Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how ShortURL ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and protects information when you use our URL shortening service. By using ShortURL, you agree to the practices described below.
1. Information We Collect
We collect minimal information necessary to operate the service:
- URLs you submit: The long URL you paste and the short alias generated or chosen.
- Usage data: Click counts and the timestamp of the last click on each short link.
- IP addresses: Used solely for rate limiting (max 20 links per hour per IP) and abuse prevention. We do not store IP addresses beyond the current session.
- Technical data: Standard server logs including request timestamps and error codes. These are retained for up to 7 days.
We do not require registration, collect email addresses, or store personal identifiers.
2. Cookies and Tracking
ShortURL does not set cookies. Third-party advertising partners (such as Google AdSense) may set cookies to serve relevant ads. Please refer to Google's advertising privacy policy for details. You can opt out of personalised advertising via Google's ad settings.
3. How We Use Your Information
- To generate and resolve short links.
- To display per-link click statistics.
- To prevent abuse and enforce rate limits.
- To maintain service security and stability.
We do not sell, trade, or rent your information to third parties for marketing purposes.
4. Advertising
ShortURL displays advertisements served by third-party ad networks. These networks may use cookies and similar technologies to show relevant ads based on your browsing activity. We do not share your submitted URLs with advertisers.
5. Data Retention
Short links and their associated original URLs are stored indefinitely unless you set an expiry date, in which case the link becomes inactive after the expiry date. Inactive links may be purged from our database periodically. Server logs are retained for up to 7 days.
6. Third-Party Links
Short links redirect to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites. Always verify the destination before visiting shortened links from unknown sources.
7. Security
We implement industry-standard measures to protect our database. However, no internet transmission is completely secure. Use this service for non-sensitive URLs only.
8. Children's Privacy
ShortURL is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date.
10. Contact
For privacy concerns or questions, please use our abuse/contact form.