Cookies are small text files (or similar technologies) that websites store on a user's device when browsing. They are widely used to ensure the proper functioning of websites, to remember user preferences, and to collect analytical information about site usage.
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, which types of cookies may be used on the CITIES FORUM mentoring platform, and how users can manage their preferences, in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the ePrivacy Directive, and applicable national legislation.
1. What Types of Cookies Do We Use?
The CITIES FORUM mentoring platform may use the following categories of cookies:
a) Strictly Necessary Cookies (Technical and Functional)
These cookies are essential for the basic operation of the platform and cannot be disabled. They enable core functionalities such as:
- User authentication and session management
- Security and fraud prevention
- Access to restricted areas of the platform
These cookies do not require user consent, as they are necessary for the service to function properly.
b) Analytical Cookies
These cookies collect aggregated and anonymous information about how users interact with the platform, such as:
- Number of visits
- Pages visited
- Duration of sessions
- Navigation patterns
They help us improve platform performance and user experience. For example, we may use tools such as Google Analytics.
Analytical cookies are non-essential and therefore require explicit user consent.
c) Third-Party Cookies
Third-party cookies may be installed by external services integrated into the platform, such as:
- Zoom (video conferencing)
- Stripe (payment processing)
- LinkedIn or other social or professional networks
These cookies are managed directly by the third-party providers and may be used for authentication, security, analytics, or service functionality. Since they are not strictly necessary for basic navigation, they require user consent.
d) Personalisation Cookies
These cookies allow the platform to remember user preferences, such as:
- Language selection
- Interface preferences
- User settings
They improve the user experience but are optional and therefore require user consent.
2. Example List of Cookies
The table below provides indicative examples of cookies that may be used:
| Cookie Name | Provider / Domain | Purpose | Duration | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sessionid | CITIES FORUM (first-party) | Maintain active user session | Session | Necessary |
| csrftoken | CITIES FORUM (first-party) | Security and form protection | Session | Necessary |
| _ga, _gid | Google Analytics | Website usage analytics | 2 years / 24h | Analytical |
| cookies_consent | CITIES FORUM (first-party) | Store cookie preferences | 1 year | Necessary |
| zoom_jwt | Zoom (third-party) | Video conferencing functionality | 1 year | Functional |
| _stripe_mid | Stripe (third-party) | Payment security and fraud prevention | 1 year | Functional |
| li_gc, lidc | LinkedIn (third-party) | Social login and professional networking | 30 days | Functional |
| language_preference | CITIES FORUM (first-party) | Remember selected language | 1 year | Personalisation |
3. User Consent and Cookie Preferences
In accordance with GDPR requirements:
- All non-essential cookies require explicit, prior consent.
- Cookies will not be activated until the user has expressed their preferences via the cookie banner.
- Consent is collected through a clear affirmative action (e.g. clicking a button).
When users access the platform for the first time, a cookie banner will appear allowing them to:
- Accept all cookies
- Reject non-essential cookies
- Configure preferences by category (granular consent)
Users can modify or withdraw their consent at any time, and it must be as easy to withdraw consent as it is to give it. A cookie settings link or panel will be made available for this purpose.
Records of consent will be stored to demonstrate compliance.
4. Managing Cookies via Browser Settings
Users can also manage cookies directly through their browser settings. Most browsers allow users to:
- Block cookies
- Delete stored cookies
- Configure cookie behaviour per website
Please note that disabling cookies may affect the proper functioning of some features of the platform.
5. Data Controller and Contact Details
For the purposes of data protection legislation, the data controller is:
CITIES FORUM S.L.U
Address: Escultor Nicolas de Bussi 2, 30002. Murcia. Spain
Email: dpo@citiesforum.org
Users may contact CITIES FORUM to exercise their data protection rights or to ask questions related to this Cookie Policy.
6. Changes to This Cookie Policy
CITIES FORUM reserves the right to update this Cookie Policy to reflect legal, technical, or operational changes. Any updates will be published on the platform and will apply from the date of publication.