This Cookies Notice applies for the internet pages and mobile applications (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “website”) of VDE Verband der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik e. V. (hereinafter “VDE e. V.”), of the regional VDE member associations1 affiliated with VDE e. V., and of the companies of the VDE Group2 (hereinafter “VDE” / “we” or “us”).
Our website uses cookies. Cookies are small text files that are assigned to the browser you use by means of a distinctive string of characters and stored on your hard drive and allow the party placing the cookie to receive certain information. Cookies cannot run programs or transfer viruses to your computer and are thus unable to cause harm. They are used to make our internet services more user-friendly and effective as a whole, i. e. more pleasant for you. Cookies originate either from us – in which case they constitute “first-party cookies” – or from specific third parties whose services we use, which are referred to as “third-party cookies”.
Cookies may contain data that makes it possible to recognise the device used. In some cases, however, cookies also only contain information on certain settings which cannot be linked to a specific person. Cookies cannot identify you directly.
Cookies are necessary in order to provide certain functionalities on websites, such as retaining your language settings or your login status for the presentation of the website. Cookies also allow the respective issuers (VDE or third parties) to recognise that a website has been re-visited by a specific end device. This function makes it possible to recognise you / your end device and collect information on your user behaviour and presumed interests. This information is used to present you with relevant advertising for VDE products and services on the website and on external internet pages.
A distinction is made between session cookies, which are erased when you close your browser, and permanent cookies, which are stored for longer than the duration of the individual session.
Depending on their function and purpose, cookies can be classified under four categories: technically necessary cookies, performance cookies, functional cookies and marketing cookies.
You can modify or withdraw your consent to cookies at any time using the “Manage Cookies” button embedded above.
1. Technically necessary cookies
All cookies which are necessary for the operation of the website and its functions are designated as technically necessary or essential cookies. Cookies of this type are not classified as cookies requiring consent. Services you request through the website cannot be performed properly without these cookies. These cookies are stored only for the duration of the session, and thus constitute session cookies.
You can configure your web browser so that even absolutely necessary cookies are blocked, but it may then potentially become impossible to use the website in the intended manner.
In the event that VDE uses technically necessary cookies when the website is accessed or visited and employs these to collect and process your personal data, this processing is necessary in order to safeguard the legitimate interests of VDE. The legal basis for this is Art. 6 (1) f) GDPR. In doing so, VDE is pursuing its legitimate interests in personalising the website for your visit and simplifying the use of the website for you.
2. Performance cookies
Performance cookies serve to record information on the way you use our website, e. g. which pages you visit most frequently, how you navigate the website or whether certain error messages are displayed. These cookies do not store any information beyond this. They are used exclusively in order to improve the user-friendliness of the website and enhance your user experience.
Information collected with performance cookies may include, for example: internet browser and operating system used, domain name of the website from which you arrived, number of visits, average visit duration and pages accessed.
They are also used to enable requested functions, such as playing videos.
Data collected from the use of performance cookies is aggregated and generally cannot be linked to a specific natural person. In individual cases where the data processed using performance cookies can be classified as personal data, the processing takes place on the basis of your consent (consent of the data subject pursuant to Art. 6 (1) a) GDPR).
3. Marketing cookies
Marketing cookies (also referred to as targeting or advertising cookies) are used to display advertisements on third-party websites that are more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the frequency with which individual advertisements appear and to measure and manage the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.
The legal basis for the processing of any personal data potentially processed using marketing cookies is your consent (consent of the data subject pursuant to Art. 6 (1) a) GDPR.
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1 VDE Bezirksvereine
2 Companies of the VDE Group
- VDE GmbH
- VDE Global Services GmbH
- VDE Prüf- und Zertifizierungsinstitut GmbH
- VDE Renewables GmbH
- VDE Services GmbH
