Privacy policy
Last updated 10 October 2026
This policy explains what personal information Podcast Navigator collects when you use podcastnavigator.app, why we collect it, and the choices you have. We keep it to what the site actually does.
Who we are
Podcast Navigator is a Bernie Labs product and a trading name of Idea Vault Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (company number 11388321), with its registered office at 64 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 0AS. Idea Vault Ltd is the controller of the personal information described here.
Questions about this policy or your information: hello@podcastnavigator.app.
What we collect and why
When you search
To find matching episodes, the text you type is sent to our server and to our search provider, OpenAI, which turns it into a numerical representation used for matching. To understand how search is used and to improve it, we also record:
- that a search happened, how many results it returned and how long it took;
- a shortened version of your search (the first 80 characters, with anything that looks like an email address or phone number removed);
- which result you clicked, if any, and its position in the list;
- a one-way, salted hash of your IP address — we do not store the IP address itself;
- your browser's user-agent string (browser and device type);
- a random session identifier that links the searches you make in one visit.
We rely on our legitimate interests in running, securing and improving the service. You can object at any time by contacting us.
When you contact us through the "Get started" form
We collect your name, email address, podcast name or RSS feed, whether you are an independent show or a network, your message, the page you came from, a salted hash of your IP address and your browser's user-agent string. We use this only to reply to your enquiry and discuss whether Podcast Navigator is right for you, relying on our legitimate interests and on taking steps at your request before any contract.
When you email us
We keep the emails you send us and our replies so we can deal with your enquiry.
Server logs
Like most websites, our server may keep short-lived technical logs, which can include IP addresses, to keep the service secure and fix problems.
Cookies and browser storage
We do not use cookies, advertising trackers or third-party analytics. The site stores a few small items in your browser:
| Name | Where | What it does | How long |
|---|---|---|---|
search_session_id | Session storage | A random ID that links searches made in one visit, for the search statistics above | Until you close the tab |
pn_recent_… | Local storage | Your last three searches on a show, shown as "Recent". Kept on your device only | Until you clear it |
llc-theme | Local storage | Remembers light or dark mode on the Lost Levels Club page | Until you clear it |
You can clear these at any time in your browser settings.
Content loaded from other services
Some parts of our pages are loaded from other companies' servers, which then receive your IP address as part of the request:
- Google Fonts (Google) for typefaces;
- Podcast artwork served by Apple;
- Audio: when you press play, the episode streams directly from the podcast's own hosting provider.
Who we share information with
We do not sell personal information or use it for advertising. We use these service providers to run Podcast Navigator:
| Provider | Purpose | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Hetzner Online GmbH | Hosting our servers and database | Germany |
| OpenAI | Processing search text to find matching episodes | United States |
| Resend | Delivering notification emails about enquiries | EU (Ireland) sending region; US company |
OpenAI and Resend process information in the United States. These transfers are protected by the European Commission's Standard Contractual Clauses with the UK International Data Transfer Addendum, included in each provider's data processing agreement. Resend is also certified under the EU–US Data Privacy Framework and its UK Extension.
We may also disclose information if required by law.
How long we keep it
- Search statistics: up to 13 months. We may keep overall totals, such as how many searches were made, for longer; these don't relate to anyone individually.
- Enquiries and emails: up to 24 months from when you contact us, unless you become a customer.
- Server logs: up to 30 days.
Your rights
Under UK data protection law you can ask us to access, correct or delete your personal information, to restrict or object to how we use it, and to receive a copy in a portable format. Email hello@podcastnavigator.app and we will respond within one month.
If you are unhappy with how we handle your information, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk. We'd appreciate the chance to put things right first.
Changes to this policy
We'll update this page when what we collect or how we use it changes, and change the date at the top.