Cookie Usage Policy

Cookie Policy

1. Cookie Policy
This policy refers to cookies and web pages operated by the Partnership for European Projects and Funds Association (hereinafter referred to as "APPFE"), headquartered in Bucharest, Sector 4 Splaiul Unirii Street, no. 16, Muntenia Business Center building, etc. 8, room 806.

2. What are Cookies?
A cookie is a small file, made up of letters and numbers, which will be stored on a user's computer, mobile terminal or other equipment from which the internet is accessed. The cookie is installed by a request issued by a web server to a browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Chrome) and is completely "passive" (does not contain software programs, viruses or spyware and cannot access information on the user's hard drive).

3. What are Cookies used for?
These files make it possible to recognize the user's terminal and present content in a relevant way, adapted to the user's preferences. Cookies ensure a pleasant browsing experience for users and support APPFE's efforts to provide convenient services to users: e.g. - online privacy preferences, shopping cart or relevant advertising. They are also used to prepare anonymous aggregate statistics that help us understand how a user benefits from our web pages, allowing us to improve their structure and content, excluding the personal identification of the user.

4. What Cookies do we use?
We use two types of Cookies: per session and fixed. The latter are temporary files that remain on the user's terminal until the session ends or the application (web browser) is closed. Fixed files remain on the user's terminal for a period of time within the Cookie parameters or until they are manually deleted by the user.

5. How are cookies used by this site?
A visit to this site may place cookies for the purposes of:

  • Site performance cookies
  • Visitor analysis cookies
  • Geotargeting cookies
  • Registration cookies
  • Advertising cookies
  • Advertising provider cookies

6. Do Cookies contain personal data?

Cookies themselves do not require personal information in order to be used and, in most cases, do not personally identify internet users. Personal data collected through the use of Cookies may only be collected to facilitate certain functionalities for the user. Such data is encrypted in a way that makes it impossible for unauthorized persons to access them.

7. Deleting Cookies
In general, an application used to access web pages allows Cookies to be saved on the terminal by default. These settings can be changed in such a way that the automatic management of Cookies is blocked by the web browser or the user is informed each time Cookies are sent to his terminal. Detailed information about the possibilities and ways of managing Cookies can be found in the settings area of ​​the application (web browser). Limiting the use of Cookies may affect certain functionalities of the web page.

8. Why are cookies important for the Internet?
Cookies are central to the efficient functioning of the Internet, helping to generate a friendly browsing experience tailored to the preferences and interests of each user. Refusing or disabling cookies may make some sites impossible to use.
Refusing or disabling cookies does not mean that you will no longer receive online advertising – it only means that it will no longer be able to take into account your preferences and interests, as evidenced by your browsing behavior.
Examples of important uses of cookies (which do not require a user to authenticate through an account):

  • Content and services adapted to user preferences – product and service categories.
  • Offers adapted to user interests – password retention.
  • Retention of child protection filters regarding Internet content (family mode options, safe search functions).
  • Advertisement frequency limitation – limiting the number of times an advertisement is displayed to a specific user on a site.
  • Providing more relevant advertising onfor the user.
  • Measurement, optimization and analytics features – such as confirming a certain level of traffic on a website, what type of content is viewed and how a user arrives at a website (e.g. via search engines, directly, from other websites, etc.). Websites perform these analyses of their usage in order to improve the sites for the benefit of users.

9. 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 on other networks to run or replicate themselves again. Since they cannot perform these functions, they cannot be considered viruses.
Cookies can, however, be used for negative purposes. Because they store information about users' preferences and browsing history, both on a specific site and on multiple other sites, cookies can be used as a form of Spyware. Many anti-spyware products are aware of this fact and consistently mark cookies for deletion as part of their anti-virus/anti-spyware removal/scanning procedures.

Browsers generally have built-in privacy settings that provide different levels of cookie acceptance, validity period, and automatic deletion after the user has visited a specific site.
Other security aspects related to cookies:
Since identity protection is very valuable and represents the right of every internet user, it is advisable to know what possible problems cookies can create. Because they constantly transmit information back and forth between the browser and the website, if an attacker or unauthorized person interferes with the data transmission, the information contained in the cookie can be intercepted.
Although very rarely, this can happen if the browser connects to the server using an unencrypted network (e.g. an unsecured WiFi network).

Other cookie-based attacks involve incorrect cookie settings on servers. If a website does not require the browser to use only encrypted channels, attackers can use this vulnerability to trick browsers into sending information through unsecured channels. Attackers can then use the information to gain unauthorized access to certain sites. It is very important to be careful in choosing the most appropriate method of 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 sites use cookies, they are almost inevitable. Disabling cookies will not allow the user to access the most widespread and used sites, including Youtube, Gmail, Yahoo and others.
Here are some tips that can ensure that you browse without worries but with the help of cookies:

  • Customize your browser settings regarding cookies to reflect a comfortable level of security for you in the use of cookies.
  • If you do not mind cookies and you are the only person using the computer, you can set long expiration dates for storing browsing history and personal access data.
  • If you share access to the computer, you can consider setting your browser to delete individual browsing data every time you close the browser. This is an option to access sites that place cookies and delete any browsing information when you close your browsing session.
  • Install and constantly update your antispyware applications.

Many spyware detection and prevention applications include detection of attacks on sites. Thus, they prevent the browser from accessing websites that could exploit browser vulnerabilities or download dangerous software.
Make sure that you always have your browser updated.
Many of the attacks based on cookies are carried out by exploiting the weaknesses of old versions of browsers.

Cookies are everywhere and cannot be avoided if you want to enjoy access to the best and biggest sites on the Internet - local or international. With a clear understanding of how they operate and the benefits they bring, you can take the necessary security measures so that you can browse the internet with confidence. Disabling and refusing to receive cookies may make certain websites