Use of Cookies and Opting Out / Opting In
Why does AdLINK use cookies?
AdLINK only uses cookies (small files with configuration information) in some cases, to optimise the advertising served to the user. This reduces the repetitiveness of advertising, which is to the user's benefit.
Since the beginning of 2007, AdLINK has also used cookies to build anonymous profiles. These are used for targeted marketing, wherein ads are served based on user behaviour (visited websites, clicks etc.). Such “Behavioural Targeting” ensures that the ads served correspond to the user's interests and are relevant.
All AdLINK cookies are completely anonymous and contain no personal information. They comply with the guidelines issued by of the Information Society for Determining the Reach of Advertising (IVW). Cookies are also used to provide you with content and advertising that pertains to your interests. By default, Internet browsers are set to accept cookies. However, users can deactivate the saving of cookies or configure their browser to request permission before cookies are sent. User data is saved on specially protected servers in Germany, accessible only to specially authorised people who are involved in the technological or commercial management of the servers (strict access protocols and controls).
What do we use your data for?
AdLINK uses the data collected by the cookies exclusively to optimise the delivery of advertising.
- To reduce the frequency of ad repetition.
- To show content and advertising that matches your interests.
- To build anonymous user groups based on interests (clusters)
- For statistical analysis, to better adapt our services to the interests of our users.
What type of data do we collect?
AdLINK only saves completely anonymous data that can never be traced to specific people. When you visit our sites, cookies will be used to record your interests, e.g. the type of articles you read or the number of times a page is used (page views per day).
Opting Out / Opting In
If you do not wish AdLINK Internet Media to use cookies, you can choose to deactivate the recording and use of your interests. (You may also reactivate it at any time if you wish.)
The same mechanism is used to deactivate the tracking cookies, i.e. an “Opt-Out Cookie” is deposited on your system, allowing for anonymous data collection. If ever you delete all cookies, please note that this will also delete the Opt-Out Cookie, and it may have to be replaced.
AdLINK Internet Media currently uses two cookies to optimise advertising delivery: one comes directly from AdLINK and the other comes from our technology partner DoubleClick.
To turn off optimisation via the DoubleClick cookie, please click here.
To activate or deactivate AdLINK optimisation:
The optimisation of advertising delivery is currently activated on your computer (OPT-IN). Click here to deactivate (OPT-OUT).
AdLINK Internet Media uses behavioural targeting technology supplied by wunderLOOP S.A. In 2006, wunderLOOP technology was inspected and certified by TÜV Rhineland for compliance with privacy protection regulations. In other words, its use of cookies as well as collection of data is completely in compliance with German laws, and Internet users are given sufficient options for determining the use of their information.
In addition to the OPT-OUT and OPT-IN cookie options, we give you the option of adjusting your browser actions via P3P. AdLINK Internet Media's P3P policy is posted here.