1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences and improve your experience.
BuzzCreen uses a minimal number of cookies, focusing only on essential functionality. We do NOT use tracking cookies, advertising cookies, or third-party analytics cookies.
2. Cookies We Use
2.1 Essential Cookies (Required)
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be disabled in our systems.
🔐 Authentication Cookies (NextAuth)
- Name: 
next-auth.session-token - Purpose: Keep you logged in across pages
 - Duration: 30 days (session)
 - Type: First-party, HTTP-only, Secure
 - Can be disabled? ❌ No - required for login functionality
 
🔑 CSRF Protection
- Name: 
next-auth.csrf-token - Purpose: Protect against cross-site request forgery attacks
 - Duration: Session (deleted when browser closes)
 - Type: First-party, HTTP-only
 - Can be disabled? ❌ No - required for security
 
2.2 Functional Cookies (Optional)
These cookies enhance your experience but are not strictly necessary.
⚙️ User Preferences
- Name: 
buzzcreen-preferences - Purpose: Remember your UI preferences (theme, settings)
 - Duration: 1 year
 - Type: First-party
 - Can be disabled? ✅ Yes - preferences will reset each session
 
2.3 Cookies We Do NOT Use
- ❌ Advertising cookies - We don't show ads
 - ❌ Analytics cookies - No Google Analytics, no tracking
 - ❌ Social media cookies - No Facebook Pixel, etc.
 - ❌ Third-party tracking - Your activity is private
 
3. Chrome Extension Local Storage
The BuzzCreen Chrome Extension uses chrome.storage.local to store:
- Recording preferences: Webcam on/off, audio settings, click tracking
 - Quick-start visibility: Whether you want the floating button shown
 - User session: Authentication token to communicate with BuzzCreen.com
 
This data is stored locally on your device only and is not sent to our servers unless you're actively using recording features.
4. Third-Party Services
Some integrated services may set their own cookies:
💳 Stripe (Payment Processing)
- Stripe may set cookies when you visit checkout pages
 - Used for fraud prevention and secure payment processing
 - GDPR compliant and PCI-DSS certified
 - Learn more: Stripe Privacy Policy
 
🔐 Google OAuth (Login)
- Google may set cookies during the login process
 - Used to authenticate your Google account securely
 - We never see your Google password
 - Learn more: Google Privacy Policy
 
5. How to Manage Cookies
5.1 Browser Settings
You can control cookies through your browser settings:
Chrome:
Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
Firefox:
Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
Safari:
Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
Edge:
Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies and site permissions
5.2 Consequences of Disabling Cookies
If you disable essential cookies:
- ❌ You won't be able to log in to BuzzCreen
 - ❌ The website won't function properly
 - ❌ Your preferences won't be saved
 - ✅ You can still browse public pages
 
6. GDPR Compliance (EU Users)
6.1 Legal Basis for Cookies
- Essential Cookies: Legitimate interest (required for service functionality)
 - Functional Cookies: Consent (you can disable these)
 
6.2 Your Rights
Under GDPR, you have the right to:
- Know what cookies we use
 - Refuse non-essential cookies
 - Delete cookies at any time
 - Request information about cookie data
 
7. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes via email or a prominent notice on our website.
8. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies:
✅ Summary: BuzzCreen's Privacy-First Approach
- Minimal cookies: Only what's necessary
 - No tracking: No Google Analytics, no ads
 - No third-party trackers: Your data stays with us
 - GDPR compliant: Your rights are protected
 - Full transparency: We tell you exactly what we use