Foreign Trade Platform Cookie Policy and Usage Guidelines

1. Introduction

In today's digital foreign trade environment, foreign trade platforms leverage cookies and similar technologies to create personalized, efficient, and secure trading experiences for global users. These technologies not only improve platform efficiency but also help users more easily obtain the information they need, enabling precise marketing and advertising. However, users are increasingly concerned about their data privacy. Therefore, a thorough understanding of how foreign trade platforms use cookies and similar technologies, and mastering corresponding management methods, is crucial for protecting user rights and improving user experience.

2. Overview of Cookies and Similar Technologies

2.1 Definition

Cookies are small files, typically composed of letters and numbers. They are placed on users' devices, such as computers, tablets, and mobile phones, when they access foreign trade platforms. Similar technologies include pixel tags, web beacons, transparent GIFs, JavaScript, and local storage.

2.2 Functions

Foreign trade platforms widely utilize these technologies to improve platform operational efficiency, provide analytical information, enable personalized content delivery, and remember user marketing preferences. For example, by analyzing users' browsing history and purchasing behavior, the platform can recommend products that better meet their needs, enhancing the user's shopping experience. 

3. Use of Cookies and Similar Technologies on Foreign Trade Platforms

3.1 Mandatory Cookies

These technologies are essential for the functioning of the foreign trade platform experience and cannot be disabled within the platform system. They are typically set only when a user performs specific actions, such as setting privacy preferences, logging in, or filling out forms. They do not store any personally identifiable information, but if a user blocks these technologies or issues a warning, some aspects of the platform experience will not function. For example, mandatory cookies maintain the user's state when the user performs cross-page operations, ensuring that the user does not need to log in repeatedly when browsing different pages.

3.2 Analytics Cookies

These technologies allow foreign trade platforms to calculate device access frequency and traffic sources, measuring and improving platform performance. The platform can understand the popularity of various functions and how users interact with them. All collected information is aggregated; if users do not allow the use of these technologies, the platform will not be able to know the user's access time and interaction methods. For example, by analyzing cookies, the platform can understand which product pages are most popular with users, thereby optimizing product display and promotion strategies.

3.3 Functional Cookies

These technologies enable foreign trade platforms to provide better functionality and personalized services. These technologies may be set by the platform itself or by third-party providers offering services to the platform. If users do not allow the use of these technologies, some services may not function properly. For example, functional cookies can remember a user's chosen language and region to provide more personalized services.

3.4 Targeting Cookies These technologies may be set by foreign trade platforms or advertising partners to build user interest profiles and display relevant advertisements on other platforms. They do not store personal information directly on the device, but are based on a unique identification of the device. If users do not allow the use of these technologies, they will see fewer targeted advertisements. For example, based on a user's browsing history and purchasing behavior, targeting cookies can push relevant product advertisements to the user, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of advertising. 

4. Cookie Retention Time on Devices

4.1 Session Cookies

Some cookies remain active from the time a user visits the e-commerce platform until the end of a specific browsing session, expiring and being automatically deleted when the user closes their internet browser. For example, during a shopping session, a session cookie can record the user's shopping cart contents; this information is cleared when the user closes the browser.

4.2 Persistent Cookies

Some cookies remain on the device between browsing sessions and do not expire when the browser is closed. The retention time varies depending on the cookie. For example, persistent cookies can remember a user's login information, allowing the user to access the platform again without needing to log in again. 

5. Similar Tracking Technologies

Cookies are not the only way to identify or track visitors to the foreign trade platform. The platform may occasionally use other similar technologies such as web beacons (sometimes called "tracking pixels" or "transparent GIFs"). These are small graphic files containing unique identifiers that allow the platform to recognize when someone visits the platform or opens communications sent by the platform, thereby assessing the validity of the communications. In many cases, these technologies rely on cookies to function properly, so blocking cookies will weaken the functionality of these technologies.

6. User Rights Protection and Contact Information

The foreign trade platform is committed to protecting user privacy. Users can learn more about privacy practices through the platform's privacy statement and code of conduct. If you have any questions about how the platform uses cookies, you can contact the platform through the contact form or by sending an email to the designated address, providing your contact information, the platform name or hyperlink, and a description of your cookie request. 

7. Conclusion While utilizing cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience, foreign trade platforms also place great emphasis on protecting user privacy. By understanding how these technologies are used and managed, users can better control their data privacy on the platform, enjoying personalized services while safeguarding their rights. It is hoped that users of foreign trade platforms will actively apply this knowledge to jointly create a safe, convenient, and efficient foreign trade trading environment.