General applications | Privacy | Cookies
Cookies and your Privacy:Whatis a cookie?
A cookie is a small text file that is placed on, for example, your computer, tablet or smartphone during your visit to a website. Information is stored in this text file. This information can be recognized again by this website during a later visit. And sometimes another website can also read the cookie and store information in it.
Some cookies are necessary. Because the website wouldn't work otherwise. There are also cookies that are useful for the visitor. For example, because it remembers in which language you want to read the website. But many cookies are used to track what you do on the internet. For example, which pages you have looked at.
Is placing a cookie prohibited?
No, placing a cookie is not always prohibited. The owner of the website must adhere to a number of rules:
- the website must ask you for permission to place a cookie on your computer.
- the website must also provide you with information about this cookie. For example, what the cookie is used for. And whether other websites or companies also have access to the data collected with the cookie.
This way you can choose whether a website has access to data on your computer, tablet or smartphone. So more control over your privacy on the internet.
Which type of cookies do you not need to give permission for?
Some cookies may be placed by a website without your permission. That's allowed :
- If the cookie is necessary for the operation of the website. Or is necessary for a service that you have requested yourself. This could, for example, be a cookie that helps you log in for internet banking.
- If the cookie is used to view the quality or effectiveness of the website. For example, a cookie that is used to see how a visitor surfs through the website. The website owner can use this information to improve his website. This is only allowed if the cookie does not significantly infringe on your privacy. The website owner may not use this data, for example, to draw up a profile of your internet use. And he may not simply share this information with other companies.
style="font-size:small;">How do you consent to the placing of cookies?
Before he can place cookies, the website owner must tell you how you can consent to the placing of cookies. For example, a screen or pop-up may appear on your screen with information about the cookies that the website owner wants to place. Sometimes you can click on agree on that screen. Or it says that you agree as soon as you start using the website. This is only allowed if the website owner has clearly stated that you give permission for the placing of cookies in this way.
A website usually stores your consent in a cookie. Your consent then applies as long as this consent cookie is on your computer, tablet or smartphone. How long the cookie will be stored on your equipment will be stated when you are asked for permission. You do not have to give permission again each time you visit a website. The consent cookie has already remembered that you have given consent. You can also withdraw your consent. For example, by removing the cookie from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
How can you delete the cookies again?
How you delete a cookie depends on the program you use to view web pages. This program is called the Internet browser. Well-known internet browsers are Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari. You can use the help function of your internet browser to see how you can delete cookies.
Can a website deny you access if you do not consent to cookies?
That is not allowed when it concerns a government agency website. For example, your municipality's website. You must always grant access to this, even if you do not want cookies. Other websites are not obligated to grant you access to the website if you refuse cookies. But the supervisory authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) encourages websites to find a solution for people who refuse cookies and who still want to view the website.
What can you do if a website owner may not be following the rules?
Do you think a website owner is not following the rules? Then report your complaint to ConsuWijzer. ConsuWijzer will register your complaint and pass it on to the supervisory authority ACM. Your complaint will not be handled individually. But ACM will use your complaint to investigate possible violations.