Roe Specialised Education Organisation - Roe Specialised Education Organisation


Cookie Policy


1. Introduction


This Cookie Policy ("Policy") explains how Ροή Οργανισμός Εξειδικευμένης Εκπαίδευσης ΙΚΕ (Roe Specialised Education Organisation)   ("Company", "we", "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on the website www.roeplus.org ("Site"). This Policy describes the types of cookies we use, their purposes, how you can control them, and your rights regarding cookie usage. By continuing to use the Site, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this Policy.


2. Legal Basis and Regulatory Compliance 


2.1 European Legislation


This Cookie Policy complies with:


  • GDPR (EU Regulation 2016/679): For processing cookie-related personal data
  • ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC): For electronic communications and cookie requirements
  • PECR Amendment Directive (2009/136/EC): For prior consent requirements
  • EECC Directive (2014/61/EU): For electronic communications and security


2.2 Greek Legislation


This Policy also complies with:


  • Law 4624/2019: Code of Protection of Personal Data (Greek GDPR implementation)
  • Law 3471/2006: Implementation of the ePrivacy Directive
  • Presidential Decree 18/2018: GDPR implementation provisions in Greece


2.3 Key Principle: Prior Consent


Under EU law, we are required to obtain your prior informed consent before storing or accessing cookies on your device, except for strictly necessary cookies that enable the basic functioning of the Site. 


3. What are Cookies?


A cookie is a small text file that a website places on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit the website. Cookies are stored on your device and transmitted back to the server when you visit the Site again.


3.1 How Cookies Work


1. When you visit the Site, the server sends a cookie to your browser

2. Your browser stores the cookie on your device

3. When you revisit the Site, your browser sends the cookie back to the server

4. The server reads the cookie to recognize your device


3.2 Similar Technologies


In addition to cookies, we may use other similar tracking technologies: 


  • Web Beacons: Tiny graphics used to track page visits
  • Pixels: Small images embedded in web pages
  • Local Storage: Browser storage similar to cookies
  • Session Storage: Temporary storage for current browsing session


4. Types of Cookies We Use


4.1 Session Cookies


Purpose: Enable basic Site functionality during your current browsing session


Characteristics:


  • Automatically deleted when you close your browser
  • Do not contain personally identifiable information
  • Essential for basic navigation


Examples: Login information, shopping cart contents, form data


Consent Required: NO (strictly necessary)


4.2 Persistent Cookies


Purpose: Remember your preferences for repeat visits 


Characteristics: 


  • Remain on your device for a specified period (typically 1-5 years)
  • Allow the Site to recognize you on future visits
  • Store your preferences and settings


Examples: Language preference, theme selection, user ID, login credentials


Consent Required: YES (except for essential authentication)


Duration: Varies from 30 days to 5 years depending on purpose 


4.3 First-Party Cookies


Purpose: Set and managed by Pón directly


Characteristics:


  • Created by the Site you're visiting
  • Transmitted only to our servers
  • Used for functionality and analytics 


Examples: Site analytics, user preferences, session tokens


Consent Required: YES (for non-essential cookies)


4.4 Third-Party Cookies


Purpose: Set by external service providers


Characteristics:


  • Created by domains other than the Site
  • Transmitted to third-party servers
  • Used for advertising, analytics, or social media


Examples: Google Analytics, advertising networks, social media plugins


Consent Required: YES (always requires explicit consent)


4.5 Advertising/Tracking Cookies


Purpose: Track user behavior across the internet for targeted advertising


Characteristics:


  • Monitor your browsing habits
  • Build user profiles for personalized ads
  • May be shared with advertising partners


Consent Required: YES (always requires explicit consent)


Duration: Typically 1-2 years


4.6 Analytics Cookies


Purpose: Understand how visitors use the Site


Characteristics:


  • Collect anonymous aggregated data
  • Track page views, visitor flow, bounce rates
  • Help us improve Site performance


Provider: Google Analytics (GDPR-compliant)


Consent Required: YES (under GDPR/ePrivacy Directive)


Data Retention: 26 months (Google Analytics default)


5. Specific Cookies Used on Our Site

Cookie Name Type Duration Purpose Consent
PHPSESSIONS Session Session Maintain user session NO
_to Persistent 2 years Google Analytics tracking YES
_gid Persistent 24 hours Google Analytics session ID YES
_hole Persistent 1 minute Google Analytics throttling YES
language_preference Persistent 1 year Store language selection NO*
theme_mode Persistent 1 year Store theme preference NO*
contact_form_data Session Session Remember form inputs NO
user_id Persistent 6 months Remember logged-in user NO*

NO = Not required if essential to Site functionality*


6. Third-Party Service Providers


6.1 Google Analytics


Provider: Google LLC


Purpose: Track website traffic and user behaviour


Data Collected: Page views, visit duration, bounce rate, user flow, device type, browser type, IP address (anonymized)


Legal Basis: Legitimate interest consent (GDPR Article 6.1.a)


Data Retention: 26 months


Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en-US


6.2 Contact Forms


Provider: Our servers (no third-party sharing for form data)


