Contact for all matters: legal@blackstarcapital.com

1. Purpose
   This Cookie Policy explains how BlackStar Capital (“we”, “us”) uses cookies and similar technologies on this website (the “Site”), how you can control them, and how we honor your choices.
2. What Cookies Are
   Cookies are small files placed on your device that enable core functionality, security, and (if you consent) analytics and other optional features. Similar technologies include local storage, pixels, tags, and SDKs. Cookies may be set by us (first-party) or by our service providers (third-party).
3. What We Use
   By default, only essential cookies load. Optional categories are off until you consent in the banner or preferences center. Categories exposed in our consent-management platform (CMP) are:
   • Essential (required) — core functions like page navigation, load balancing, security, fraud prevention.
   • Analytics (optional) — understanding Site usage and improving performance; set only after consent where required.
   • Functionality/Preference (optional) — remembering choices (e.g., language) to personalize experience.
   • Marketing/Measurement (optional) — campaign measurement or audience reach; set only after consent and subject to your choices.
   The CMP shows each cookie’s name, provider, purpose, and retention.
4. Legal Basis
   • EEA/UK: consent for any non-essential category; legitimate interests for truly essential cookies.
   • Other regions: we apply consent or opt-out where local law requires and respect applicable browser/industry signals.
5. Managing Your Choices
   • Use the banner or “Cookie Preferences” link in the footer to accept/decline categories and change choices anytime.
   • Your consent status is logged by our CMP. We may ask for re-consent periodically or when we materially change vendors/cookies.
   • You can also control cookies in your browser settings; blocking essential cookies may break core Site functions.
6. Global Privacy Control and Do-Not-Track
   Where required, we treat a valid Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal as an opt-out for applicable cookies/processing. We do not respond to legacy Do-Not-Track (DNT) signals due to lack of a common standard; your CMP choices and GPC (where applicable) control.
7. Retention
   • Essential cookies: typically session or up to 12 months (to maintain security and settings).
   • Optional categories: typical ranges are 1–24 months.
   Exact durations for each cookie appear in the CMP table and take precedence over these ranges.
8. Third Parties and International Transfers
   Some cookies are served by third-party providers (e.g., analytics). These providers may process data in other jurisdictions. Where law requires, we use appropriate safeguards (such as EU Standard Contractual Clauses/UK IDTA) and require providers to protect the data. Details about each provider and transfer mechanism appear in the CMP.
9. Changes
   We may update this Policy and the CMP table to reflect new cookies, vendors, or legal requirements. The “Last updated” date above shows the latest version. Material changes will be highlighted in the CMP or via the banner.
10. Children
    The Site is not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly place non-essential cookies for users under 16 where consent is required.
11. Contact
    Questions or requests about this Policy, your choices, or the CMP: legal@blackstarcapital.com