Cookie policy

Purpose:
This Cookie Policy outlines how "Paws and Panels" (referred to as "the Company") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on its website to enhance user experience, track affiliate commissions, and ensure compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), Spam Act 2003, and the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). This policy also ensures adherence to the Amazon Associates Australia Program requirements regarding cookie usage and tracking for affiliate commission purposes.

Scope:

This policy applies to all visitors of the "Paws and Panels" website and covers:

  • Use of cookies for website functionality and performance.
  • Third-party cookies used for affiliate marketing, including Amazon Associates Australia.
  • User rights and consent mechanisms regarding cookie usage.

Policy Statement:

"Paws and Panels" is committed to transparent cookie usage in line with privacy laws and third-party program requirements. Cookies are used to:

  • Enhance website functionality and personalize user experiences.
  • Track affiliate links and commission payouts for the Amazon Associates Australia Program and other affiliate partnerships.
  • Collect data for website traffic analysis and improvement.

Users will have the option to manage their cookie preferences and opt out of non-essential cookies.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on a user's device when they visit a website. Cookies are widely used to store information about user preferences, improve site performance, and track activities across web pages.

Types of Cookies Used:

  • Essential Cookies: Required for the website's core functionality (e.g., page navigation, secure payment processing).
  • Performance Cookies: Collect data on how users interact with the site for analytics and service improvements.
  • Marketing Cookies: Used for tracking user activity across websites for targeted advertising, including affiliate marketing tracking.
  • Affiliate Tracking Cookies: Specifically used for the Amazon Associates Australia Program and other affiliate partnerships to track referral links and commission eligibility.

2. How Paws and Panels Uses Cookies:

Cookies are used on the "Paws and Panels" website for the following purposes:

  • Essential Functionality:
    • Maintain session data and remember user preferences.
    • Enable secure payment processes for affiliate commissions.
  • Performance and Analytics:
    • Measure website traffic and user engagement using tools such as Google Analytics.
    • Monitor click-through rates for affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates Australia.
  • Marketing and Affiliate Tracking:
    • Track affiliate links, including those provided by Amazon Associates Australia, to ensure proper commission attribution.
    • Verify when a user clicks on an affiliate link and makes a qualifying purchase on Amazon Australia.
  • Third-Party Cookies:
    • Amazon Associates Australia sets cookies when users click on affiliate links, as part of their standard commission tracking process.
    • Other third-party platforms, such as Google Ads, may also place cookies for advertising purposes.

3. Amazon Associates Australia Compliance:

As part of the Amazon Associates Australia Program, "Paws and Panels" adheres to the following requirements:

  • Proper Disclosure: Users are clearly informed about the use of cookies for affiliate tracking via this Cookie Policy and the "Affiliate Disclosure Policy" (POL-ALL-004).
  • Consent Management: Consent for the use of affiliate cookies is obtained through a compliant cookie banner.
  • Affiliate Link Usage: Cookies generated through Amazon affiliate links are used exclusively for tracking eligible purchases.
  • Retention Limits: Amazon Associates Australia cookies expire after the period specified in the program's policies.

4. Third-Party Cookie Usage and Data Sharing:

Third-party services that may place cookies on the website include:

  • Amazon Associates Australia: For tracking affiliate sales and commissions.
  • Google Analytics: For website traffic analysis.
  • Social Media Platforms: For content sharing and engagement tracking.

Data collected by third parties is subject to their respective privacy policies. "Paws and Panels" ensures these third parties comply with Australian data protection regulations.

5. User Consent and Control (Spam Act 2003, APP 3):

  • Opt-In Consent: Users are informed of cookie usage via a cookie consent banner upon their first visit to the website.
  • Granular Consent: Users can manage preferences by category (e.g., essential, marketing, performance).
  • Withdrawal of Consent: Users can revoke consent at any time by accessing the "Cookie Settings" link available on the website footer.

6. Data Retention and Cookie Duration:

  • Cookies are retained only for the duration necessary to fulfill their intended purposes.
  • Session cookies expire once the browser is closed.
  • Persistent cookies, including Amazon Associates Australia cookies, have a limited lifespan based on affiliate program requirements.

Further details on data retention are outlined in the Data Retention and Deletion Policy (POL-ALL-005).

7. Security and Data Protection:

"Paws and Panels" ensures all cookies and tracking technologies are implemented securely:

  • Encryption: Cookies storing sensitive data are encrypted.
  • Access Restrictions: Only authorized personnel can access cookie settings and related data.
  • Third-Party Audits: All third-party cookie usage is reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with ISO 27001 and the Amazon Associates Australia Program.

8. Children’s Data and Cookies:

  • Cookies will not be intentionally placed for the tracking of children under 13 years of age.
  • If minors are identified as part of data collection, data will be deleted as per the Children's Online Privacy Policy (POL-ALL-020).

9. Policy Review and Updates:

  • This policy will be reviewed annually or whenever there is a significant change in the Company’s data handling practices or regulatory requirements.
  • Users will be notified of major updates via a website notification.

10. Non-Compliance Reporting:

Non-compliance with this policy, including unauthorized use of affiliate tracking cookies, must be reported to the Data Protection Officer following the Non-Compliance Reporting Procedure (PRC-ALL-027).

11. Contact Information:

For any questions regarding this Cookie Policy or data rights, please contact: info@pawspanels.com.au

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