Cookies Policy

1. General Information

The Swisscows search engine does not use cookies or comparable technologies (e.g. tags or pixels).

In the area accounts.swisscows.com, which is used for user management (e.g. login, account administration, security settings), technically necessary cookies are used. These cookies are required to ensure essential functions such as login, authentication, session management, and security.

Advertising partners of Swisscows (Google and Microsoft) use cookies and similar technologies to deliver advertising and to measure its effectiveness.

Cookies are small text files that are stored on or accessed from your device.

The use of non-essential cookies takes place only with your prior consent, in accordance with the revised Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (revFADP) and, where applicable, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

2. Types of Cookies

a) Technically Necessary Cookies

Technically necessary cookies are required to ensure the proper functioning of the website and the account area. These include in particular:

  • Login and session management on accounts.swisscows.com
  • Security functions (e.g. protection against misuse)
  • Storage of your cookie preferences

These cookies are used without consent, as they are essential for the operation of the service.

b) Advertising and Measurement Cookies

Advertising and measurement cookies are used to:

  • Deliver or personalize advertising,
  • Measure the effectiveness of advertisements,
  • Create statistical analyses of website usage.

These cookies are set only after active consent has been given.

3. Consent and Cookie Settings

When you first visit the website, you will be informed about the use of cookies via a cookie banner and asked for your consent.

  • Consent is voluntary
  • Non-essential cookies are only set after approval
  • Refusal has no disadvantages for the use of the website

You may change or withdraw your selection at any time by accessing the cookie settings.

4. Advertising Partners and Third-Party Providers

Based on your consent, advertising and measurement services from third-party providers may be used, in particular:

  • Google (Google Ads)
  • Microsoft (Microsoft Advertising)

These providers may use cookies or similar technologies and process personal data such as IP address, browser and device information, as well as usage and interaction data.

Further information can be found in the respective privacy policies of these providers, which are also referenced in our Privacy Policy.

5. Google Consent Mode v2

If Google Ads are used, Google Consent Mode v2 is implemented.
This ensures that Google services are activated either in a restricted or full manner depending on your consent.

Without consent, no cookies for advertising purposes are set and no personalized advertising is displayed.

6. Data Transfers to Third Countries

When using services from external providers, personal data may be transferred to countries outside Switzerland or the EU/EEA (e.g. the United States).

Such transfers only take place if:

  • an adequate level of data protection exists, or
  • appropriate safeguards are in place (e.g. standard contractual clauses).

7. Storage Period

Cookies are either:

  • deleted after the end of the browser session (session cookies), or
  • stored on your device for a defined period of time (persistent cookies).

The respective storage period can be viewed in the cookie settings.

8. Legal Bases

The processing of personal data is based on the following legal grounds:

  • Consent pursuant to the revFADP and Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR (advertising and measurement cookies)
  • Legitimate interest pursuant to the revFADP and Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR (technically necessary cookies, in particular in the account area)

9. Further Information

Further information on the processing of personal data can be found in our Privacy Policy.