Cookie Policy
Last updated: March 24, 2024
This Cookie Policy explains how Whitestone ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit or interact with our website and online services. By continuing to use our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this policy.
1. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device - computer, tablet, or mobile phone - when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, to remember your preferences, and to provide information to website owners about how their services are used.
Cookies may be set by the website you are visiting (first-party cookies) or by third-party services operating on that website (third-party cookies). Cookies can be stored for different lengths of time depending on their type.
1.1 Session Cookies
Session cookies are temporary and exist only for the duration of your visit. They are deleted automatically when you close your browser. These cookies are essential for certain features to function correctly during a single browsing session.
1.2 Persistent Cookies
Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period of time or until you delete them manually. They allow the website to recognise you on return visits and remember your preferences or settings.
2. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies for a number of purposes, including to operate and improve our services, to understand how visitors interact with our platform, and to deliver a more personalised experience. The specific ways we use cookies are described below.
2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are required for our website and services to function properly. Without them, core features such as account authentication, security, and session management would not work. These cookies cannot be disabled through our cookie settings, as they are integral to the operation of the service.
2.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information about how visitors use our website, such as which pages are visited most frequently, how long users spend on each page, and whether any error messages are encountered. This data is used in aggregate form to help us improve the performance and usability of our services. No personally identifiable information is collected through these cookies unless you have separately provided it.
2.3 Functional Cookies
Functional cookies allow our website to remember choices you make - such as your language preference, display settings, or login status - so that we can provide a more personalised experience. These cookies may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have integrated into our platform.
2.4 Targeting and Advertising Cookies
These cookies are used to deliver content and advertisements that are more relevant to you and your interests. They may also be used to limit the number of times you see a particular advertisement and to measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. These cookies are typically placed by third-party advertising networks with our permission.
3. Cookies We Use
The table below provides an overview of the categories of cookies used on our platform and their general purpose.
| Category | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary | Authentication, security, session continuity | Session | First-party |
| Performance | Usage analytics and error reporting | Up to 24 months | First-party / Third-party |
| Functional | User preferences and interface settings | Up to 12 months | First-party |
| Targeting | Relevant content and ad delivery | Up to 12 months | Third-party |
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on our website are set by third-party services that appear on our pages. These third parties may include analytics providers, payment processors, embedded content platforms, and advertising networks. We do not control these third-party cookies and their use is subject to the respective third party's own privacy and cookie policies.
We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you interact with through our platform. We are not responsible for the content or accuracy of those policies.
5. Similar Tracking Technologies
In addition to cookies, we may use other technologies that function in a similar way, including:
- Web beacons - small transparent images embedded in web pages or emails that allow us to track whether a page has been viewed or an email has been opened.
- Pixel tags - similar to web beacons, used to understand how users interact with our content.
- Local storage - browser-based storage mechanisms that retain data locally on your device without an expiry date unless cleared manually.
- Session storage - temporary browser storage that is cleared when the browser session ends.
6. Managing and Controlling Cookies
You have the right to decide whether to accept or decline cookies. You can exercise your cookie preferences through the following methods.
6.1 Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to manage cookie settings through their preferences or settings menus. You can typically configure your browser to:
- Notify you when cookies are being set
- Block all cookies from being stored
- Delete existing cookies from your device
- Allow cookies only from specific websites
Please note that disabling or blocking certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website and services. Some features may not operate as intended if cookies are restricted.
6.2 Opt-Out Tools
For cookies used for analytics or advertising purposes, you may have the option to opt out directly through the relevant third-party provider. Many advertising networks also participate in industry opt-out programmes that allow you to manage your preferences across multiple platforms.
6.3 Do Not Track
Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) setting that signals to websites that you do not wish to be tracked. Our website currently does not respond to DNT signals in a standardised way, as no universal standard has been established. We will update this policy if our approach changes.
7. Consent
Where required by applicable law, we will request your consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device. You may withdraw your consent at any time by adjusting your cookie preferences through your browser settings or through any consent management tool we make available.
Your withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of any processing that took place prior to the withdrawal.
8. Data Retention
The data collected through cookies is retained for the period necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this policy, or for as long as required by applicable law. Persistent cookies remain on your device until their defined expiry date or until you delete them. Session cookies are automatically removed when your browser session ends.
9. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed at children under the age of 16, and we do not knowingly use cookies to collect personal data from individuals in that age group. If you believe that a child has provided personal data through our website, please contact us so that we can take appropriate action.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes, we will revise the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.
Your continued use of our services after any changes to this policy constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies and tracking technologies, please contact us using the details below.
Whitestone
16/21 Cavenagh St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia
Email: info@whitestone.com
Phone: +61 2 9790 4994