Privacy Policy
Last updated: 16 December 2025
This Privacy Policy explains how Kooky Inc Ltd (trading as “The Buzz Network” / “The Buzz”) (“we”, “us”, “our”) collects and uses personal data when you visit thebuzz.network, use our web player, subscribe to our newsletter, or use our iOS and Android mobile apps (together, the “Services”).
We’re a music-first radio brand and station. Our Services let you listen to live streams and (where available) use community features such as profiles, favourites and user “Moments”.
If you have any questions, contact us at hello@thebuzz.network.
1) Who we are
Controller: Kooky Inc Ltd
Registered address: C/O Alexander & Co, Centurion House, 129 Deansgate, Manchester, England, M3 3WR
Email: hello@thebuzz.network
We’re predominantly UK-focused. Anyone can listen to our website stream globally, but our mobile app distribution is intended for UK users via the UK versions of the Apple App Store and Google Play.
2) What this policy covers
This policy covers personal data we process when you:
browse our website and use our web player;
use our mobile apps;
create an account and profile;
submit “Moments”, like content, or save favourites;
contact us for support;
subscribe to our newsletter (“The Buzz Files”).
It does not cover third-party services we don’t control (for example Apple, Google, your mobile network operator, Substack, or other sites linked from our Services). Those services have their own privacy policies.
3) Personal data we collect
We aim to collect only what we need to run and improve the Services.
3.1 Data you provide to us
Depending on what you do, you may provide:
Account details (if you create an account): email address, first name, last name, username and password.
Your password is stored using appropriate security measures (for example hashing), not in plain text.
Profile information: a bio and any other profile details you choose to add.
User content:
Moments you submit, which may include optional text and/or a voice note.
Likes and other interactions with content.
Favourites: tracks you mark as favourites (associated with your account).
Support communications: details you send through our support channels.
3.2 Data we collect automatically (website and apps)
When you use the Services, we may automatically collect:
Device and app information: device type, operating system, app version, language/time zone, and diagnostic information.
Usage data: how you use the Services (for example screens viewed, listening session start/stop times, buffering/errors).
Log data: IP address, dates/times of access, and technical logs.
3.3 Streaming logs (Icecast)
We deliver streaming using a third-party Icecast streaming server. As part of providing the live stream, we (and/or our streaming provider) log IP addresses and listening sessions (for example connection times and technical information).
3.4 Microphone access
If you choose to record and submit a voice note for a Moment, the app will request access to your microphone. We do not access your microphone unless you choose to record a voice note.
3.5 Cookies and similar technologies (website)
We use cookies and similar technologies (including local storage) to keep the website working, remember preferences, and understand performance. We use a cookie banner to manage preferences where required.
3.6 Sensitive data
We do not intentionally collect “special category” data (such as health information, religion, or political opinions). Please don’t share it with us via the Services.
4) Public profiles and community visibility
Some features are designed to be social:
Your public profile may display your username, bio, your Moments and your favourites.
Other users may be able to view and like Moments and favourites.
Any Moment you submit may potentially be considered for featuring on-air (for example, playing a voice note), where you submit it for that purpose.
Please think carefully before sharing personal information in Moments or your bio.
5) Why we use your data (purposes)
We use personal data to:
Provide the Services (streaming, accounts, profiles, favourites, Moments, community interactions).
Operate and protect the Services (security, fraud prevention, abuse prevention, troubleshooting).
Measure and improve the Services (performance monitoring and aggregate analytics).
Respond to you (customer support and service communications).
Comply with legal obligations (record-keeping and responding to lawful requests).
6) Our lawful bases (UK GDPR)
Where UK data protection law applies, we rely on:
Contract: to provide the Services you request (e.g., creating an account, saving favourites, submitting Moments).
Legitimate interests: to run and improve our Services, monitor performance, prevent abuse, and keep the Services secure (balanced against your rights).
Consent: for optional cookies/analytics where required, and for marketing communications.
Legal obligation: where we must keep records or respond to lawful requests.
7) How we share your data
We may share personal data with:
Streaming infrastructure providers (to deliver audio streaming and maintain service quality).
Hosting and technical service providers (to host and operate the Services).
Authentication and database provider: we use Supabase to provide account sign-in and to store and manage certain app data (such as profiles, Moments, favourites and interactions).
Email/newsletter providers: we use Substack to send “The Buzz Files”. If you subscribe, your email address and subscription preferences are processed by Substack.
Professional advisers (legal/accounting) where necessary.
Authorities where required by law or where necessary to protect rights, safety, and security.
We do not sell your personal data.
8) Advertising, tracking and App Tracking Transparency
We do not use advertising SDKs to deliver third‑party personalised advertising.
We do not access the iOS advertising identifier (IDFA) and do not carry out cross‑app tracking that would require App Tracking Transparency permission.
9) Push notifications
If our app provides push notifications and you opt in, we use Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) to send notifications to your device. Push notifications are delivered using platform services (for example, on iOS via Apple Push Notification service (APNs), and on Android via Google’s push notification services). Your device’s push token (and related delivery metadata) will be processed for the purpose of delivering notifications.
You can disable notifications at any time in your device settings.
10) Data retention
We keep personal data only for as long as needed for the purposes described:
Account data: kept while your account is active. If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymise your account data within a reasonable period, subject to what we must retain for legal, security, or dispute reasons.
Moments and favourites: kept while your account is active, and deleted/anonymised on account deletion (unless there’s a lawful reason to retain specific records, e.g., abuse prevention or legal claims).
Streaming and technical logs: retained for operational and security purposes, typically for shorter periods, then deleted or aggregated.
Support communications: retained as needed to resolve issues and improve support.
11) Account deletion
You can request deletion of your account by completing the form at thebuzz.network/support. We may need to verify your identity before completing your request.
12) Security
We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal data (for example access controls and encryption in transit where appropriate). No system is completely secure, so please also protect your account (use a strong password and keep your device secure).
13) Your rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights to:
access your personal data;
correct inaccurate data;
delete your data;
restrict or object to certain processing;
receive a copy of your data (data portability);
withdraw consent (where we rely on consent).
To exercise your rights, email hello@thebuzz.network.
Marketing choices
You can unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time using the link in the email or by contacting us.
14) International transfers
Our service providers may process personal data outside the UK (and, where relevant, outside the European Economic Area). For example, providers we use for account infrastructure and push notifications (such as Supabase and Google/Firebase) may process data internationally depending on how the Services are configured.
Where international transfers take place, we use appropriate safeguards recognised under UK data protection law (such as contractual protections) where required.
15) Children
The Services are intended for users aged 16+. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will take appropriate steps.
16) Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. We will post the updated version on our website and update the “Last updated” date. If changes are significant, we may provide additional notice (for example, in‑app or by email).
17) Contact us
Email: hello@thebuzz.network
Address: C/O Alexander & Co, Centurion House, 129 Deansgate, Manchester, England, M3 3WR
Complaints (UK)
If you are in the UK and unhappy with how we handle your data, you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).