Legal

Cookie Policy

How and why we use cookies on thebigsmoke.com — and how you can control them.

Last updated: April 1, 2026

1. Introduction

The Big Smoke Media Group ("we", "us", or "our") operates the website thebigsmoke.com. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, the types of cookies we use, and how you can manage your cookie preferences.

We use non-essential cookies only with your consent, which you can manage via our cookie banner. We encourage you to review this policy periodically for any changes.

For more information on how we handle personal information, please see our Privacy Policy.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better browsing experience, and supply information to the site owners. Cookies can be "persistent" (remaining on your device until deleted or until they expire) or "session-based" (deleted when you close your browser).

3. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies on thebigsmoke.com for several purposes, including:

Ensuring the website functions correctly
Analysing traffic and user behaviour
Personalising content and advertisements
Remembering your preferences across visits

Please note: Some cookies and tracking technologies may collect personal information (such as IP addresses or device identifiers). Where this occurs, such data is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

4. Types of Cookies We Use

Cookie Name	Type	Purpose	Duration
`__session_id`	Essential	Maintains your session while browsing the site	Session
`cookie_consent`	Essential	Stores your cookie consent preferences	1 year
`_ga / _ga_*`	Analytics	Google Analytics — distinguishes users, tracks page views, traffic sources and site usage patterns	2 years
`_gid`	Analytics	Google Analytics — distinguishes users within a 24-hour window	24 hours
`_gat`	Analytics	Google Analytics — used to throttle request rate	1 minute
`_clsk / _clck`	Analytics	Microsoft Clarity — session recording and heatmap analytics	1 year
`_fbp`	Advertising	Facebook Pixel — delivers, measures, and improves ad relevance	3 months
`IDE / DSID`	Advertising	Google DoubleClick — serves targeted advertisements based on browsing activity	1 year
`NID`	Advertising	Google — stores preferences for Google ads and Google Maps	6 months
`wp_preferences`	Functional	Remembers display preferences such as dark mode or font size	1 year
`subscriber_status`	Functional	Identifies newsletter subscriber status to manage on-site messaging	30 days

Data collected via cookies is retained in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Cookie durations are listed above; data derived from cookies may be retained for longer periods as described in our Privacy Policy.

5. Third-Party Cookies

In addition to our own cookies, we may also use various third-party cookies to report usage statistics, deliver advertisements, and enable social media sharing features. These include services from:

Google (Analytics, Tag Manager, Ads, reCAPTCHA)
Microsoft (Clarity)
Meta (Facebook Pixel)
Apollo.io
Embedded content providers such as YouTube, Twitter/X, and Instagram

Cross-Border Data Transfers: Some third-party providers may store or process data overseas, including in the United States and other countries that may not provide the same level of privacy protection as Australia. By using our site and accepting non-essential cookies, you acknowledge that your data may be transferred to, stored, or processed in these jurisdictions. Where required, we take steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

These third parties may set their own cookies when you interact with their content on our site. We do not control third-party cookies and encourage you to review their individual privacy policies.

6. Cookie Categories Explained

These cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions you take, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms. Without these cookies, the site cannot operate properly. These cookies generally do not store directly identifiable personal information, though some session-related data may be captured depending on implementation.

These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us understand which pages are the most and least popular and how visitors move around the site. All information collected is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies, we will not know when you have visited our site.

These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not directly store personal information but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.

These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation, such as remembering your reading preferences, displaying content in your preferred language, or recognising you as a returning subscriber. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these features may not function properly.

7. Manage Your Cookie Preferences

When you first visit our site, you will be presented with a cookie banner allowing you to accept or decline non-essential cookies by category. Non-essential cookies (analytics, advertising, and functional) are disabled until you provide your consent.

You can adjust your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the Cookie Preferences link in our website footer. Please note that essential cookies cannot be disabled as they are necessary for the site to function.

Your Cookie Settings

Toggle categories on or off to control which cookies are active.

Strictly Necessary Always active — required for core site functionality

Analytics & Performance Help us understand how visitors interact with our site

Advertising & Targeting Enable personalised ads and measure campaign effectiveness

Functional Remember your preferences and personalise your experience

✓ Preferences saved

8. How to Control Cookies via Your Browser

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically find these controls in the "Settings", "Preferences", or "Privacy" section of your browser. Below are links to cookie management instructions for common browsers:

Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Apple Safari Microsoft Edge

Please note that restricting cookies may impact the functionality of thebigsmoke.com.

9. Your Rights Under Applicable Law

Depending on your location, you may have rights under applicable data protection laws, including:

Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)
UK Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK GDPR
EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

These rights may include the right to access, correct, or delete the data we hold about you, and the right to opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information.

Legal basis for processing (Australian users): We collect personal information through cookies on the basis of your consent for analytics and advertising cookies. Essential and functional cookies are used to provide the services you request. You may withdraw consent at any time via our cookie preference settings, without affecting the lawfulness of prior processing.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at the details provided in Section 11 below, or see our Privacy Policy for more information.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our business operations. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. We encourage you to check this page periodically.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us:

The Big Smoke Media Group

Sydney | New York

Email: [email protected]

thebigsmoke.com