up of pieces of code, so they cannot be executed or self-run. Consequently, they cannot duplicate or replicate themselves on other networks in order to run or replicate again. Since they cannot perform these functions, they cannot be considered viruses.

However, cookies may still be used for negative purposes. Because they store information about users’ preferences and browsing history, both on a specific site and across multiple other sites, cookies may be used as a form of spyware. Many anti-spyware products are aware of this and constantly flag cookies for deletion during anti-virus/anti-spyware scanning procedures.

Generally, browsers have built-in privacy settings that provide different levels of cookie acceptance, validity periods, and automatic deletion after the user has visited a certain website.

Other security aspects related to cookies

Because identity protection is very valuable and represents the right of every Internet user, it is advisable to know what possible issues cookies may create. Since information is constantly transmitted both ways between the browser and the website, if an attacker or unauthorized person intervenes in the data transmission path, the information contained in the cookie may be intercepted.

Although very rare, this can happen if the browser connects to the server using an unencrypted network (for example, an unsecured WiFi network).

Other cookie-based attacks involve incorrect cookie settings on servers. If a website does not require the browser to use encrypted channels only, attackers may use this vulnerability to trick browsers into sending information through unsecured channels. Attackers then use the information to gain unauthorized access to certain websites. It is very important to be careful when choosing the most appropriate method for protecting personal information.

Tips for safe and responsible browsing based on cookies

Due to their flexibility and the fact that most of the most visited and largest websites use cookies, they are almost unavoidable. Disabling cookies will not allow users access to the most widespread and used websites, including YouTube, Gmail, Yahoo, and others.

Here are a few tips that can ensure worry-free browsing with the help of cookies:

• Many spyware detection and prevention applications include detection of website attacks. Thus, they prevent the browser from accessing websites that may exploit browser vulnerabilities or download dangerous software.
• Make sure your browser is always updated.
• Many cookie-based attacks are carried out by exploiting weaknesses in old browser versions.

Cookies are everywhere and cannot be avoided if you want to enjoy access to the best and largest websites on the Internet — local or international. With a clear understanding of how they operate and the benefits they provide, you can take the necessary security measures to browse the Internet with confidence.

How can I stop cookies?

Disabling and refusing to receive cookies may make certain websites impractical or difficult to visit and use. Also, refusing to accept cookies does not mean you will no longer receive/see online advertising.

It is possible to configure your browser so that these cookies are no longer accepted, or you can set your browser to accept cookies from a particular website. However, for example, if you are not registered using cookies, you will not be able to leave comments.

All modern browsers offer the possibility to change cookie settings. These settings are usually found in the “options” or “preferences” menu of your browser.

To understand these settings, the following links may be useful, otherwise you can use your browser’s “help” option for more details.

For third-party cookie settings, you may also consult:
http://www.youronlinechoices.com/ro/

Useful links

If you would like to find out more information about cookies and what they are used for, we recommend the following links:

IAB Romania provides the following website to offer more information regarding privacy related to online advertising:
http://www.youronlinechoices.com/ro/

For more details regarding privacy issues, you may also access the following links:
http://www.youronlinechoices.com/ro/