Cookie Policy

Our Cookie Commitment

The Disability Services Exchange (DSX) uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and provide essential functionality. This policy explains what cookies we use, why we use them, and how you can control them.

Last Updated: October 2026
| Review Cycle: Annual
| Consent Required: Marketing only

Privacy First

Essential cookies only. We do not currently set analytics or marketing cookies.

Simple Choices

Simple consent model: essential cookies always on, marketing requires your permission.

Transparency

Clear information about every cookie type, purpose, and data collection practices.

Minimal Data

We collect only necessary data and store cookies for the shortest time required.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that websites place on your device when you visit them. They help websites remember information about your visit, such as your preferred language and other settings. This makes your next visit easier and more personalized.

Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies (Always Active)

These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly and cannot be switched off. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services.

Authentication Cookies

Purpose: Keep you logged in
Duration: 8 hours
Data: Encrypted session tokens
Third-party: No

Security Cookies

Purpose: CSRF protection
Duration: Session or 24 hours
Data: Security tokens
Third-party: No

Cookie Choice Cookie

Purpose: Remember your answer to the cookie banner
Duration: 12 months
Data: Your choice and the date you made it
Third-party: No

Preferences Stored in Your Browser (Local Storage)

Some settings are kept in your browser's local storage, not in cookies. They stay on your device until you clear your browser data, and are not sent to us with every page request.

Easy Read and language: Whether Easy Read is on, and your chosen language
Avatar settings: Your chosen reading level and the size of the Avatar panel
Keyboard shortcuts: Whether keyboard shortcuts are on
For this visit only (session storage): Errors already reported, the last link you clicked, and which FAQ answer is open

Analytics Cookies (Not Used)

DSX does not use analytics cookies or third-party error tracking. The site automatically reports its own errors to DSX (the page address, the item clicked and your browser type), without cookies.

Marketing (Requires Consent)

We do not set marketing cookies. The cookie banner asks whether you agree to marketing. Your answer is saved in the cookie choice cookie and, if you are logged in, in your account.

Other Data Processing (Covered by Terms of Service)

The following processing activities are not cookie-based and are covered by our Terms of Service:

AI Content Review: Automated review of provider profiles for quality and compliance
Provider Directory Listing: Display of your profile in the public provider directory
Research Data: Anonymized usage data for platform improvement

These are required for platform operation. See our Terms of Service for full details.

Cookies We Don't Use

Privacy Commitment:

No Advertising Cookies: We don't use cookies for targeted advertising
No Social Media Tracking: No Facebook Pixel, Twitter analytics, etc.
No Cross-site Tracking: We don't track your activity on other websites
No Behavioral Profiling: We don't create detailed user profiles for marketing
No Data Brokers: We don't sell cookie data to third parties

Cookie Consent & Management

Your Consent Choices

Simplified Consent Model:

We've simplified our cookie consent to make your choices clearer. Per Australian Privacy Act 1988 and Spam Act 2003:

Essential Cookies: Always active (required for platform functionality)
Analytics Cookies: Not used
Marketing: Opt-in only (requires your explicit consent)
No Dark Patterns: Clear, honest consent without manipulation

Cookie Categories

Essential CookiesAlways Active

Analytics CookiesNot Used

MarketingOpt-in Only

How to Manage Cookies

Through the Cookie Banner

• The cookie banner appears on your first visit
• Your choice is remembered for 12 months
• To choose again, delete the dsx.org.au cookies in your browser and reload the page
• If you are logged in, your marketing choice is also saved to your account

Through Your Browser

• Block all cookies (may break functionality)
• Delete existing cookies
• Set cookie expiration preferences
• Use private/incognito browsing

Browser-Specific Instructions

Google Chrome

Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data → See all cookies and site data → Search for "dsx.org.au"

Mozilla Firefox

Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data → Manage Data → Search for "dsx.org.au"

Safari

Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data → Search for "dsx.org.au" → Remove

Microsoft Edge

Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and data stored → See all cookies and site data

Third-Party Services

External Services We Use

Cloudflare Turnstile

Purpose: Spam protection on the contact, join-us and bug report forms and the Avatar chat
Provider: Cloudflare, an overseas company
Data: Your IP address and browser information, which may be processed outside Australia
Cookies: Cloudflare may set its own cookies or similar data

Google Maps

Purpose: Street View images on provider profile pages and address search in provider forms
Provider: Google, an overseas company
Data: Your IP address and browser information, which may be processed outside Australia
Cookies: Google may set its own cookies or similar data

Cookie Retention & Deletion

Automatic Cookie Management

Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
Authentication: Expire after 8 hours
Cookie Choice: Expires after 12 months
Preferences: Kept in local storage until you clear your browser data
Account Deletion: Login cookies stop working; you can delete the remaining cookies in your browser

Legal Basis & Compliance

Australian Privacy Law Compliance

Privacy Act 1988: Full compliance with Australian Privacy Principles
Telecommunications Act: Adherence to online privacy requirements
Notifiable Data Breaches: Established procedures for cookie-related incidents
Consent Standards: Clear, informed, and withdrawable consent
Data Minimization: Only necessary cookies with minimal data collection

Impact of Disabling Cookies

Essential Cookies Disabled

Impact: You cannot log in, access your account, or use personalized features. The platform may not function correctly and security features will be compromised.

Updates to Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our practices. Significant changes will be notified through email or platform announcements at least 30 days before taking effect.

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

Cookie Settings

To change your choice, delete the dsx.org.au cookies in your browser and reload the page. The cookie banner will appear again.

For questions about cookies or this policy, please visit our Contact Us page.

Cookie Audit: Last reviewed October 2026
| Next Review: October 2027