Cookie Policy

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

This Cookie Policy explains how Walldorf.net ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website walldorf.net (the "Site"). This policy provides you with clear and comprehensive information about the cookies we use, why we use them, and how you can manage your cookie preferences.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide a better user experience. Cookies allow websites to recognize your device and store information about your preferences or past actions.

1.1 Types of Cookies by Duration

  • Session Cookies: These are temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser. They help websites remember your actions during a single browsing session.
  • Persistent Cookies: These remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. They help websites remember your preferences for future visits.

1.2 Types of Cookies by Origin

  • First-Party Cookies: Set by the website you are visiting (Walldorf.net in this case)
  • Third-Party Cookies: Set by external services we use on our website (such as Google AdSense or Google Analytics)

2. Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies for several important reasons:

  • To ensure our website functions properly and securely
  • To remember your preferences and settings
  • To understand how visitors interact with our website
  • To improve our content and user experience
  • To deliver relevant advertisements that help support our website
  • To analyze website traffic and performance
  • To comply with legal and regulatory requirements

3. Categories of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)

Purpose: These cookies are absolutely necessary for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility.

What they do:

  • Enable page navigation and access to secure areas
  • Remember your cookie consent preferences
  • Maintain security and prevent fraudulent activity
  • Ensure the website loads correctly

Can they be disabled? No. These cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be disabled in our systems. However, you can set your browser to block these cookies, but some parts of the website may not function properly.

3.2 Analytics and Performance Cookies

Purpose: These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously.

What they do:

  • Count visits and traffic sources
  • Measure how you use the website (pages visited, time spent, etc.)
  • Identify which content is most popular
  • Help us improve website performance
  • Understand user behavior patterns

Service Provider: Google Analytics

Duration: Up to 2 years

Can they be disabled? Yes. You can opt-out of these cookies without affecting website functionality.

3.3 Advertising Cookies

Purpose: These cookies are used to deliver advertisements that are relevant to you and your interests. They also help limit the number of times you see an advertisement and measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.

What they do:

  • Deliver ads that are relevant to your interests
  • Prevent the same ad from continuously reappearing
  • Measure the effectiveness of ad campaigns
  • Build a profile of your interests
  • Share information with advertisers to deliver targeted ads

Service Provider: Google AdSense and Google Ad Manager

Duration: Up to 2 years

Can they be disabled? Yes. You can opt-out of personalized advertising while still seeing non-personalized ads.

3.4 Functionality Cookies

Purpose: These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences.

What they do:

  • Remember your language preference
  • Remember your region or location
  • Remember your text size preferences
  • Provide enhanced features you have selected

Duration: Typically up to 1 year

Can they be disabled? Yes, but disabling these cookies may result in less personalized experience.

4. Specific Cookies We Use

4.1 Google Analytics Cookies

We use Google Analytics to understand how our website is used and to improve the user experience.

Cookie Name Purpose Duration
_ga Distinguishes unique users 2 years
_gid Distinguishes users 24 hours
_gat Throttle request rate 1 minute

4.2 Google AdSense Cookies

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our website. Google uses cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website or other websites.

Cookie Name Purpose Duration
NID Personalize ads on Google properties 6 months
IDE Measure ad performance and deliver relevant ads 1-2 years
DSID Identify signed-in users 2 weeks

5. How to Control and Manage Cookies

5.1 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings preferences. However, limiting cookies may impact your experience on our website and prevent you from using certain features.

How to manage cookies in popular browsers:

  • Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
  • Mozilla Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
  • Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
  • Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data
  • Opera: Settings > Privacy & security > Cookies

For more detailed information, visit your browser's help documentation.

5.2 Opt-Out of Google Analytics

You can prevent your data from being used by Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on:

https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

5.3 Opt-Out of Personalized Advertising

You can opt-out of personalized advertising served by Google and other participating companies:

Note: Opting out of personalized advertising does not mean you will see fewer ads. You will still see the same number of advertisements, but they will be less relevant to your interests.

5.4 Mobile Devices

For mobile devices, you can manage cookie preferences through your device settings:

  • iOS: Settings > Safari > Block All Cookies
  • Android: Settings > Google > Ads > Opt out of Ads Personalization

6. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want to be tracked. However, there is currently no industry standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. At present, our website does not respond to DNT signals, but we provide you with the ability to opt-out of tracking as described in this Cookie Policy.

7. GDPR Compliance (EU Users)

If you are located in the European Union, you have specific rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regarding cookies and tracking technologies:

7.1 Cookie Consent

We will obtain your consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device. You can withdraw your consent at any time by changing your cookie preferences.

7.2 Your Rights

  • Right to Access: You can request information about the cookies stored on your device
  • Right to Object: You can object to the use of certain cookies
  • Right to Erasure: You can delete cookies from your browser at any time
  • Right to Data Portability: You can request a copy of your cookie data

8. CCPA Compliance (California Users)

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

  • Right to know what personal information is collected through cookies
  • Right to know whether your information is sold or disclosed
  • Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
  • Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

Note: We do not sell your personal information as defined under CCPA. However, the use of advertising cookies may be considered a "sale" under California law. You can opt-out using the methods described in Section 5.3.

9. Cookies and Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect information from children through cookies. If you are a parent or guardian and believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

10. Web Beacons and Tracking Pixels

In addition to cookies, we may use web beacons (also known as tracking pixels or clear GIFs) on our website and in emails. Web beacons are tiny graphics with a unique identifier that track when content is viewed. We use them to:

  • Track email open rates and user engagement
  • Monitor the effectiveness of marketing campaigns
  • Understand how users navigate our website
  • Collect aggregate statistics about website usage

11. Local Storage and Session Storage

Our website may also use local storage and session storage technologies, which are similar to cookies but can store larger amounts of data. These technologies are used to:

  • Store user preferences
  • Improve website performance
  • Remember your actions during a browsing session

You can manage local and session storage through your browser settings.

12. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, our operations, or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.

We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.

13. More Information and Contact

If you have any questions or concerns about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:

For more information about our privacy practices, please review our Privacy Policy.

14. Useful Resources

To learn more about cookies and online privacy, you may find these resources helpful:

Your Cookie Preferences Matter

We respect your right to control how cookies are used on your device. While some cookies are essential for our website to function, you have the choice to accept or decline non-essential cookies. We are committed to transparency and giving you control over your online privacy.