Cookie Policy
1. Introduction
Welcome to micheleardu.com (“Website”). This Cookie Policy explains how we use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our Website, which is built on a content management platform and utilizes various tools for functionality, analytics, marketing, and accessibility. We are committed to complying with the EU ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC, as amended) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU) 2016/679. For more information on how we process personal data, please see our Privacy Policy.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our Website. They help us provide essential functions, improve performance, analyze usage, and deliver personalized content or marketing. Similar technologies, such as pixels or local storage, may also be used for comparable purposes.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
We use the following categories of cookies on our Website:
- Strictly Necessary Cookies: Essential for the Website’s basic functionality, such as navigation, form submissions, and secure access. These cookies do not require consent under EU law.
- Performance Cookies: Collect anonymized data to analyze how the Website is used, helping us optimize its speed and performance.
- Functional Cookies: Enable enhanced features, such as accessibility options (e.g., text resizing, contrast adjustments) and user preferences.
- Marketing Cookies: Used by our email marketing and e-commerce platforms to deliver personalized content, track campaigns, and synchronize data for targeted promotions.
4. Cookies and Third-Party Tools
Our Website uses third-party tools to provide services such as analytics, email marketing, e-commerce, accessibility, and performance optimization. These tools may place cookies on your device, subject to their own privacy policies. Below is a summary of the cookies we may use:
| Category | Purpose | Examples | Consent Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary | Enable core Website functions (e.g., form submissions, session management). | Cookies for contact forms, e-commerce checkout. | No |
| Performance | Analyze Website usage and performance (e.g., page load times, visitor counts). | Analytics cookies from third-party services. | Yes |
| Functional | Support accessibility features and user preferences. | Cookies for text size or contrast settings. | Yes |
| Marketing | Track user behavior for personalized marketing and campaign performance. | Cookies from email marketing or e-commerce platforms. | Yes |
We ensure that third-party tools comply with EU data protection laws, but we are not responsible for their cookie policies. Please review their respective policies for details.
5. Cookie Consent
In compliance with GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive, we request your consent for non-essential cookies (performance, functional, and marketing) when you first visit our Website. You can manage your preferences through our cookie consent tool. Strictly necessary cookies are enabled by default and cannot be disabled, as they are essential for the Website’s operation.
You may withdraw or modify your consent at any time by accessing the cookie settings on our Website or contacting us at support@micheleardu.com.
6. Managing Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings, where you can block or delete cookies. Note that disabling cookies may affect the Website’s functionality, such as form submissions or accessibility features. For guidance on managing cookies, visit www.allaboutcookies.org.
7. Data Processing and Cookies
Cookies that collect personal data (e.g., for marketing or analytics) are processed in accordance with GDPR. Data collected may be shared with our email marketing or e-commerce platforms to provide personalized services. For details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
8. Retention Period
Cookies are stored for varying durations depending on their purpose:
- Session Cookies: Expire when you close your browser.
- Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period (e.g., up to 12 months for analytics or marketing cookies) or until deleted.
We ensure retention periods comply with GDPR requirements, and you can delete cookies at any time via your browser settings.
9. Dispute Resolution
If you have concerns about our use of cookies, please contact us at support@micheleardu.com. EU residents may also use the European Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform at https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr to resolve disputes. This policy is governed by the laws of Italy, in line with EU regulations.
10. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page, and significant changes will be communicated as required by GDPR. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
11. Contact Us
For questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us at support@micheleardu.com or via our Website’s contact form.
Last Updated: June 7, 2025