LocalWave Privacy Policy

Last updated: 17 May 2026

LocalWave is a free Australian community radio app published by the developer of top7.au. This policy describes what the app does and doesn't do with your data. It is written to be honest and short.

Data we collect

None of your data leaves your device. LocalWave does not have a backend, does not run analytics, does not sell or share data, and does not require an account.

Data the app uses locally

• Approximate location (foreground only) — used to power the "Nearby" tab so the app can show stations close to you on the map. Granting the permission is optional; if you decline, the rest of the app continues to work and the Nearby tab will simply be empty. Your location is never transmitted anywhere; it is only used in-memory on your device.
• Favourites and preferences — stored in a small local database on your device (Room) and in app preferences (DataStore). This data stays on your device and is included in standard Android backups only if you have Google Backup enabled in your system settings.

Data the app requests over the network

• Audio streams — when you press play, the app connects directly to the radio station's streaming server (e.g. StreamTheWorld, SHOUTcast, community broadcaster CDNs). These connections are made by Android's media framework, not via any LocalWave server. The station's operator may log your IP address per their own privacy policy.
• Station logos — the app loads station logos directly from the broadcaster's website at the URL the station provides. Standard HTTP request data (IP address, user agent) is visible to the station's web server.
• Google Maps tiles — the map view loads tiles from Google Maps. Google's use of this data is governed by the Google Privacy Policy.

Third-party services

• Google Maps SDK — used to render the map and pins.
• Radio station streams — each station's stream is served by a third party chosen by that station's operator. LocalWave does not control these servers.

Permissions explained

• INTERNET, ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE — required to play radio streams.
• FOREGROUND_SERVICE, FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MEDIA_PLAYBACK — required to keep audio playing when the screen is off, with a media notification.
• POST_NOTIFICATIONS — used only to show the playback notification (play / pause / skip).
• WAKE_LOCK — used by the media player so playback isn't interrupted by the device sleeping.
• ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION — optional, used in the foreground only, to show nearby stations.

Children

LocalWave is suitable for all ages but is not directed specifically at children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone, including children.

Changes to this policy

If this policy changes, the new version will be published at the same URL with an updated "Last updated" date. Material changes will also be called out in the app's release notes.

Contact

Questions about this policy or your data: topsevenau@gmail.com