Cookie Policy — Women on Boards Albania (WOB-AL)

This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, which cookies WOB-AL uses on www.wobal.org, why we use them, and how you can manage your preferences. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy. Under Albania’s Law No. 124/2024 on the Protection of Personal Data (fully aligned with the EU GDPR) and the ePrivacy Directive principles applicable in the EU, we are required to inform you about cookies and to obtain your prior consent before placing any non-essential cookies on your device.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that a website stores on your device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) when you visit it. They help websites function correctly, remember your preferences, and — where you have given consent — collect information about how you use the site.

Cookies can be:

• First-party cookies — set directly by WOB-AL via wobal.org
• Third-party cookies — set by external services (e.g., analytics providers) operating on our behalf
• Session cookies — temporary files deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent cookies — remain on your device for a defined period or until you delete them.

2. How We Use Cookies

Cookies are small text files that a website stores on your device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) when you visit it. They help websites function correctly, remember your preferences, and — where you have given consent — collect information about how you use the site.

WOB-AL uses cookies only where necessary or where you have given explicit consent. We do not use advertising, retargeting, or social media tracking cookies. Our cookie use falls into the following categories:

Category 1: Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to function. They enable core functions such as page
navigation and access to secure areas. They do not collect personal data and cannot be switched off.

Legal basis: No consent required — these are technically necessary to provide the service you request.

Category 2: Analytics & Performance Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website — for example, which pages are visited most and whether visitors experience any errors. The information is aggregated and anonymized wherever possible and is not used to identify individuals.
We only place these cookies after you have given your consent via our cookie banner.

Legal basis: Consent (GDPR Art. 6(1)(a)). You may withdraw this consent at any time via the cookie preferences panel on our website.

Note: If you opt out of analytics cookies, we will lose the ability to understand how users navigate our site, but all site functionality remains available to you.

Category 3: Functional Cookies
Functional cookies allow the website to remember choices you have made (such as your language or region) to provide a more personalized experience. These are only placed with your consent.

Legal basis: Consent (GDPR Art. 6(1)(a)).

Category 4: Third-Party Embedded Content
Where we embed third-party content on our website (e.g., LinkedIn posts, YouTube recordings of events, or newsletter signup widgets), those third parties may also place cookies on your device. We have no control over these cookies. Please refer to the relevant third-party privacy policies:

We use YouTube’s Privacy-Enhanced Mode (youtube-nocookie.com) wherever possible, which limits data collection until you actively play a video.

Legal basis: These third-party cookies require your consent, which we request via our cookie banner.

3. What We Do NOT Use Cookies For

WOB-AL does not use cookies for:

• Advertising or retargeting (no ad networks, no Meta Pixel, no Google Ads tracking)
• Automated profiling or behavioural tracking across third-party websites
• Building individual user profiles

4. Your Consent and How to Manage Cookies

When you first visit wobal.org, a cookie banner will appear offering you a clear choice:

• Accept all — enables analytics and functional cookies in addition to strictly necessary ones
• Reject non-essential — only strictly necessary cookies are placed
• Manage preferences — lets you choose which categories to enable individually

You can update your choices at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer of our website.

Important: Pre-checked boxes, implied consent through continued browsing, or automatic acceptance after a timer are not used on this website. Consent is always a deliberate, active choice.

Managing Cookies Through Your Browser
Most browsers allow you to manage cookies through their settings. Below are direct links to cookie management guidance for common browsers:

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

Blocking all cookies may affect website functionality, including form submission and event registration pages.

5. Consent Records

In line with GDPR accountability requirements, WOB-AL maintains records of cookie consents, including the date and time consent was given, the version of the cookie policy presented, and the categories consented to. These records are kept for a minimum of 5 years.

6. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We review and update this Cookie Policy periodically, particularly when we add or remove services on our website. When we make significant changes, we will reset your cookie consent so you can review and re-confirm your preferences. The “Last Reviewed” date at the top of this page will always reflect the most recent version.

7. Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact us:
Women on Boards Albania (WOB-AL)
Email: info@wobal.org
Website: www.wobal.org

For complaints, you may also contact the Albanian supervisory authority: Commissioner for the Right to Information and the Protection of Personal Data (IDPP)

Website: www.idp.al