Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to Shorten URL ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our free URL shortening service available at www.theshorturl.com (the "Service").

By using our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Service.

Information We Collect

1. Information You Provide

When you use our URL shortening service, we may collect:

• Original URLs: The long URLs that you submit to be shortened
• Custom aliases: Any custom short link names you create
• Email address: If you choose to create an account (optional)
• Account information: Username, password, and profile details if you register

2. Automatically Collected Information

When you use our Service, we automatically collect certain information:

• Click data: Number of clicks on shortened URLs, click timestamps, and geographic location of clicks
• Device information: Browser type, operating system, device type, and screen resolution
• IP addresses: Your IP address for security and analytics purposes
• Referrer information: The source that directed traffic to your shortened links
• Cookies and tracking technologies: Information collected through cookies and similar technologies

3. Analytics Information

We collect analytics data to help you understand how your shortened links perform, including:

• Click-through rates and engagement metrics
• Geographic distribution of clicks
• Device and browser statistics
• Time-based click patterns

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Provide our Service: To create, manage, and redirect your shortened URLs
• Analytics and insights: To provide you with click statistics and performance metrics
• Improve our Service: To analyze usage patterns and enhance user experience
• Security and fraud prevention: To detect and prevent abuse, spam, and malicious activities
• Communication: To send you service-related notifications and updates (if you have an account)
• Legal compliance: To comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service
• Customer support: To respond to your questions and provide assistance

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service providers: With third-party vendors who help us operate our Service (hosting, analytics, etc.)
• Legal requirements: When required by law, court order, or government request
• Business transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• With your consent: When you explicitly agree to share your information
• Aggregate data: We may share anonymized, aggregated data that cannot identify you personally

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience:

• Essential cookies: Required for the Service to function properly
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our Service
• Preference cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our Service. For more information, please see our Cookie Policy.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information:

• Encryption of data in transit using SSL/TLS
• Secure servers with regular security updates
• Access controls and authentication measures
• Regular security audits and monitoring
• Employee training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide our Service and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy:

• Shortened URLs: Retained indefinitely unless you delete them or request deletion
• Click analytics: Retained for up to 2 years for statistical purposes
• Account information: Retained until you delete your account
• Log data: Retained for up to 90 days for security and diagnostic purposes

Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Data portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Objection: Object to our processing of your personal information
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Withdraw consent: Withdraw your consent at any time where we rely on consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@theshorturl.com.

Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under the age of 13 (or the applicable age of consent in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately, and we will take steps to delete such information.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using our Service, you consent to the transfer of your information to our facilities and service providers globally.

We take appropriate safeguards to ensure your data is protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy, regardless of where it is processed.

Third-Party Links

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these websites. When you click on a shortened URL or visit a third-party site, their privacy policies apply. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• We will notify you of significant changes via email (if you have an account) or through a notice on our website
• Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information we collect, use, and share
• Right to delete your personal information
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell your information)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@theshorturl.com.

European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Right of access to your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

Our legal basis for processing your information includes consent, contractual necessity, legitimate interests, and legal obligations.