1. Cookies and Similar Technologies

A “cookie” is a small text file containing information that is sent to the browser of the user’s computer and/or mobile device (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Device”) from the website’s server when a user accesses the website, and is stored on the Device’s hard drive. Cookies can broadly be divided into two categories: the first-party cookie and the third-party cookie.

1.1 First-Party Cookie
First-party cookies are set by the VECTOR Group. Such cookies, in almost all cases, are set to enable visitors to use the functions of VECTOR Group websites. Certain functions of the websites may not work properly if these cookies are refused.

1.2 Third-Party Cookie
Third-party cookies are set by a partnering third party rather than the VECTOR Group itself. For example, some third-party cookies are set by partnering third parties that provide ad distribution services in order to track the user's browsing activities so that the optimal online advertisements of the VECTOR Group can be posted in the optimal location.

1.3 Web Beacon (or Pixel)
A web beacon (or pixel) refers to a technology for transferring information from the user's Device to the server. A web beacon can be embedded in email and online content such as videos and images, allowing for servers to read specific types of information from the user's Device, to recognize that the user has seen specific content, or has opened/previewed an email, and to record information such as the date of viewing and IP address.

2. Purpose of Use of Cookies and Similar Technologies

(1) Cookies to Enable Use of Service
Of the cookies described above, first-party cookies enable users to keep a session open by remembering key pieces of information so that the user does not have to repeatedly re-enter it when browsing the internet in general or using a specific online service, by automatically recognizing a user’s Device.

(2) Use of Cookies and Similar Technologies for Analysis of Access Status and Other Items
The VECTOR Group may analyze the customer’s status of use of the website (access status, traffic, routing, etc.) using information collected using cookies and similar technologies, and use this to improve the performance of the website itself, to improve and enhance the services provided to customers by the VECTOR Group via the website, and to distribute advertisements (including behavioral targeting advertising services for distributing appropriate advertisements to users). In such cases, third-party cookies set by a company that analyzes access status, etc. are used.
The following tool is the main one employed in such analysis.

Google Analytics (Tool provider: Google Inc.)
Yahoo! JAPAN Ads(Tool provider: LY Corporation)
Facebook Ads (Tool provider: Meta Platforms Inc.)
UNIVERSE Ads (Tool provider: MicroAd, Inc.)

・Information collected through the tool: User 's website usage status (access status, traffic, routing, etc.)

3. Method for Refusing Cookies and Similar Technologies

(1) Method for Refusing All Cookies
Cookies on a user's Device will remain on the device until they are deleted by the user or until their designated lifespan elapses. Almost all browsers are set to automatically accept cookies by default. However, a user may disable cookies by changing the browser settings. It should be noted that if cookies are disabled certain website functions may become unavailable, and some pages may no longer display correctly.
Please refer to the following URLs for information on the most common browsers and how to change cookie settings.

・Apple Safari

・Google Chrome

・Microsoft Internet Explorer

・Microsoft Edge

・Mozilla Firefox

(2) Method for Refusing Specific Cookies
The method to stop the provision of information to Google Analytics, the tool described in 2. (2) above, is stated on each of the links given below. However, if you would like to delete all such cookie information (third-party cookies), please be aware that you may be subject to restrictions in the use of the products and services provided by each company.

Formulated: April 30, 2020
Last updated::October 20, 2022
Keiji Nishie, Representative Director VECTOR INC.