1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how SURF-VHDL (“we”, “us”, “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on https://surf-vhdl.com (the “Website”). It should be read together with our Privacy Policy.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work or function more efficiently, and to provide information to the site owner.
Cookies can be:
- First-party cookies: set by this Website.
- Third-party cookies: set by other domains (for example analytics or embedded services).
Cookies can also be session cookies (deleted when you close your browser) or persistent cookies (stored for a defined period).
3. How We Use Cookies
3.1 Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are essential for the Website to function correctly and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually set in response to actions made by you, such as setting your cookie preferences or filling in forms.
3.2 Functional cookies
These cookies enable improved functionality and personalization, for example remembering your preferences. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we use on certain pages.
3.3 Analytics cookies (Matomo)
We use Matomo Analytics to understand how visitors use our Website (for example which pages are visited and how long visitors stay) in order to improve our tutorials and labs on VHDL, FPGA and digital design.
- Matomo is self-hosted on https://analytics.surf-vhdl.com.
- IP anonymization is enabled, and we do not use user IDs or e-commerce tracking on this Website.
Analytics cookies are only set when you give consent via the CookieYes banner for the “Analytics” category. You can withdraw your consent at any time via the cookie settings tool.
3.4 Third-party cookies (embedded content)
When we embed content from third-party services, such as:
- YouTube for video tutorials
- Spreaker for podcasts
- EzyCourse links and course pages
these providers may set their own cookies for analytics, performance or advertising. We do not control these cookies and they are subject to the respective providers’ privacy and cookie policies.
4. CookieYes Consent Management
We use CookieYes as our cookie consent tool.
- When you first visit the Website, a banner allows you to accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customize your preferences by category (for example Analytics).
- CookieYes stores your consent choices and ensures that non-essential cookies (such as Matomo analytics cookies) are not set until you have consented.
You can modify your cookie preferences at any time by using the “Cookie settings” link in the banner or in the footer of the Website (if available).
5. Matomo Cookies (Analytics)
When you consent to analytics cookies, Matomo may set cookies to measure traffic and usage in an aggregated manner. Typical Matomo cookies can include names starting with pk_ or mtm_.
These cookies help us measure visits, returning visitors and sessions. IP addresses are anonymized before storage, and we do not use the data to identify individual users.
You can change your preference for Analytics cookies at any time via CookieYes or by adjusting your browser settings (for example enabling “Do Not Track”).
6. Third-Party Cookies (Examples)
The following third-party services may set cookies when you interact with their content on our Website:
- YouTube (Google LLC) – when playing embedded videos.
- Spreaker – when listening to podcasts embedded on our pages.
- EzyCourse – when you visit course pages or use links to our course platform.
- Telegram – when you follow links to Telegram channels or groups (cookies set on Telegram’s own domain).
These cookies are subject to the respective providers’ privacy and cookie policies. We encourage you to review their documentation for more details.
7. Managing Cookies
7.1 Via our cookie banner (CookieYes)
On your first visit, and at any time via the “Cookie settings” link, you can choose which categories of cookies you accept.
7.2 In your browser
Most web browsers allow you to:
- View which cookies are stored on your device
- Delete cookies
- Block all cookies or cookies from specific websites
Please note that blocking or deleting cookies may affect the functionality of this Website.
8. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be published on this page with an updated “last updated” date.
9. Contact
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy, please contact:
SURF-VHDL
Via Del Fosso di S. Andrea
Rome, Italy
Email: info@surf-vhdl.com