1.1 | Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognize your device and store certain information about your preferences or past actions.

Cookies can be set directly by the website you are visiting (first-party cookies) or by third parties that provide services such as content delivery, analytics, or advertising (third-party cookies). First-party cookies can only be read by the website that placed them, whereas third-party cookies are subject to the privacy policies of the respective third parties.

Cookies help remember you and your preferences, either for the duration of a single visit (using a session cookie) or for repeated visits (using a persistent cookie). They are generally used to improve the functionality and performance of websites and to enhance the user experience.

1.2 | Session cookies are temporary cookies that are used during your visit to the Website. They are automatically deleted when you close your web browser.

1.3 | Persistent cookies are used to remember your preferences and settings when you visit the Website. These cookies remain stored on your computer or mobile device even after you close your browser or restart your device. They help ensure a consistent and efficient experience when using the Website and its Services.

Persistent cookies remain on your device until they are deleted by you or your browser, or until they expire. Each persistent cookie has an expiration date defined in its code, which may vary depending on the purpose of the cookie.

1.4 | Cookies may be placed on your device directly by the Website you are visiting (first-party cookies) or by third parties that provide services such as analytics, advertising, or embedded content on the Website (third-party cookies). The use of third-party cookies is governed by the privacy and cookie policies of the respective third parties.

We use cookies for a number of purposes, including to ensure that the Website functions properly, to enhance and personalize your user experience, to analyze the performance and usage of the Website, and to support our marketing and advertising activities.

Our Website primarily uses first-party cookies, which are placed and managed by us. These cookies are not set or controlled by external organizations. Where third-party cookies are used, this will be clearly identified, and your consent will be obtained where required under applicable data protection and ePrivacy laws.

You may manage or withdraw your cookie preferences at any time through your browser settings or via our cookie management tool.

2.1 | Strictly necessary cookies 

Strictly necessary cookies are essential to provide the services, application or ressource requested by you and to enable core functionalities of the Website. These cookies are always active and cannot be disabled in our systems.

Without these cookies, the Website cannot function properly or securely, and certain services or features you request may not be available. Strictly necessary cookies are used to manage essential actions, such as loading website visual elements and page resources, enabling user login and logoff, and maintaining secure areas of the Website.

We also use these cookies to ensure the security, stability, and efficient operation of the Website and the services you request.

For example, strictly necessary cookies allow online shops to retain items in your shopping cart while you browse the Website.

2.2 | Functional cookies or preference cookies 

Functional cookies, also known as preference cookies, allow the Website to operate according to the choices you make or have made in the past. They help improve your experience by enhancing the functionality and personalization of the Website.

These cookies may remember, for example, whether you have accepted or declined this cookie policy, your language preference, or other settings you have chosen.

Functional cookies are only used if you have given your consent, and they can be managed or withdrawn at any time through your browser settings or our cookie management tool.

2.3 | Marketing cookies or targeting cookies 

These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. They are used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites.

These cookies are only set if you explicitly give your consent. You can manage your preferences at any time.

2.4 | Performance cookies or statistic cookies 

These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our Website. These cookies collect information about how you use a website, like which pages you visited, which links you clicked on, which pages are the most and least popular... None of this information can be used to identify you. It’s all aggregated and therefore anonymized.

For example, if you do not allow these cookies, we will not know when you have visited our Website and will not be able to monitor its performance.

These cookies are only used if you consent.

Necessary cookies will always be active on your device, but we ask for your consent to place cookies on your device. 

Every time you visit the Website, you will be prompt to accept or refuse cookies. The purpose is to enable the site to remember your preferences for a certain period of time. That way, you don’t have to re-enter them when browsing around the Website during the same visit.

If at any time, you want to change your cookies settings, including withdrawing your consent to this processing, we would encourage you to do this via this link. You may need to refresh the page before the changes to the settings take effect.

4.1 | Removing cookies from your device
You can delete all cookies stored on your device by clearing your browser’s history. This will remove cookies from all websites you have visited.

Note: Doing so may also remove saved information such as login details or site preferences.

4.2 | Managing site-specific cookies 
Do Not Track is a function that allows visitors not to be tracked by websites. Do not track options are available in many browsers including Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari, Opera. 

Please be aware that some areas of our website may not work if your browser doesn’t allow cookies. 

4.3 | Blocking cookies
You can set up most modern browsers to prevent any cookies being placed on your device, but you may then have to manually adjust some preferences every time you visit a site/page. And some services and functionalities may not work properly at all (e.g. profile logging-in).

4.4 | Managing our analytics cookies
You can control your analytics cookies through our Cookie Preferences Tool. This lets you opt in or out of analytics tracking while browsing the Website. Your choices will be remembered for future visits.

4.5 | Do not track preferences
Do Not Track is a function that allows visitors not to be tracked by websites. Do not track options are available in many browsers including Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari, Opera.

Please be aware that some areas of our website may not work if your browser doesn’t allow cookies. 

We regularly scan our Website with our service provider to keep our cookie list accurate. However, slight differences may occur due to browser type or interactions with other websites.

If we make material changes in how we collect, use, or share cookie information, we will update the “Last updated” date of this Cookie Policy and post a prominent notice on the Website. We recommend checking this page periodically to stay informed of any changes.

You acknowledge that you have read this Policy and agree to all its terms and conditions. By accessing and using the Website you agree to be bound by this Policy. If you do not agree to abide by the terms of this Policy, you are not authorized to access or use the Website.

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this Cookie Policy or the use of cookies, we encourage you to contact us using the details below: 

The Gold Standard Foundation
Chemin de Balexert 7-9
CH-1219 Chatelaine - GE, Switzerland 

[email protected]