Cookie Policy

Last Updated: January 2024

Sothebys (SotheWorld) operates the website worldsoth.auction ("the Website"). This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them on our Website, and your rights regarding cookie management. This policy is designed to ensure transparency and comply with the cookie regulations in the European Union, including the ePrivacy Directive and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They contain information that can be sent back to the website on each subsequent visit. Cookies serve various purposes, including enhancing user experience, remembering preferences, tracking website usage, and providing security features.

Each cookie has an expiration date. Some cookies (called "session cookies") are deleted when you close your browser, while others (called "persistent cookies") remain on your device for a specified period or until you manually delete them. Cookies cannot contain viruses or malware and cannot damage your computer or device.

Cookies can be set by the website you are visiting (first-party cookies) or by third-party services (third-party cookies). Third-party cookies allow external services to track your activity across multiple websites.

2. Legal Basis for Cookie Use

In the European Union, we rely on the following legal bases for using cookies on our Website:

• Consent: For non-essential cookies, we obtain your explicit consent through our cookie consent mechanism before placing them on your device.
• Legitimate Interest: For essential and functional cookies necessary for website operation, we rely on our legitimate interest to provide a safe and functional service.
• Legal Obligation: We comply with applicable legal requirements regarding cookies and data protection in Europe.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)

Essential cookies are required for the basic functionality of our Website. They enable core features such as security, network management, and accessibility. These cookies do not require prior consent under European law because they are necessary for the legitimate operation of our service.

• Session cookies that maintain your login state
• Security cookies that protect against fraud and malicious attacks
• Cookies that preserve your language and currency preferences
• Cookies that enable load balancing and server stability
• Cookies required for GDPR compliance and cookie consent management

3.2 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies enhance your experience by remembering choices you have made. They allow the Website to provide personalised features and remember your preferences across visits. These cookies typically require your consent.

• Cookies that remember your browsing history and saved items
• Cookies that store your user preferences and settings
• Cookies that enable live chat and customer support features
• Cookies that track your participation in surveys or questionnaires

3.3 Analytics Cookies

Analytics cookies collect information about how visitors use our Website. This data helps us understand user behaviour, identify technical issues, and improve website performance. These cookies typically require your consent before they are activated.

• Cookies that measure page views and traffic sources
• Cookies that track conversion rates and user journeys
• Cookies that identify errors and performance issues
• Cookies that analyse user demographics and interests

3.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies

Marketing cookies are used to track your interests and display targeted advertisements. They help us understand which products or services you are interested in and allow us to show you relevant content. These cookies require your explicit consent.

• Cookies that enable retargeting campaigns across different websites
• Cookies that measure advertising effectiveness
• Cookies that personalise advertisement content based on your interests
• Cookies that track your engagement with promotional materials

4. Detailed Cookie Table

The following table provides detailed information about the cookies we use on our Website:

5. Third-Party Cookies and External Services

Our Website uses various third-party services that may set their own cookies. These services help us provide analytics, advertising, and other functionality. We have contractual agreements with these third parties to ensure they process data in compliance with GDPR and other applicable regulations.

5.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to track and analyse user behaviour on our Website. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect anonymous information about your visits, including pages visited, time spent on site, and referral sources. The data is processed by Google Inc., which has committed to respecting data protection laws. You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics opt-out browser extension.

5.2 Google Fonts

Our Website uses Google Fonts to display typography. Google Fonts loads font files from Google's servers. While technically not a cookie, Google Fonts may store temporary information about your visit. Google's use of this data is governed by their privacy policy.

5.3 Facebook Pixel

We use the Facebook Pixel to track conversions, optimise advertisements, and remarket to users across Meta platforms. The Facebook Pixel sets cookies to identify you and measure the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns. Facebook's data processing is governed by their data policy.

5.4 Content Delivery Networks (CDN)

We use Content Delivery Networks to serve static assets (images, CSS, JavaScript) faster. CDN providers may set cookies to track performance and prevent abuse. These cookies are typically necessary for website functionality.

5.5 Data Transfers Outside the EEA

Some third-party services may transfer your data to countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA). We ensure such transfers comply with GDPR by relying on Standard Contractual Clauses, Binding Corporate Rules, or other approved transfer mechanisms. You have the right to request further information about these mechanisms by contacting us.

6. Cookie Consent Mechanism

When you first visit our Website, a cookie consent banner appears. This banner informs you about our use of cookies and allows you to make informed choices.

