Cookies

What are cookies and why do we use them on the web?

A cookie is a file that is downloaded to the user’s device when accessing certain web pages to store and retrieve information about the navigation that is made from that computer.

Cookies allow this website, among other things, to store and retrieve information about the user’s decisions and habits.

It is important to note that the use of cookies does not provide personal data of the user.

What type of cookies does the website use?

Cookies, depending on how long they remain enabled, can be divided into session or permanent cookies. The only type of cookies used by this website are:

  • Session cookies: Designed to collect and store data while the user accesses the website. They are usually used to store information that only interests you, to keep for the provision of the service requested by the user on a single occasion (e.g. a list of products purchased).
  • Persistent cookies: They are a type of cookies in which the data are still stored in the terminal and can be accessed and processed for a period defined by the person responsible for the cookie, and that can range from a few minutes to several years.

Finally, as for the purpose, the type of cookies used by the website are:

  • Technical cookies: allow the user to browse through a website, platform or application and use the different options or services that exist in it, such as controlling traffic and data communication, identifying the session, accessing parts of restricted access, remembering the elements that make up an order, making the process of purchasing an order, making the request for registration or participation in an event, using security elements during navigation, storing content for the broadcasting videos or sound or sharing content through social networks.
  • Analysis cookies: Those that allow the person responsible for them, the monitoring and analysis of the behavior of the users of the websites to which they are linked. The information collected through this type of cookies is used with the aim of analyzing the source of the traffic that reaches the website, analyzing and studying such data in order to apply them and have a better positioning, and collect some browsing data or fields filled in by the same user.

Likewise, there are statistical analysis cookies that are a type of cookies that do not allow to identify you since they do not store personal data. It should be noted that, the website uses cookies from Google Analytics,a tool that helps website owners measure how users interact with the content of the site. When a user browses the website, Google Analytics provides the site owner with JavaScript tags (libraries) to record information about the page a user has viewed; for example, the URL of the page. Google Analytics JavaScript libraries use HTTP cookies to memorize what a user has done on pages or in interactions with the previous website. Specifically, it is the following cookies used by the website:

  • __utma: Used to distinguish users and sessions. The cookie is created when the JavaScript library is run and there is no cookie __utma. The cookie is updated each time data is sent to Google Analytics.
  • __utmt: Used to limit the percentage of requests.
  • __utmb: Used to determine new sessions or visits. The cookie is created when the JavaScript library is run and there is no cookie __utmb. The cookie is updated each time data is sent to Google Analytics.
  • __utmc: Not used in ga.js. Configured to interact with urchin.js. Previously, this cookie acted in conjunction with the cookie __utmb to determine if the user was in a new session or visit.
  • __utmz:Stores the traffic source or campaign that explains how the user arrived at the site. The cookie is created when the JavaScript library runs and is updated each time data is sent to Google Analytics.

How to disable cookies in the browser?

The user can configure his browser to not accept the use of cookies, in which case the personalization of the experience would not apply. Selecting this type of setting may not be accessible to certain parts of the website, as it may cause less efficient navigation.

Most browsers currently allow the user to configure if they want to accept cookies and which ones. These settings are usually found in the ‘Options’ or ‘Preferences’ menu of your browser.

Here are the instructions for setting cookies in the main browsers:

  • Chrome: Settings – Show advanced options – Privacy – Content settings. For more information, you can consult Google support or browser Help.
  • Firefox: Tools – Options – Privacy – History – Custom Settings. For more information, you can consult Mozilla support or browser Help.
  • Internet Explorer: Tools – Internet Options – Privacy – Settings. For more information, you can consult Microsoft support or browser Help.
  • Safari: Preferences – Security. For more information, you can consult Apple support or browser Help.

Additional information

For more information about the use of cookies and how to block them, please access www.allaboutcookies.org, www.youronlinechoices.eu. If you have any questions or comments about our use of cookies, please contact us at cooperativa@ambulanciescatalunya.com