Purpose: Process contact form submissions


Data Collected: Name, email, phone, company, message


Legal Basis: Legitimate interest consent (GDPR Article 6.1.a)


Data Retention: 3 years (business records) 


6.3 Email Service Provider 


Provider: Company E-mail provider


Purpose: Send transactional and marketing emails


Data Collected: Email address, name, communication preferences


Legal Basis: Legitimate interest consent Data


Retention: As per email service provider policy


7. Your Cookie Choices and Rights


7.1 Browser Controls

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings:


  • Google Chrome: Menu → Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and Other Site Data
  • Mozilla Firefox: Menu → Preferences → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
  • Apple Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
  • Microsoft Edge: Settings → Privacy → Clear Browsing Data → Cookies and Saved Website Data


7.2 Cookie Consent Banner


When you first visit our Site, a cookie consent banner will appear. You can:


  • Accept All: Consent to all cookies (essential non-essential)
  • Reject Non-Essential: Accept only essential cookies
  • Customize: Choose specific cookie categories


Your consent preference is stored and respected for 12 months. 


7.3 Opt-Out Options


For Google Analytics: Visit https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout or add the opt-out cookie extension


For Advertising Networks visit:

  • Network Advertising Initiative: https://optout.networkadvertising.org/
  • Digital Advertising Alliance: https://optout.aboutads.info/ 


7.4 Your GDPR Rights


Under GDPR, you have the right to:


  • Access: Request information about cookies stored on your device
  • Withdraw Consent: Withdraw cookie consent at any time via our cookie settings
  • Deletion: Request deletion of cookie data
  • Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
  • Lodge a Complaint: Contact the Hellenic Data Protection Authority (www.dpa.gr)


8. Do Not Track Signals


Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature. Currently, there is no universal standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals.


Our Policy: We do not currently alter our data practices in response to DNT browser signals. However, you can use the cookie controls described in Section 7 to limit tracking. 


9. Strictly Necessary Cookies


The following cookies are essential for Site functionality and do not require consent: 


  • Session Management: Cookies that enable you to navigate the Site and use its features
  • Security: Cookies that help prevent fraud and protect the Site
  • Load Balancing: Cookies that distribute traffic across our servers
  • Accessibility: Cookies that remember accessibility preferences


Note: Even though these cookies don't require consent under GDPR, we still inform you about them in this Policy. 


10. Security and Data Protection


10.1 Cookie Security


All cookies are transmitted over HTTPS (encrypted connection)


Session cookies are marked as "HttpOnly" to prevent JavaScript access


Sensitive data is not stored in cookies; server-side sessions are used instead Cookies are regularly audited for security compliance


10.2 Data Protection


Data collected via cookies is:


  • Encrypted: Using SSL/TLS 256-bit encryption
  • Access Controlled: Only authorized personnel can access cookie data
  • Retained Securely: Stored in EU-based data centers
  • Deleted: Automatically deleted after retention period expires


11. International Data Transfers 


Some third-party service providers (e.g., Google Analytics) may transfer cookie data outside the EU/EEA.


Safeguards: Transfers only to countries approved by the European Commission Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) for other transfers Supplementary technical and organizational measures


For details, see our Privacy Policy. 


12. Changes to This Cookie Policy


We reserve the right to update this Policy at any time. Material changes will be communicated via:


  • Email notification to registered users
  • Banner on the Site announcing significant changes
  • Updated publication date at the top of this Policy


Your continued use of the Site after updates constitutes acceptance of the new Policy.


13. Contact Information


13.1 Data Protection Officer


For questions about cookies or data protection contact us via the website's contact form or via phone: 30 210 44 49 629.


13.2 Hellenic Data Protection Authority 


For complaints or inquiries:

Website: www.dpa.gr

Phone: 30 210 6475 600 Email: contact@dpa.gr 


14. Regulatory References


14.1 EU Regulations


Regulation / Application


  • GDPR 2016/679 Cookie data protection
  • ePrivacy Directive 2002/58/EC Electronic communications
  • PECR Amendment 2009/136/EC Prior consent requirement
  • EECC Directive 2014/61/EU Cybersecurity & communications


14.2 Greek Laws


Law / Application


  • L. 4624/2019 Personal Data Protection Code
  • L. 3471/2006 ePrivacy Directive implementation
  • PD 18/2018 GDPR implementation in Greece



15. Cookie Consent Management


15.1 How to Manage Your Preferences


1. Look for the cookie consent banner on the Site

2. Click "Cookie Settings" or "Preferences"

3. Select your preferred cookie categories

4. Click "Save Preferences" 5. Your choice is remembered for 12 months


15.2 Withdrawing Consent 


You can change your cookie preferences at any time by: 


  • Visiting the cookie settings on our Site
  • Clearing your browser cookies (note: this will log you out)
  • Contacting our Data Protection Officer


15.3 Consent Expiration 


Your cookie consent expires after 12 months. You will be asked to renew your consent on your next visit after expiration.


17. Acknowledgment


By using the Site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Cookie Policy and consent to the use of cookies as described herein.


Last Updated: November 17, 2025.