6.1 Consent Categories

Our consent mechanism allows you to accept or reject cookies in the following categories:

• Essential Cookies: Always enabled (required for website operation)
• Functional Cookies: Optional; improves your user experience
• Analytics Cookies: Optional; helps us understand user behaviour
• Marketing Cookies: Optional; enables targeted advertising

6.2 Withdrawing Consent

You can withdraw or change your cookie preferences at any time by returning to our Website and clicking the "Cookie Settings" or "Manage Preferences" link in the footer. Your preferences are stored in the cookie_consent cookie and will be respected immediately.

7. How to Manage and Delete Cookies

You have full control over cookies on your device. Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being set. Below are instructions for managing cookies in popular browsers:

7.1 Google Chrome

1. Click the Menu button (three vertical dots) in the top-right corner
2. Select Settings
3. Click Privacy and security in the left sidebar
4. Click Cookies and other site data
5. Choose one of the following options:
   • "Allow all cookies" (default)
   • "Block all cookies" (not recommended)
   • "Block third-party cookies in Incognito"
   • "Block third-party cookies" (blocks some tracking)
6. To delete existing cookies, click Clear browsing data and select Cookies and other site data

7.2 Mozilla Firefox

1. Click the Menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner
2. Select Settings
3. Click Privacy & Security in the left sidebar
4. Under Cookies and Site Data, you can choose:
   • "Accept cookies and site data from websites" (default)
   • "Reject all cookies"
   • "Accept only from sites I visit"
5. To delete cookies, click Clear Data next to "Cookies and Site Data"

7.3 Apple Safari

1. Click Safari in the top menu
2. Select Preferences (or Settings on newer versions)
3. Click the Privacy tab
4. Under "Cookies and website data", select one of:
   • "Always allow" (default)
   • "Allow from websites I visit"
   • "Never allow"
5. To delete cookies, click Remove All Website Data

7.4 Microsoft Edge

1. Click the Menu button (three horizontal dots) in the top-right corner
2. Select Settings
3. Click Privacy, search, and services in the left sidebar
4. Under Cookies and other site permissions, click Cookies and data stored
5. Choose your preference:
   • "Allow all cookies" (default)
   • "Block all cookies"
   • "Block third-party cookies"
6. To delete cookies, go to Clear browsing data and select Cookies and other site data

7.5 Mobile Device Cookie Management

Apple iOS (Safari): Go to Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data. You can view and delete cookies by tapping "Remove All Website Data" or swiping to delete individual entries.

Android (Chrome): Open Chrome, tap the Menu button, select Settings > Privacy and Security > Delete Browsing Data. Check "Cookies and site data" and tap Delete.

8. Impact of Disabling Cookies

While you have the right to disable cookies, please be aware of the following consequences:

• You may not be able to log into your account or maintain your session
• Your preferences and saved items may not be remembered
• Website features may not function properly
• You may experience slower performance
• Security features designed to protect your account may be compromised
• You may see non-personalised advertisements

9. European Privacy Regulation Compliance

Our cookie practices comply with the following European regulations:

9.1 GDPR Compliance

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) gives you rights regarding your personal data, including the right to know what data we collect, the right to access it, and the right to have it deleted. While cookies themselves are not always personal data, they can identify you when combined with other information. We comply with GDPR by:

• Obtaining your explicit consent before using non-essential cookies
• Providing clear information about our cookie use in this policy
• Allowing you to access, modify, and delete your cookie preferences
• Ensuring data transfers comply with GDPR requirements

9.2 ePrivacy Directive

The ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC, as amended by 2009/136/EC) requires websites to obtain prior consent before storing information on users' devices. We comply by obtaining your consent through our cookie banner before setting non-essential cookies.

9.3 PECR Regulations

The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) in the United Kingdom require consent for cookies (excluding essential cookies). We ensure compliance by obtaining your consent before setting cookies that are not strictly necessary.

10. Your Rights

Under European data protection laws, you have the following rights regarding cookies:

• Right to Information: You have the right to know what cookies we use and how they process your data (this policy provides this information)
• Right to Consent: You have the right to give or withhold consent for non-essential cookies
• Right to Withdraw Consent: You can withdraw your consent at any time by adjusting your cookie preferences
• Right to Access: You can request information about the cookies stored on your device related to our Website
• Right to Delete: You can delete cookies from your device using your browser's privacy settings
• Right to Complain: If you believe our cookie use violates your rights, you can lodge a complaint with your national data protection authority

11. Cookie Policy Updates

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our cookie practices or applicable regulations. We will notify you of material changes by displaying a prominent notice on our Website or by sending you an email notification. Your continued use of the Website following such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

Last Updated: January 2024
Effective Date: January 2024

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about our cookie practices or this Cookie Policy, please contact us using the information below:

We are committed to protecting your privacy and responding to your concerns promptly. Our Data Protection Officer or privacy team will respond to your enquiry within 30 days of receipt.

For more information about how we process your personal data, please consult our Privacy Policy.