Privacy Policy

Introduction

HotBuzz ("we," "us," "our," or "the Platform") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our users. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you visit our website (the "Website").

By accessing or using the Website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use the Website.

1. Information We Collect

We collect several types of information from and about users of our Website, including information by which you may be personally identified and information that is about you but does not identify you individually.

1.1 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our Website, certain information about your device and usage patterns is automatically collected through various technologies, including cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking mechanisms.

Log Data and Device Information

We automatically collect:

• IP Address: Your device's Internet Protocol address, which may indicate your approximate geographic location
• Browser Information: Type and version of web browser, browser language preferences
• Operating System: Type and version of operating system on your device
• Device Information: Device type (desktop, mobile, tablet), screen resolution, device identifiers
• Referring URL: The website that directed you to our Website
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked, navigation paths
• Date and Time: Timestamps of your visits and interactions

Cookies and Similar Technologies

We and our third-party partners use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect information about your browsing activities. For detailed information about our use of cookies, please review our Cookie Policy.

1.2 Information You Provide Voluntarily

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Contact us through email or contact forms
• Subscribe to newsletters or promotional communications (if applicable)
• Participate in surveys, contests, or promotions
• Submit feedback, questions, or requests
• Report errors or technical issues

This information may include:

• Name
• Email address
• Subject matter of inquiry
• Message content
• Any other information you choose to provide

1.3 Information from Third-Party Sources

News Content and Media

We aggregate news content, articles, and media from various third-party sources and news feeds. This data is retrieved and displayed in accordance with applicable licensing agreements and fair use principles.

We do not collect personal information about users from these third-party content sources. Content is displayed for informational purposes only.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

2.1 Providing and Maintaining Services

• Operating and maintaining the Website
• Displaying news articles and content
• Providing search and discovery functionality
• Personalizing user experience based on preferences
• Remembering user settings and preferences

2.2 Communication and Support

• Responding to inquiries, questions, and requests
• Providing customer support and technical assistance
• Sending administrative information and updates
• Notifying users of changes to our services or policies

2.3 Analytics and Improvement

• Analyzing usage patterns and trends
• Monitoring and analyzing Website performance
• Identifying and fixing technical issues
• Conducting research and development
• Improving content, features, and user experience

2.4 Security and Fraud Prevention

• Detecting, preventing, and addressing security threats
• Preventing fraudulent activity and abuse
• Enforcing our Terms of Service
• Protecting our rights and property

2.5 Legal Compliance

• Complying with applicable laws and regulations
• Responding to legal requests and obligations
• Enforcing our legal rights

3. Third-Party Services and Data Sharing

We work with various third-party service providers to operate our Website and display content. These parties may collect or receive information about you as described below.

3.1 Advertising Services

Google AdSense

We use Google AdSense, a third-party advertising service operated by Google LLC, to display advertisements on our Website. Google AdSense uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Serve personalized advertisements based on your interests and browsing history
• Measure advertisement effectiveness and engagement
• Provide aggregated demographic and interest reporting to advertisers
• Control the frequency of advertisements you see
• Detect and prevent fraudulent activity

Google and its authorized advertising partners may collect information including:

• IP address and approximate geographic location
• Browser type and device information
• Pages visited on our Website
• Time spent on pages and advertisements
• Interactions with advertisements (clicks, impressions)
• Browsing history across multiple websites

For comprehensive information about Google's privacy practices, please review the Google Privacy Policy.

Other Advertising Networks

In addition to Google AdSense, we may work with other advertising networks and partners. These third parties may use their own cookies and tracking technologies, governed by their respective privacy policies.

3.2 Analytics Services

We may use analytics services to collect and analyze information about Website usage. These services help us understand user behavior, identify trends, and improve our platform. Analytics providers may use cookies and similar technologies to collect data, which is typically aggregated and anonymized.

3.3 Content Delivery and Hosting

News Content Sources

We aggregate news content from various third-party sources and news feeds. Each source has its own privacy policy governing data collection and usage practices.

Embedded Media

We may embed videos, images, and other media from third-party platforms such as YouTube, Twitter, and others. When you view embedded content, these platforms may collect information about your device and viewing behavior in accordance with their respective privacy policies.

3.4 Third-Party Websites and Links

Our Website contains links to third-party news sources, social media platforms, and other external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

4. Data Retention

We retain information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Retention Periods

• Automatically Collected Data: Typically retained for 12-24 months for analytics purposes
• Contact Information: Retained as long as necessary to respond to inquiries and maintain communication records
• Log Files: Generally retained for 90 days for security and troubleshooting purposes

When information is no longer needed, we will delete or anonymize it in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures designed to protect information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit using SSL/TLS protocols
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication measures
• Monitoring for suspicious activity

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. International Data Transfers

Our Website is operated from India. If you access the Website from outside India, please be aware that information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in India and other countries where our service providers operate.

These jurisdictions may have data protection laws that differ from those in your country of residence. By using our Website, you consent to the transfer of information to countries outside your country of residence, including India, which may have different data protection rules.

7. Children's Privacy

Our Website is not directed to individuals under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information as quickly as possible.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at [email protected].

8. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

8.1 Access and Portability

You may request access to the personal information we hold about you and, in some cases, request that we provide it in a portable format.

8.2 Correction and Update

You may request that we correct inaccurate or outdated information about you.

8.3 Deletion

You may request that we delete your personal information, subject to certain exceptions required or permitted by law.

8.4 Objection and Restriction

You may object to our processing of your information or request that we restrict processing in certain circumstances.

8.5 Withdraw Consent

Where our processing is based on your consent, you may withdraw consent at any time. This does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before withdrawal.

8.6 Opt-Out of Marketing

If we send promotional emails, you can opt out by following the unsubscribe instructions in those messages.

8.7 Browser and Device Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies. Please note that disabling cookies may affect Website functionality.

8.8 Advertising Opt-Out

You can opt out of personalized advertising through:

• Google Ads Settings
• Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA)
• Network Advertising Initiative (NAI)
• European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance (EDAA)

Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe as required by applicable law.

9. Do Not Track Signals

Some web browsers incorporate "Do Not Track" (DNT) features. Our Website currently does not respond to DNT signals due to lack of industry-wide standards. We will continue to monitor developments in DNT technology and may implement appropriate responses in the future.

10. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:

• Right to know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising CCPA rights

We do not sell personal information as defined under CCPA. To exercise your rights, please contact us as described in the "Contact Information" section below.

11. European Economic Area (EEA) and UK Users

If you are located in the EEA or UK, we process your personal information based on the following legal bases under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Legitimate Interests: Processing necessary for our legitimate business interests, such as operating and improving the Website
• Consent: Where you have provided consent for specific processing activities
• Legal Obligations: Where processing is necessary to comply with legal requirements

You have rights under GDPR as described in the "Your Rights and Choices" section above.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will post the updated policy on this page and update the "Last Updated" date.

For material changes, we may provide additional notice, such as a prominent announcement on our Website. Your continued use of the Website after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about our information practices.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Note: This email address is for general privacy inquiries. Our Google AdSense account and other platform-specific accounts use separate email addresses for operational security.

14. Acceptance of This Policy