This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them on the International Catalogue of Heavenly Bodies website and related services (collectively, the “Services”), and your choices regarding their use. This policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy and User Agreement.
By continuing to browse or use our Services, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy. If you do not agree to the use of cookies, you may adjust your browser settings accordingly or refrain from using certain features of our Services. However, please note that disabling essential cookies may affect the functionality and performance of the Services.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone, or other device) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, enhance user experience, provide analytical information, and support certain functionalities. Cookies may be “session cookies” (which expire when you close your browser) or “persistent cookies” (which remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them).
Cookies can be set by the website you are visiting (“first-party cookies”) or by third parties such as analytics providers or advertising networks (“third-party cookies”).
How We Use Cookies
ICHB.ORG uses cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
- Essential Functionality: To enable core website functions such as user authentication, session management, and security.
- Preferences: To remember your preferences and settings, such as language preferences or display options.
- Analytics and Performance: To understand how visitors interact with our Services, measure traffic, identify technical issues, and improve performance.
- Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations, such as maintaining records of consent where required.
- Security: To protect against fraud, unauthorized access, and other security threats.
Types of Cookies We Use
For Users in the United States
This section applies to users in the United States. Various state laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) as amended by the CPRA, the Virginia CDPA, the Colorado CPA, and others, provide specific rights regarding your personal information.
Categories of Personal Information Collected
We may collect the following categories of personal information through cookies and similar technologies: identifiers (e.g., IP address, online identifier), internet or other electronic network activity information (e.g., browsing history, interaction with website), and geolocation data (at a general level).
Sale or Sharing of Personal Information
We do not “sell” your personal information in exchange for monetary compensation. However, some of our uses of cookies (particularly advertising and analytics cookies) may be considered a “sale” or “sharing” (for cross-context behavioral advertising) under certain state laws (e.g., CCPA). You have the right to opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information.
You can exercise your right to opt out by:
- Managing your cookie preferences through our cookie consent manager (if available) and disabling non-essential cookies.
- Using an opt-out preference signal, such as the Global Privacy Control (GPC), if supported by your browser.
Sensitive Personal Information
We do not collect sensitive personal information (as defined by US state laws) through cookies.
Non-Discrimination
We will not discriminate against you for exercising any of your privacy rights.
For Users in the European Economic Area, United Kingdom, and Switzerland
This section applies to you if you are accessing our Services from a country in the European Economic Area (EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), Switzerland, or the United Kingdom. Your data is protected by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and respective national laws.
Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
We process cookies based on the following legal grounds:
- Strictly necessary cookies: Our legitimate interest in providing you with the Services you request (GDPR Article 6(1)(f)).
- All other cookies: Your consent, which you give by accepting cookies through our cookie banner (GDPR Article 6(1)(a)).
You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
Data Transfers
For analytics tools like Google Analytics, your data may be transferred to the USA. We have ensured appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission, to protect your data.
Supervisory Authority
You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
For Users from the Russian Federation
This section contains additional information for users located in the Russian Federation, in accordance with the requirements of Federal Law No. 152-FZ “On Personal Data” and recommendations of Roskomnadzor.
Legal Basis for Processing
- Strictly necessary cookies: Based on paragraph 2 of part 1 of Article 6 of Federal Law No. 152-FZ (performance of a contract).
- Other cookies: Based on your consent (Article 9 of Federal Law No. 152-FZ). Consent may be expressed by conclusive actions (e.g., continuing to use the site after notification).
Data Localization and Cross-Border Transfer
For users accessing our Services through partners in the Russian Federation, data is primarily processed and stored on servers located in Russia in compliance with Federal Law No. 242-FZ on data localization. These versions use Yandex Metrica or other compliant analytics tools.
Contact & Supervisory Authority
For inquiries: privacy@ichb.org (responses in Russian upon request). You have the right to file a complaint with Roskomnadzor: https://rkn.gov.ru/.
For Users in Brazil
This section applies to you if you are in Brazil. Your data is protected by the Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados (LGPD – Law No. 13,709/2018).
Legal Basis for Processing
We process cookies based on the following legal grounds under the LGPD:
- Strictly necessary cookies: For the fulfillment of a contract or preliminary procedures (Art. 7, V, LGPD).
- All other cookies: Your consent (Art. 7, I, LGPD), which you provide through our cookie banner.
Your Rights
You have the right to confirm the existence of processing, access your data, correct incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated data, anonymize, block, or eliminate unnecessary or excessive data, and revoke your consent. To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@ichb.org.
Supervisory Authority
You may lodge a complaint with the Autoridade Nacional de Proteção de Dados (ANPD): https://www.gov.br/anpd/pt-br.
For Users in China
This section applies to users in the People’s Republic of China. Your data is protected by the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL).
Legal Basis for Processing
- Strictly necessary cookies: Necessary for the performance of a contract or to fulfill a legal obligation.
- Other cookies (e.g., analytics, marketing): Your separate, explicit, and voluntary consent (PIPL Art. 14).
Versions of our website hosted for users in China do not use Google Analytics or other foreign analytics tools unless they comply with Chinese cybersecurity laws. We use local, compliant analytics services to ensure data remains within Chinese jurisdiction where required.
Sensitive Information & Cross-Border Transfer
We do not consider standard cookie data to be “sensitive information.” If we need to transfer any personal information collected in China outside of China, we will comply with the PIPL’s requirements, which may include passing a security assessment, obtaining certification, or entering into a standard contract with the recipient, and obtaining your separate consent.
Your Rights & Supervisory Authority
You have the right to access, copy, correct, and delete your personal information, and to withdraw your consent. To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@ichb.org. You may also lodge a complaint with the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC).
For Users in Japan
This section applies to users in Japan. Your data is protected by the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI).
