← Back to Channel

Privacy Policy

Channel Media, Inc.
Last updated: January 2026

1. Introduction

Channel Media, Inc. ("Channel," "we," "our," or "us") provides a platform for streaming independent radio stations, hosting live DJ broadcasts, discovering shows, participating in public chat communities, managing DJ profiles, and optionally supporting DJs through voluntary tips.

Channel is available on both mobile and web.

This Privacy Policy explains what personal data we collect, how it is used, how it is stored, and the rights available to users in the EU, EEA, and UK under GDPR and UK GDPR.

By using Channel, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

2. Who We Are

Channel Media, Inc.
Los Angeles, California, USA

General contact: info@channel-app.com
Safety and abuse: support@channel-app.com

Channel does not specifically target users in the EU/EEA/UK. Access is offered on a passive basis; therefore, an EU representative is not required under GDPR Article 27.

3. Minimum Age

Channel is intended for users 16 years and older.

We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16.

If you believe a child under 16 is using Channel, contact support@channel-app.com.

4. Information We Collect

Channel operates in two modes:

  • Mobile app (anonymous by default)
  • Web app (authentication required)

We collect only the information necessary to operate the service.

4.1 Information You Provide Directly

A. Chat Messages (Mobile & Web)

  • Public messages posted in chat rooms
  • Visible to anyone tuned into a station or live broadcast
  • Stored in Firebase Firestore
  • You may request deletion of your chat messages

B. Username

  • Optional on mobile
  • Automatically created on web from your authentication provider
  • Displayed publicly in chat, public DJ pages, and automated system messages

C. Email & Notification Preferences (Web)

If enabled, we store:

  • Email address
  • Notification preferences
  • Watchlist items
  • Favorite shows and DJs
  • Saved searches
  • Digest timestamps
  • Calendar sync settings

4.2 Authentication Methods

Google OAuth

  • Email address, display name, profile photo, timezone

Apple Sign-In

  • Email address, full name (when shared), Apple user identifier
  • Apple may mask your email via "Hide My Email"

Email Magic Link

  • Email temporarily stored in localStorage during login
  • Cleared once authentication completes or expires

4.3 Information Collected Automatically

Channel does not use advertising identifiers, tracking pixels, fingerprinting, or behavioral analytics.

We collect:

  • Firebase User ID (anonymous on mobile, authenticated on web)
  • Temporary IP address logs at the infrastructure level (security and delivery)
  • Temporary session identifiers for listener presence
  • Device or app metadata only when you manually report an issue

We do not collect background logs or screenshots automatically.

4.4 Listener Presence & Stream Metadata

To operate live streams, Channel generates and processes:

  • Anonymous listener session identifiers
  • Join and leave timestamps
  • Listener counts per live stream
  • Stream identifiers linked to DJs and shows

Session identifiers are short-lived and regenerated per session.

4.5 Live Audio Streaming & Recording

Channel provides live audio streaming using a self-hosted LiveKit server operated by Channel.

Important disclosures:

  • All live audio is relayed through Channel-controlled servers
  • Live streams are recorded by default
  • Recordings are generated via HLS egress and stored as MP4 files
  • Recordings are retained unless removed by Channel

Recordings may include:

  • Audio content
  • Timestamps
  • Stream identifiers
  • DJ identifiers

Chat messages are not included in audio recordings or replays.

Channel staff may access live or recorded audio solely for:

  • Debugging and technical troubleshooting
  • Safety and moderation review
  • Compliance and internal operations

Channel does not enable third-party analytics or telemetry on live audio streams.

4.6 Storage of Recordings

Recorded broadcasts are stored in Cloudflare R2 object storage.

Cloudflare may process limited technical data (e.g., IP addresses, network metadata) to provide storage and delivery services.

Channel controls access to all stored recordings.

4.7 Push Notifications (Mobile)

We store a Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) token to deliver notifications.

Tokens are removed when you sign out, disable notifications, or uninstall the app.

4.8 Local Device Storage

Your device may store:

  • Favorites (local copies)
  • Notification settings
  • Feature discovery flags
  • Recently viewed shows
  • Temporary session identifiers
  • Temporary Magic Link email

Local data is removed when you uninstall the app or clear browser storage.

