Cookie Policy

Last updated: January 2025

This Cookie Policy explains how SmartX Accounting ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website at smartxaccounting.ie. This policy is designed to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the ePrivacy Directive (Cookie Law), and Irish data protection legislation.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, enhance user experience, and provide information to website owners. Cookies can be "persistent" (remaining on your device until deleted) or "session" cookies (deleted when you close your browser).

2. Legal Basis for Using Cookies

Under GDPR and Irish data protection law, we process cookies based on:

• Strictly necessary cookies: These do not require consent as they are essential for the website to function.
• Non-essential cookies: We obtain your explicit consent before placing analytics, marketing, or preference cookies on your device.

You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by adjusting your cookie preferences or clearing cookies from your browser.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You cannot opt out of these cookies as the website cannot function properly without them.

3.2 Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This helps us improve our website and services. We use Google Analytics for this purpose.

4. Your Rights Under GDPR

Under the General Data Protection Regulation, you have the following rights:

• Right to be informed: You have the right to know what cookies we use and why (this policy fulfils this obligation).
• Right of access: You can request information about the data collected through cookies.
• Right to erasure: You can delete cookies from your browser at any time.
• Right to withdraw consent: You can change your cookie preferences at any time.
• Right to lodge a complaint: You can file a complaint with the Data Protection Commission (DPC) in Ireland if you believe your rights have been violated.

5. How to Manage Cookies

You can control and manage cookies in several ways:

5.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie consent banner. You can choose to accept or decline non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time by clearing your cookies and revisiting the site.

5.2 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to manage cookies through their settings. You can:

• View what cookies are stored and delete them individually
• Block third-party cookies
• Block all cookies from specific sites
• Block all cookies from being set
• Delete all cookies when you close your browser

Here are links to cookie management instructions for popular browsers:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Apple Safari
• Microsoft Edge

Please note that blocking or deleting cookies may impact your user experience and some website functionality may no longer be available.

6. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages. We use the following third-party services:

• Google Analytics: Web analytics service provided by Google Ireland Limited. Privacy Policy

We do not control the use of these cookies and you should check the third-party websites for more information about their cookies and privacy practices.

7. Data Transfers

Some of our third-party service providers (such as Google) may transfer data outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Where this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission, to protect your data in accordance with GDPR.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, regulatory, or operational reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

10. Complaints

If you are not satisfied with our response to any query or complaint, or believe we are processing your data unlawfully, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Irish Data Protection Commission: