Cookie Policy
Last Updated: 06 November 2025
Data Controller:
Geopolitical Studies Program – IPS
Faculty of Social Sciences
Charles University
Smetana Embankment 6
110 01 Prague 1
Czech Republic
Data Protection Officer: gdpr@cuni.cz
1. Introduction
This website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies. This policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and your rights to control their use. By continuing to use this website, you acknowledge and consent to our use of cookies as described herein.
2. WHAT ARE COOKIES
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by websites you visit. They are widely used to make websites function efficiently, enhance user experience, and provide analytical data to website operators. Cookies can be “persistent” (remaining on your device until expiration or manual deletion) or “session” (deleted when you close your browser).
3. TYPES OF COOKIES WE USE
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for website operation and cannot be disabled. They include:
CookieYes Consent Management: Stores your cookie consent preferences:
- Duration: 1 year
- Purpose: GDPR compliance, consent tracking
3.2 Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect aggregated data about website usage:
Google Analytics 4 (GA4):
- Provider: Google LLC (processed on EU servers)
- Cookies: _ga, ga[container-id], _gid
- Duration: _ga (2 years), _gid (24 hours)
- Purpose: Traffic analysis, user behavior patterns, performance metrics
- Data collected: IP address (anonymized), browser type, device information, pages visited, session duration, geographic location (city-level)
- Legal basis: Consent (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR)
- Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
3.3 Functionality Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality:
Kadence Contact Form:
- Duration: Session-based
- Purpose: Form submission handling, spam prevention
- Data collected: Form input data, submission timestamps
3.4 Third-Party Embedded Content Cookies
Facebook Embeds:
- Provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited
- Cookies: fr, datr, sb, c_user, xs (when content is loaded)
- Purpose: Social media integration, content delivery, user tracking
- Data collected: IP address, browser data, interaction with embedded content
- Privacy policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/
- Note: Facebook may set cookies even without direct interaction
YouTube Embeds:
- Provider: Google Ireland Limited
- Cookies: VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE, YSC, PREF
- Purpose: Video playback, usage statistics, preference storage
- Data collected: IP address, video viewing behavior, device information
- Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
- Note: We use YouTube’s privacy-enhanced mode where available, which limits tracking until video playback begins
4. LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING
We process cookie data under the following legal bases:
- Consent (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR): Analytics and non-essential cookies
- Legitimate Interest (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR): Strictly necessary cookies for website functionality
- Contractual Necessity (Article 6(1)(b) GDPR): Contact form cookies necessary to process your inquiries
5. DATA RETENTION
- Analytics data: Retained for 26 months from last user activity (GA4 default)
- Contact form submissions: Retained as per university archival policies
- Cookie consent records: Retained for 1 year
6. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS
Google Analytics 4: Data is processed on Google-certified servers within the European Union. However, Google LLC (USA) may access data under Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission.
Facebook and YouTube: These services may transfer data to the United States. Meta and Google participate in the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and utilize SCCs. Data transfer risks include potential access by U.S. authorities under surveillance laws (FISA 702, EO 12333).
7. YOUR RIGHTS
Under GDPR, you have the right to:
- Access: Request confirmation of data processing and obtain a copy
- Rectification: Correct inaccurate personal data
- Erasure: Request deletion (“right to be forgotten”)
- Restriction: Limit processing under certain circumstances
- Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
- Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Withdraw Consent: Revoke consent at any time without affecting prior processing
- Lodge a Complaint: File a complaint with the Czech Data Protection Authority (ÚOOÚ): www.uoou.cz
8. MANAGING COOKIES
8.1 Consent Management
You can modify your cookie preferences at any time using the CookieYes banner accessible at the bottom of this website. Click “Cookie Settings” to adjust your preferences.
8.2 Browser Controls
Most browsers allow you to:
- View and delete cookies
- Block third-party cookies
- Block all cookies (may impair website functionality)
Browser-specific instructions:
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies
- Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies
- Edge: Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions
