This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how Burstbytes (“the Site”, “we”, “us”) uses them, and how you can control them. It supplements our Privacy Policy.
By continuing to use the Site, or by clicking “Accept” on our cookie banner, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this Policy. You may withdraw or change your consent at any time (see Section 5).
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that a website places on your device (computer, phone, or tablet) when you visit. They are widely used to make websites work, work more efficiently, remember your preferences, and provide information to the site owner.
Cookies set by the website you are visiting are called first-party cookies. Cookies set by other parties (such as advertising and analytics services) are called third-party cookies.
We also use similar technologies such as web beacons, pixels, and local storage. References to “cookies” in this Policy include these technologies.
2. Why We Use Cookies
We use cookies for the following purposes:
- To ensure the Site functions properly
- To remember your preferences (such as cookie consent choices)
- To understand how visitors use the Site so we can improve it
- To serve and measure advertisements
- To detect and prevent fraud and abuse
3. Categories of Cookies We Use
3.1 Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are essential for the Site to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as submitting a form or setting cookie preferences. Examples include WordPress session cookies and cookie consent preference cookies.
3.2 Performance and analytics cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with the Site by collecting and reporting information anonymously. We may use Google Analytics for this purpose. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources, see which pages are most popular, and improve site performance.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga, _ga_* | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users | Up to 2 years |
_gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users | 24 hours |
_gat | Google Analytics | Throttles request rate | 1 minute |
3.3 Advertising cookies
These cookies are used to deliver advertisements relevant to you and your interests. They also help measure the effectiveness of ad campaigns. If advertising is enabled, we may use Google AdSense and/or Google Ad Manager to display advertisements. Google and its advertising partners may set cookies on your device when you visit the Site if advertising is enabled.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
__gads, __gpi | Ad serving and measurement | Up to 13 months | |
IDE | Google DoubleClick | Ad targeting and reporting | Up to 13 months |
NID | Ad personalisation | Up to 6 months |
A full list of cookies used by Google for advertising is available at Google’s Types of Cookies.
3.4 Functionality cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality, such as remembering newsletter subscription state or form input where applicable.
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on the Site are set by third parties. These parties are responsible for their own cookie practices. The main third parties whose cookies may be set on the Site are:
- Google (AdSense, Ad Manager, Analytics) — see Google’s Privacy & Terms
- ShortPixel (image optimisation CDN)
5. How to Manage Cookies
5.1 Cookie consent banner
If you are visiting from the EEA, UK, or another region that requires prior consent, you will see a cookie consent banner the first time you visit. You can accept or decline non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie settings” link in the Site footer.
5.2 Browser controls
Most browsers allow you to view, manage, delete, and block cookies. The relevant settings are usually found in the “Options”, “Settings”, or “Preferences” menu. For specific guidance:
- Google Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
- Mozilla Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/cookies-information-websites-store-on-your-computer
- Apple Safari: https://support.apple.com/en-au/guide/safari/sfri11471/mac
- Microsoft Edge: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/delete-cookies-in-microsoft-edge-63947406-40ac-c3b8-57b9-2a946a29ae09
Note: blocking all cookies may affect Site functionality.
5.3 Opting out of advertising cookies
You can opt out of personalised advertising from Google and many other ad networks at:
- Google Ads Settings
- Your Online Choices (EU/AU)
- Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out
- Network Advertising Initiative opt-out
Opting out does not mean you will stop seeing ads — it means the ads you see may be less relevant to you.
6. Do Not Track
Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” (DNT) signal. There is currently no industry standard for responding to DNT signals, and the Site does not currently respond to them. We instead provide cookie consent and opt-out controls as described above.
7. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. The “Last updated” date at the top will reflect the most recent revision.
8. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy, contact us at https://burstbytes.com.au/contact/
