Terms of Service

Agreement to Terms

Welcome to Shorten URL ("Company," "we," "our," or "us"). These Terms of Service ("Terms," "Terms of Service," "User Agreement") govern your access to and use of our URL shortening service, link management platform, short link generator, and all related services (collectively, the "Service") available at www.theshorturl.com and any subdomains thereof.

By accessing or using our free URL shortening service, creating shortened links, using our link management tools, or utilizing any features of our platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms and conditions, please do not use our URL shortener or any related services.

IMPORTANT: These Terms contain an arbitration clause and class action waiver that affect your legal rights. Please read these Terms of Service carefully.

Definitions

For purposes of these Terms of Service:

• "Service" refers to the Shorten URL website, URL shortening platform, link management system, and all related features and functionalities
• "User," "you," or "your" refers to any individual or entity accessing or using our URL shortener service
• "Shortened URL" or "Short Link" refers to the abbreviated link created using our URL shortening service
• "Original URL" or "Destination URL" refers to the long URL that you submit to be shortened
• "Account" refers to your registered user account on our link management platform (if applicable)
• "Content" refers to any URLs, links, data, text, or other materials you submit to our Service
• "Analytics" refers to the click tracking, link statistics, and performance metrics we provide

Eligibility and Account Registration

Eligibility to Use Service

By using our URL shortening service, you represent and warrant that:

• You are at least 13 years of age (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction)
• You have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms of Service
• You will comply with all applicable laws when using our link shortener
• You have not been previously banned or suspended from our URL shortening platform
• All information you provide is accurate, current, and complete

Account Registration (Optional)

While you can use our basic URL shortening service without registration, creating an account provides access to additional link management features:

• Account Creation: You may create an account by providing accurate information
• Account Security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials
• Account Responsibility: You are responsible for all activities under your account
• Unauthorized Access: Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
• One Account Per User: You may not create multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions

Acceptable Use of URL Shortening Service

Permitted Uses

You may use our URL shortener and link management platform for lawful purposes, including:

• Shortening long URLs for social media sharing, marketing campaigns, and email marketing
• Creating custom branded short links for business and personal use
• Tracking click analytics and link performance metrics
• Managing link campaigns and organizing shortened URLs
• Sharing shortened links in presentations, documents, and digital content

Prohibited Uses

You agree NOT to use our URL shortening service for any of the following prohibited activities:

• Illegal Content: Shortening URLs that link to illegal content, pirated materials, or content that violates laws
• Malicious Links: Creating shortened URLs to malware, viruses, phishing sites, or harmful software
• Spam: Using our link shortener for spam, unsolicited marketing, or bulk automated link creation
• Adult Content: Shortening URLs to pornography, adult content, or sexually explicit materials (without proper age verification)
• Harassment: Creating links to harass, threaten, or abuse individuals or groups
• Hate Speech: Shortening URLs that promote hate speech, discrimination, or violence
• Scams & Fraud: Using shortened links for fraudulent schemes, scams, or deceptive practices
• Copyright Infringement: Linking to content that infringes on intellectual property rights
• Misleading Links: Creating deceptive shortened URLs that misrepresent the destination
• Link Cloaking for Malicious Purposes: Hiding malicious destinations behind our short links
• Automated Abuse: Using bots or scripts to abuse our URL shortening service
• Service Circumvention: Attempting to bypass our security measures or usage limits

License to Use Service

Limited License

Subject to your compliance with these Terms of Service, we grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to:

• Access and use our URL shortening service for personal or commercial purposes
• Create shortened links using our link generator
• Use our link management tools and analytics features
• Share shortened URLs created through our platform

Restrictions

You may NOT:

• Modify, copy, or create derivative works of our URL shortener platform
• Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble our Service
• Remove or alter any proprietary notices from our link shortening service
• Use our Service to build a competing URL shortener or link management platform
• Frame or mirror our website without written permission
• Use automated systems to scrape or data mine our Service

Intellectual Property Rights

Our Intellectual Property

The Shorten URL platform, including our URL shortener technology, link management system, website design, logos, trademarks, and all related intellectual property, is owned by us and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

"Shorten URL," our logo, and other brand elements are our trademarks. You may not use our trademarks without prior written consent.

Your Content

You retain all rights to the URLs and content you submit to our URL shortening service. By using our Service, you grant us:

• A worldwide, non-exclusive license to host, store, and display your shortened URLs
• The right to create and display short links based on your submitted URLs
• Permission to provide analytics and click tracking for your links
• The right to use aggregated, anonymized data for improving our Service

Link Management and Shortened URLs

Shortened URL Creation

Our URL shortening service allows you to:

• Create shortened versions of long URLs
• Generate custom alias short links (subject to availability)
• Track click analytics and link performance
• Manage multiple shortened links through your account

Link Availability and Permanence

Regarding your shortened URLs:

• Link Availability: We strive to maintain shortened links indefinitely, but cannot guarantee permanent availability
• Custom Aliases: Custom short link names are available on a first-come, first-served basis
• Link Deletion: We reserve the right to delete shortened URLs that violate these Terms
• Service Discontinuation: If we discontinue our URL shortening service, we will provide reasonable notice
• Inactive Links: Links may be removed after extended periods of inactivity

Link Redirection

Our URL shortener redirects users from short links to destination URLs:

