ITMO University policy on the use of cookies

ITMO University’s cookie policy (hereinafter Policy) is adopted by ITMO University (TIN 7813045547, Kronverksky Pr. 49, bldg. A, St. Petersburg, 197101, Russia) (hereinafter ITMO) in addition to ITMO University’s policy on personal data processing and is applicable to ITMO’s official website as well as other websites, products and services within ITMO’s domain zone (hereinafter Websites).

Policy describes the types of cookie files, the purposes they are used for, and the ways in which users may reject them.

By visiting Websites and accepting Policy by clicking Accept (or any other button that allows Website’s user to confirm their acceptance of Policy), the user expresses their consent to the processing of cookie files under the conditions set forth in Policy.

Cookie files, or cookies, are small text files containing service data that are stored on the user’s device when they visit a website. They help Websites remember the user’s preferences, settings, and actions in order to make their interactions with Websites more comfortable and personalized. For example, cookies can save the user’s language preferences or their login credentials.

Cookie files can contain technical data that is transmitted by the user’s device, including the:

• user’s ID;

• the ID of the device and its modules;

• IP address;

• MAC address;

• system properties (type of device; hardware-software bindings; device configuration; operating system; storage capacity and free space; battery output; location (country, city) of the device);

• software parameters (software version; software ID; use parameters (including temporary parameters); usage statistics; date and time of the latest update);

• incoming and outgoing bandwidth;

• errors in the operation of software and software components (time and type of error; the ID of software or task in which the error occurred);

• logs;

• number of pages visited;

• time spent of Websites;

• queries leading the user to Websites;

• pages from which the user visits Websites;

• the user’s actions during use of Websites;

• other technical data transmitted by the device.

The composition of data contained in cookie files depends on the type of cookie file, the user’s device, user device’s software, and Websites that the user interacts with.

ITMO uses various types of cookie files. The main purpose of using them is to improve user experience when working with Websites, maintain a high level of safety of their operation, and collect statistical data. All cookie files belong to one of the following categories:

• Strictly necessary (functional) cookies. These files are required for the website to operate properly and cannot be disabled. They are essential for maintaining user authentication on Websites and the associated settings.

• Performance cookies. These help ITMO understand the ways in which users interact with Websites and improve them. Such cookies collect data on errors, page load speed, and track the general behavior of users (if the page is connected to an analytics platform).

For example, the Yandex.Metrica tool used by ITMO collects depersonalized data on the sources of traffic and the traffic itself to assess the efficiency of advertising (if there is any). To track users, Yandex.Metrica uses anonymous browser IDs that are saved in cookie files. You can read more about the cookie files used by Yandex.Metrica here: https://yandex.ru/support/metrica/general/cookie-usage.html (in Russian).

All data collected by these cookies is generalized, and hence is anonymous. If the user disables these cookie files, ITMO cannot track Websites traffic and thus cannot manage their operation.

ITMO does not:

• explicitly or implicitly identify the subjects of personal data using technical or other data;

• compare and (or) associate (bind) technical data with personal and (or) other data that it possesses;

• process technical data for analytical and marketing (advertising) purposes;

• transfer technical data to third-party Internet services.

ITMO can process cookies for the following purposes:

• maintaining reliable and correct operation of Websites and preserving user settings;

• maintaining Websites’ security;

• development of products and services, including their creation, improvement, and modernization;

• conducting analytical, statistical and other types of research (including marketing research), including with the use of big structured and unstructured data (“Big Data”);

ITMO has the right to process cookies through automated means in the following ways: collection, recording, systematization, accumulation, storage, clarification (updating, amending), extraction, use, transfer (provision and sharing), depersonalization, blocking, deletion, destruction.

ITMO informs the user, and the user agrees with the fact that in order to attain the specified goals ITMO has the right to use third-party analytical tools that make it possible to track the behavior of users on Websites (for example Yandex.Metrica and others), as well as transfer cookie files to owners of such web analytics tools with whom ITMO has corresponding agreements.

ITMO will process cookie files from the date the user agrees to Policy / user begins to use Websites and until the moment the  declared goals of cookie processing are attained with regard to cookie “lifetime.”

The storage period of cookie files depends on their type. Session cookies are deleted right after the user closes their browser, and persistent cookies can be stored on the device for a period from several days to several years if the user doesn't delete them manually. ITMO aims to minimize the data storage period in order to ensure confidentiality while maintaining good user experience.

The user can manage the use of cookies via their browser’s settings. Most browsers make it possible to block or delete cookies, as well as manage notifications about their use. Nevertheless, disabling cookies can result in limited website functionality: for example, the need to repeatedly enter data or inability to use specific services.

You can find detailed information on managing cookies in various browsers below.

• Yandex Browser: Settings -> Websites -> Advanced site settings -> Cookies

• Chrome: Settings -> Privacy and security -> Privacy and security -> Cookies and other site data (chrome://settings/cookies).

• Opera: Settings -> Privacy and security -> Privacy and security -> Cookies and other site data

• Mozilla Firefox: Settings -> Privacy and security -> Browser privacy -> Custom -> Cookies (about:preferences#privacy).

• Microsoft Edge: Settings -> Cookies and site permissions -> Cookies and data stored -> Manage and delete cookies and site data (edge://settings/content/cookies).

• Internet Explorer: Website -> Browser settings -> Privacy -> Properties -> Advanced -> Advanced Privacy Settings

• Safari: Settings -> Apps -> Safari -> Advanced -> Website data