This page explains how BuzzLayer uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit buzzlayer.org. It covers what cookies are, why we use them, how you can control them, and who to contact with questions. We want you to make informed choices about your privacy.
What are cookies and why does BuzzLayer use them?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device by your web browser when you visit a website. BuzzLayer uses them to make the site work properly, remember your preferences, and understand how readers engage with our journalism.
Some cookies are strictly necessary for the site to function — for example, to keep you logged in or to remember your cookie consent choices. Others help us improve our service: analytics cookies show us which articles are most read, and advertising cookies help fund our reporting by showing relevant sponsored content. We never use cookies to build personal profiles for purposes unrelated to our editorial mission.
Which categories of cookies do we use?
BuzzLayer groups cookies into three categories: essential, analytics, and advertising or personalisation. Essential cookies cannot be turned off because the site needs them to operate. Analytics cookies are non-essential and help us count visits and see how our journalism is being used. Advertising and personalisation cookies are also non-essential; they allow us to display relevant sponsored content and measure the performance of commercial partnerships.
We may also use third-party cookies from trusted providers who help us with analytics or advertising. These companies, such as analytics platforms and ad networks, have their own privacy policies. You can learn more about our relationships with them in our Privacy Policy.
How does consent work for non-essential cookies?
When you first visit BuzzLayer, you will see a clear notice asking for your consent to use non-essential cookies. You can accept all, reject all, or customise your settings. Your choice is stored for six months. If you change your mind at any time, you can adjust your preferences using the Cookie Settings mechanism on our site.
We do not place analytics or advertising cookies without your prior consent. Essential cookies are never blocked, as they are required for the site to function correctly. Our approach follows Canadian privacy law, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
Where is the Cookie Settings mechanism?
You can find the Cookie Settings link at the bottom of every page on buzzlayer.org. It appears in the footer alongside links to our Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and other transparency documents. Clicking the link opens a panel where you can review each cookie category and toggle your preferences on or off.
If you previously accepted cookies but now wish to withdraw consent, simply open Cookie Settings and deselect the categories you no longer agree to. Your changes take effect immediately. Note that some site features may not work as well if you disable certain cookies.
How this works in practice
Imagine Priya Sharma, our Standards and Fact-Checking Lead, reads a BuzzLayer article about digital policy. She has rejected non-essential cookies. When she visits again a week later, the site remembers her preference — no analytics or advertising cookies are loaded. If she later decides to accept analytics cookies to help us understand readership patterns, she opens Cookie Settings and toggles them on. Her choice is saved for six months, when the notice reappears.
The same mechanism applies to all readers. Our Editor-in-Chief Alex Nguyen and the team at Northern Beacon Media Inc. have designed this process to be straightforward and transparent, so you control your own data.
Who is responsible for cookies on BuzzLayer?
BuzzLayer is owned and operated by Northern Beacon Media Inc., an Ontario corporation (Ontario Business Registry company number 1003194827). Our registered office is at Unit 12, 95 King Street East, Toronto, ON M5C 1G4, Canada. Decisions about cookie use and privacy are overseen by Alex Nguyen, Editor-in-Chief. For privacy-specific questions, contact our designated privacy team at privacy@buzzlayer.org.
You can also reach us by phone at +1 416 555 0210 or by mail at the registered office above. We respond to privacy inquiries within five business days.
In short
BuzzLayer uses essential, analytics, and advertising cookies. Non-essential cookies are only placed after you give consent, and you can change your mind anytime through the Cookie Settings link in the footer. For any questions, email privacy@buzzlayer.org. Your privacy is part of our commitment to trustworthy Canadian journalism.