Legal Basis for Processing
- Strictly necessary cookies: Based on the use of the user’s information to the extent necessary for the execution of a transaction.
- Other cookies: Your consent, which is obtained via our cookie banner.
Third-Party Provision
If we provide personal data obtained via cookies to a third party (e.g., analytics providers), we will either obtain your prior consent or ensure the third party complies with APPI through a contractual agreement.
Contact & Supervisory Authority
For inquiries: privacy@ichb.org. You have the right to file a complaint with the Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC): https://www.ppc.go.jp/en/.
For Users in India
This section applies to users in India. Your data is protected by the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act).
Legal Basis for Processing
- Strictly necessary cookies: For the purpose of providing you with the Services you have requested.
- All other cookies: Your consent, which must be free, specific, informed, unconditional, and unambiguous with a clear affirmative action (DPDP Act).
Our cookie banner is designed to obtain this consent before any non-essential cookies are dropped.
Your Rights
You have the right to access, correct, and erase your personal data, and to withdraw your consent. Please contact us at privacy@ichb.org to exercise these rights.
For Users in Israel
This section applies to users in Israel. Your data is protected by the Privacy Protection Law, 5741-1981.
Legal Basis for Processing
Our use of strictly necessary cookies is based on our legitimate interest in operating the database. For other types of cookies (analytics, marketing, etc.), we will obtain your consent in accordance with the Privacy Protection Regulations (Data Security), 5777-2017.
You may withdraw your consent at any time by adjusting your browser settings.
Contact & Supervisory Authority
For inquiries: privacy@ichb.org. You have the right to file a complaint with the Israeli Privacy Protection Authority (PPA) at https://www.gov.il/en/departments/ppa.
Cookie Retention Periods
The retention period for cookies varies depending on their purpose:
- Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies: Remain on your device for a set period, typically ranging from 30 days to 24 months, depending on the cookie type. After this period, they may be renewed when you revisit our Services.
- Third-party cookies: Retention periods are set by the respective third parties. Please refer to their privacy policies for details.
How to Manage Cookies
You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject cookies. You can exercise your preferences by adjusting your browser settings or using the opt-out mechanisms described below.
Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically:
- View what cookies are stored on your device and delete them individually.
- Block third-party cookies.
- Block all cookies (including essential cookies).
- Clear all cookies when you close the browser.
Please note that if you block or delete all cookies, some features of our Services may not function properly, and you may lose access to certain functionalities (such as logging into your account).
To learn how to manage cookies in your specific browser, please visit the following links:
Opt-Out Tools
For analytics cookies, you can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on and opt out of Yandex Metrica by visiting Yandex’s opt-out page.
For managing third-party advertising cookies, you may visit the following industry opt-out platforms:
Cookie Consent Management
When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie banner that allows you to accept or reject non-essential cookies. Your preferences will be stored in a cookie, and you can change them at any time by clearing your cookies and reloading the page, or by using the consent management tool if available on our site.
Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
If you are located in the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom, we process cookies based on the following legal grounds:
- Strictly necessary cookies: Our legitimate interest in providing you with the Services you request (GDPR Article 6(1)(f)).
- All other cookies: Your consent, which you give by accepting cookies through our cookie banner or by continuing to browse after being informed (GDPR Article 6(1)(a)).
You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by adjusting your browser settings as described above. Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
Cookie Retention Periods
The retention period for cookies varies depending on their purpose:
- Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies: Remain on your device for a set period, typically ranging from 30 days to 24 months, depending on the cookie type. After this period, they may be renewed when you revisit our Services.
- Third-party cookies: Retention periods are set by the respective third parties. Please refer to their privacy policies for details.
Updates to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or the technologies we use. When we make material changes, we will notify you by posting the updated policy on this page with a revised “Latest Update” date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about our use of cookies.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us at:
Email: privacy@ichb.org
For information about limitations of liability and disclaimers, please see our Legal Information.
Definitions and Legal References
Personal Data (or Data)
Any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (“Data Subject”). An identifiable person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, identification number, location data, online identifier, or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity of that person.
Usage Data
Information collected automatically through this Application (or third-party services employed in this Application), which can include: the IP addresses or domain names of the computers utilized by the Users who use this Application, the URI addresses (Uniform Resource Identifier), the time of the request, the method utilized to submit the request to the server, the size of the file received in response, the numerical code indicating the status of the server’s answer (successful outcome, error, etc.), the country of origin, the features of the browser and the operating system utilized by the User, the various time details per visit (e.g., the time spent on each page within the Application) and the details about the path followed within the Application with special reference to the sequence of pages visited, and other parameters about the device operating system and/or the User’s IT environment.
User
The individual using this Application, which must coincide with or be authorized by the Data Subject, to whom the Personal Data refers.
Data Subject
The legal or natural person to whom the Personal Data refers.
Data Processor (or Data Supervisor)
The natural person, legal person, public administration or any other body, association or organization authorized by the Data Controller to process the Personal Data in compliance with this privacy policy.
Data Controller (or Owner)
The natural person, legal person, public administration or any other body, association or organization with the right, also jointly with another Data Controller, to make decisions regarding the purposes, and the methods of processing of Personal Data and the means used, including the security measures concerning the operation and use of this Application. The Data Controller, unless otherwise specified, is the Owner of this Application (ICHB.ORG).
This Application
The hardware or software tool by which the Personal Data of the User is collected.
Cookies
Small pieces of data stored in the User’s device by the web browser.
Legal Information
Notice to European Users: this cookie policy has been prepared in fulfillment of the obligations under the ePrivacy Directive (Directive 2002/58/EC, as revised by Directive 2009/136/EC) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
This cookie policy relates solely to this Application (ICHB.ORG).
