Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

1.1 Definition

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 helps websites remember your preferences, settings, and activity during your visit and across multiple visits.

1.2 Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use similar technologies including:

• Web beacons (pixels): Small transparent images that help us understand user behavior
• Local storage: Data stored locally on your device to improve functionality
• Session identifiers: Temporary identifiers that maintain your session state
• Analytics tags: Code that collects information about website usage

2. Australian Legal Context

2.1 Privacy Act Requirements

Under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs):

• We must be transparent about our data collection practices
• Personal information collected through cookies is subject to privacy protection requirements
• We must provide you with information about what data is collected and how it's used

2.2 No Mandatory Consent Requirement

Unlike some international jurisdictions, Australian law does not currently require explicit consent for all cookie use. However, we believe in transparency and providing you with control over your data.

2.3 Consumer Protection

Under the Australian Consumer Law, we must ensure our practices are not misleading or deceptive, and we must clearly communicate how we use cookies and tracking technologies.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled:

3.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance your user experience by remembering your preferences:

3.3 Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website:

3.4 Marketing Cookies

These cookies are used for advertising and marketing purposes:

4. First-Party vs Third-Party Cookies

4.1 First-Party Cookies

These are cookies set directly by CashFlowIQ:

• Essential for website functionality
• Used for user preferences and analytics
• Controlled entirely by us
• Subject to our privacy practices

4.2 Third-Party Cookies

These are cookies set by external service providers:

• Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Advertising networks (e.g., Google Ads, Facebook)
• Customer support tools (e.g., Intercom, Zendesk)
• Content delivery networks (e.g., Cloudflare)

Third-party cookies are subject to the privacy policies of those providers.

5. Personal Information and Cookies

5.1 When Cookies Contain Personal Information

Some cookies may contain or collect personal information, including:

• IP addresses and location data
• Device identifiers and browser fingerprints
• User behavior patterns and preferences
• Account identifiers when you're logged in

5.2 Data Protection

When cookies collect personal information, we:

• Apply appropriate security measures
• Limit data retention periods
• Provide access and correction rights
• Allow you to opt out where possible

5.3 Cross-Border Data Transfer

Some third-party cookies may transfer data overseas, including to:

• United States (Google, Facebook, Microsoft services)
• European Union (Various analytics and marketing providers)
• Other jurisdictions where service providers operate

6. Your Cookie Choices and Controls

6.1 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

6.2 Opting Out of Marketing Cookies

You can opt out of marketing cookies through:

• Google Ads: Visit Google's Ad Settings page
• Facebook: Use Facebook's Ad Preferences
• Industry Opt-Out Pages: Such as Digital Advertising Alliance Australia

6.3 Analytics Opt-Out

• Google Analytics: Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Internal Analytics: Contact us to disable analytics tracking for your account

6.4 Impact of Disabling Cookies

Disabling cookies may affect:

• Website functionality and user experience
• Your ability to stay logged in
• Personalised content and recommendations
• Our ability to provide technical support

7. Mobile App Tracking

7.1 Mobile Identifiers

Our mobile applications may use:

• Device advertising identifiers (IDFA on iOS, AAID on Android)
• App-specific identifiers for analytics and functionality
• Push notification tokens for sending alerts

7.2 Mobile Controls

You can control mobile tracking through:

• iOS: Settings → Privacy → Advertising → Limit Ad Tracking
• Android: Settings → Google → Ads → Opt out of Ads Personalisation

8. Third-Party Integrations

8.1 Financial Institution Connections

When you connect bank accounts or financial services:

• We use secure APIs that may set cookies
• Third-party providers have their own cookie policies
• Data aggregation services may use tracking technologies

8.2 Social Media Integration

Social media widgets and plugins may:

• Set cookies from social media platforms
• Track your interactions with social content
• Allow social platforms to identify you across websites

9. Updates and Changes

9.1 Policy Updates

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:

• Changes in our cookie usage
• New technologies or tracking methods
• Legal or regulatory developments
• User feedback and industry best practices

9.2 Notification of Changes

We will notify you of material changes through:

• Email notifications to registered users
• Prominent notices on our website
• Updates to the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy

9.3 Consent Management

For significant changes affecting your privacy:

• We may seek renewed consent where required
• You will have the opportunity to adjust your preferences
• Previous consent remains valid until you change your settings

10. International Users

10.1 GDPR Compliance (EU Visitors)

If you're visiting from the European Union:

• We provide cookie consent banners where required
• You have enhanced rights regarding cookie consent
• You can withdraw consent at any time
• We comply with GDPR requirements for lawful processing

10.2 Other Jurisdictions

Users from other countries may have additional rights under local privacy laws. We respect these rights and comply with applicable requirements.

11. Technical Information

11.1 Cookie Duration Types

• Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent cookies: Remain on your device for a specified period
• Secure cookies: Only transmitted over encrypted connections
• HttpOnly cookies: Cannot be accessed by client-side scripts

11.2 Data Minimisation

We practice data minimisation by:

• Collecting only necessary information through cookies
• Setting appropriate expiration periods
• Regularly reviewing and purging old data
• Using anonymisation where possible

12. Contact Us

12.1 Cookie Questions

For questions about our cookie practices:
Email: privacy@cashflowiq.com.au

12.2 Complaints

If you have concerns about our cookie practices:

• Contact us directly using the details above
• Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
• Seek advice from consumer protection agencies

12.3 Technical Support

For help with cookie settings or browser configuration:
Email: support@cashflowiq.com.au

13. Additional Resources

13.1 Privacy Policy

This Cookie Policy supplements our Privacy Policy, which provides comprehensive information about our privacy practices.

13.2 Terms of Service

Our Terms of Service contain additional information about your rights and responsibilities when using our services.

13.3 External Resources

For more information about cookies and privacy:

• Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: www.oaic.gov.au
• All About Cookies: www.allaboutcookies.org
• Your Online Choices: www.youronlinechoices.com.au