4.9 Automated Activity Messages

Channel may generate system-generated messages based on activity, including:

  • Love reactions
  • Locked-in messages
  • Favorite actions
  • Tip acknowledgments

These messages are optional, rate-limited, and configurable.

4.10 @Channel Mentions Logging

Messages mentioning "@Channel" are logged for developer review and abuse detection.

These logs are not used for advertising or profiling.

4.11 Payments & Tips

Channel may allow users to voluntarily support DJs through tips.

Payments are processed by Stripe. Channel does not store full payment card numbers or sensitive payment credentials.

Channel may store limited transaction information, including:

  • Payment amount and currency
  • Transaction identifiers
  • Timestamp
  • Payment status
  • Associated DJ or show

Tips may be sent with or without creating an account.

  • For logged-in users, tips are internally associated with the user's account identifier and username.
  • For guest users, tips are associated with a transaction identifier without creating a user profile.

If a DJ does not complete payout setup within a defined period, transaction records related to unclaimed tips may be associated with Channel's DJ Support Pool for internal accounting and operational purposes. No additional personal data is collected as part of this reallocation.

Creators receiving payouts must complete identity verification directly with Stripe.

4.12 DJ / Creator Applications

If you apply to become a DJ or broadcaster, we may collect:

  • DJ or project name
  • Email address
  • Show name
  • Preferred broadcast times
  • Venue information (if applicable)
  • Optional social media links

This information is used to evaluate applications, schedule broadcasts, and communicate with DJs.

4.13 DJ Broadcast History

For DJs, Channel retains a history of broadcasts (show identifiers and dates) for operational, archival, and scheduling purposes.

If a DJ account is removed, associated broadcast history and recordings are removed.

4.14 Public DJ Profiles & DJ Studio

DJs may create public profile pages (e.g. /dj/[username]) displaying information they choose to provide, such as:

  • DJ name
  • Bio
  • Photos
  • Social links
  • Shows and recommendations

These pages are publicly accessible and may be viewed without an account.

DJs manage this information through the DJ Studio and are responsible for the content they choose to make public.

5. Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR / UK GDPR)

Contract (Article 6(1)(b))

  • Accounts and authentication
  • Live streaming and recording
  • Chat and community features
  • DJ Studio and profile functionality
  • Notifications and reminders

Consent (Article 6(1)(a))

  • Email communications
  • Push notifications
  • Calendar sync
  • Automated activity messages

Legitimate Interest (Article 6(1)(f))

  • Security and abuse prevention
  • Fraud detection
  • Service reliability

No data is used for advertising or profiling.

6. How We Use Information

We use personal data to:

  • Operate live streams and recordings
  • Display public DJ profiles and show information
  • Provide chat and community features
  • Enable following DJs and favoriting shows
  • Auto-favorite related content
  • Deliver notifications
  • Facilitate voluntary tips and DJ payouts
  • Prevent fraud and abuse
  • Improve platform reliability

We do not sell personal data or share it with advertisers.

7. Data Sharing

Channel shares data only with service providers required to operate the platform:

  • Firebase / Google Cloud
  • Hetzner
  • Cloudflare R2
  • Vercel
  • Resend
  • Stripe

All providers act as processors and do not use data for advertising.

8. International Transfers

Data may be processed in the United States and the European Union.

Transfers are protected by:

  • Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
  • Additional security measures

9. Data Retention

  • Account data: deleted upon account deletion, including favorites, watchlist, saved searches, notification preferences, and username reservation
  • Chat messages: retained after account deletion; may be removed upon request
  • Presence session identifiers: short-lived
  • Live stream recordings: retained unless removed
  • DJ profiles: retained until deletion or removal request
  • Payment transaction records: retained for accounting, compliance, and disputes
  • DJ application data: retained while relevant
  • Moderation logs: retained as necessary for safety

10. Your Rights (GDPR / UK GDPR)

You may:

  • Access your data
  • Correct inaccuracies
  • Request deletion
  • Export your data
  • Withdraw consent
  • Object to processing

Contact: support@channel-app.com

11. Automated Decision-Making

Channel does not use automated decision-making or profiling.

12. Security

We use industry-standard safeguards including HTTPS, access controls, Firestore security rules, and infrastructure protections.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy.

Updates will be reflected by a new "Last updated" date.

14. Contact

Channel Media, Inc.
info@channel-app.com
support@channel-app.com

© 2026 Channel Media, Inc.