Cookie policy
TaleBuzzer is designed for children. We operate a strict minimal-cookie approach. We do not use advertising cookies, tracking pixels, or cross-site profiling of any kind. Children's data is never used for commercial profiling.
1. What are cookies
Cookies are small text files that a website stores on your device when you visit. They allow the site to remember information across pages or between visits. Some cookies are necessary for the service to function. Others are optional and require your consent under UK PECR before they are set.
We also use a browser storage mechanism called localStorage to save your cookie consent choice. This is functionally similar to a cookie and is treated the same way under PECR.
2. Our lawful basis for cookies
Under UK PECR and UK GDPR we rely on two lawful bases for placing cookies:
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Strictly necessary — no consent required These cookies are set only where they are essential to deliver a service you have specifically requested. Removing them would prevent the site from working. We do not seek consent for these under Regulation 6(4) of PECR.
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Consent — opt-in required Any non-essential cookie (analytics, performance, marketing) requires your explicit, informed, and freely given consent before it is placed. You can withdraw consent at any time with the same ease as giving it.
3. Cookies and storage we use
The table below lists every cookie and storage item currently active on TaleBuzzer.
| Name | Type | Purpose | Expires | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tb_session | HTTP Cookie | Maintains your authenticated parent account session. Marked HttpOnly and Secure. Not accessible by JavaScript. | 24 hrs inactivity | Essential |
| tb_child_pin | HTTP Cookie | Stores an encrypted reference to the active child profile so the child-safe reading mode persists across pages. | Session | Essential |
| tb_cookie_consent | localStorage | Records your cookie consent decision (accepted or rejected) and the date it was given, so we do not prompt you again unnecessarily. | 12 months | Essential |
| tb_csrf | HTTP Cookie | Cross-site request forgery protection token. Required for form submissions and account actions. | Session | Essential |
| __gads / _ga | HTTP Cookie | Google Analytics — not currently deployed. Listed here for transparency. Will only be set if analytics consent is granted. | N/A | Analytics |
| Google Fonts | Third-party | The Google Fonts CDN may set a short-lived performance cookie. No personal data is transferred for advertising purposes. See Google's privacy policy. | Session | Third Party |
4. What we do not use
- Facebook Pixel or any Meta tracking technology
- Google Ads or any advertising network cookies
- Hotjar, FullStory, or any session recording tools
- TikTok Pixel or any social commerce tracking
- Cross-site tracking of children or child profiles
- Fingerprinting or device identification techniques
5. Third-party services
TaleBuzzer uses a small number of third-party services that may set their own cookies or storage items. These are listed below. We have Data Processing Agreements in place with each provider where required by UK GDPR.
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Google Fonts (Alphabet Inc.) Used to load the typefaces displayed on this site. Google may log your IP address for abuse prevention. No advertising data is processed. Google Fonts privacy FAQ.
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Formspree (or equivalent email handler) Used to process contact form submissions. Formspree receives your submitted data only. No tracking cookies are set by this integration.
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Payment processor (Stripe — planned) If you subscribe to a paid plan, Stripe will set its own cookies for fraud prevention and payment processing. Stripe's cookies are subject to Stripe's privacy policy. We will update this policy before payment functionality launches.
6. Your choices and how to manage cookies
You have the following options to control cookies on TaleBuzzer.
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Accept or reject via the banner When you first visit TaleBuzzer you will see a consent banner. You can accept all optional cookies or reject them. You can change this decision at any time using the preference centre below.
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Manage preferences on this page Use the preference centre directly below to review and update your choices without leaving this page.
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Browser settings All modern browsers allow you to view, block, and delete cookies. Deleting the
tb_sessioncookie will log you out of your account. See your browser's help pages for instructions. -
Opt out of Google Fonts To prevent Google Fonts from loading, you can block
fonts.googleapis.comin your browser or use a privacy extension such as uBlock Origin.
7. Manage your cookie preferences
Your current consent status is shown below. You can update your preferences at any time.
Cookie preference centre
Toggle the categories below to control which cookies TaleBuzzer may set on your device. Strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled as they are required for the service to function.
Required for login sessions, child PIN access, CSRF protection, and consent memory. These cookies do not collect personal data for any purpose other than service operation. They cannot be disabled.
We do not currently use analytics cookies. If we introduce them in the future (for example, to understand which story types parents find most useful), we will update this policy and seek fresh consent before placing any such cookies.
TaleBuzzer does not use marketing or advertising cookies. We do not work with advertising networks and we do not profile users for commercial targeting. This category is listed for transparency and compliance purposes only.
8. How long we keep consent records
Your consent choice is stored in localStorage under the key tb_cookie_consent for 12 months. After 12 months we will ask for your consent again. You can clear this at any time by using the "Reject all" button above or by clearing your browser storage.
9. Cookies and children
TaleBuzzer accounts are created by parents or guardians on behalf of children. Children access stories through a PIN-protected child mode and do not interact with cookie consent flows. Cookie consent is collected only from the parent or guardian who holds the account.
We do not use cookies to profile children for commercial purposes. This approach is consistent with the ICO Children's Code (Age Appropriate Design Code) and our obligations under UK GDPR with respect to children's data.
10. Changes to this policy
We review this Cookie Policy whenever we introduce a new technology, update our third-party providers, or receive guidance from the ICO. Material changes that affect your consent will trigger a fresh consent request. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will always reflect the most recent revision.
11. Contact and complaints
For questions about how we use cookies, contact our privacy team: privacy@talebuzzer.com.
If you believe we have breached PECR or UK GDPR, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO): ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint or call 0303 123 1113.