• We are not responsible for the content of destination URLs
• Redirection may include intermediate pages for security or analytics
• We may add warnings before redirecting to potentially unsafe sites
• Link redirection speed and reliability are provided "as is"

Service Availability and Modifications

Service Availability

We strive to provide reliable URL shortening services, but:

• Our Service may be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance, updates, or technical issues
• We do not guarantee 100% uptime for our link shortener platform
• Service interruptions may occur without notice
• We are not liable for any damages resulting from service unavailability

Service Modifications

We reserve the right to:

• Modify, suspend, or discontinue any feature of our URL shortening service
• Update our link management platform and analytics tools
• Change pricing for premium features (with notice to affected users)
• Implement usage limits or restrictions on our free URL shortener
• Add, remove, or modify features without prior notice

User Conduct and Responsibilities

As a user of our URL shortening service, you agree to:

• Legal Compliance: Use our link shortener in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Accurate Information: Provide accurate information when creating accounts or using our Service
• Security: Maintain the security of your account credentials and API keys
• Responsibility for Links: Take responsibility for all shortened URLs you create
• Content Monitoring: Ensure destination URLs comply with these Terms of Service
• Report Abuse: Report violations of these Terms to our support team
• Respect Others: Not interfere with other users' use of our URL shortener
• Fair Use: Use our Service reasonably and not abuse our free tier limits

Termination and Suspension

Termination by You

You may stop using our URL shortening service at any time. If you have an account, you may delete it through your account settings.

Termination by Us

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to our link shortener service:

• If you violate these Terms of Service or our Acceptable Use Policy
• If we suspect fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activity
• If your shortened URLs link to prohibited content
• For excessive use that impacts service availability for others
• If we discontinue the URL shortening service
• At our sole discretion, with or without cause

Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your access to the Service will be immediately revoked
• Your shortened links may be disabled or deleted
• Your account data may be deleted (subject to our data retention policies)
• You must cease all use of our URL shortener platform
• Sections of these Terms that should survive will remain in effect

Disclaimers and Warranties

"AS IS" Service

OUR URL SHORTENING SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all warranties, including:

• Merchantability: No warranty that our Service is suitable for your purposes
• Fitness for Purpose: No guarantee that our URL shortener meets your specific needs
• Non-Infringement: No warranty regarding third-party intellectual property rights
• Accuracy: No guarantee that analytics, click tracking, or statistics are error-free
• Availability: No warranty of uninterrupted or error-free service
• Security: No guarantee that our Service is completely secure or free from vulnerabilities

Third-Party Content

We are not responsible for:

• The content, accuracy, or legality of destination URLs you shorten
• Third-party websites accessed through shortened links
• Any damages resulting from clicking on shortened URLs
• Malware, viruses, or security issues on destination websites

Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF OUR URL SHORTENING SERVICE.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Loss of profits, revenue, or business opportunities from using our link shortener
• Loss of data, including shortened URLs or analytics
• Costs of substitute services or alternative URL shorteners
• Damage to reputation from broken or misdirected links
• Service interruptions or unavailability of shortened links
• Security breaches or unauthorized access to your account
• Any damages from clicking on shortened URLs created by other users

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ALL CLAIMS RELATED TO OUR URL SHORTENING SERVICE SHALL NOT EXCEED $100 USD OR THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Shorten URL, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your use of our URL shortening service
• Your violation of these Terms of Service
• Your shortened URLs or destination content
• Your infringement of any third-party rights
• Your violation of applicable laws or regulations
• Any false or misleading information you provide
• Claims by third parties related to your shortened links

Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

By using our URL shortening service, you acknowledge and agree to our data practices as described in the Privacy Policy, including:

• Collection of click analytics and link performance data
• Storage of shortened URLs and destination URLs
• Processing of account information (if you register)
• Use of your data to improve our Service and provide analytics

DMCA and Copyright Policy

We respect intellectual property rights. If you believe that content accessible through a shortened URL infringes your copyright, please contact us with:

• Identification of the copyrighted work
• The shortened URL linking to infringing content
• Your contact information
• A statement of good faith belief
• A statement of accuracy under penalty of perjury
• Physical or electronic signature

Send DMCA notices to: dmca@theshorturl.com

Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

Informal Resolution

Before filing a claim, you agree to contact us at legal@theshorturl.com to attempt to resolve the dispute informally.

Binding Arbitration

If we cannot resolve the dispute informally, you agree that any dispute arising from these Terms of Service or our URL shortening service will be resolved through binding arbitration, except where prohibited by law.

• Arbitration will be conducted by a neutral arbitrator
• The arbitration will take place in [Your Jurisdiction]
• Each party will bear their own costs and fees
• The arbitrator's decision will be final and binding
• Judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction

Class Action Waiver

YOU AGREE THAT DISPUTES WILL BE RESOLVED INDIVIDUALLY AND NOT AS A CLASS ACTION, CLASS ARBITRATION, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION.

You waive any right to participate in class actions or representative proceedings related to our URL shortener service.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Your Jurisdiction], without regard to conflict of law principles.

For any disputes not subject to arbitration, you agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in [Your Jurisdiction].

International Use and Export Compliance

Our URL shortening service is controlled and operated from [Your Country]. We make no representation that the Service is appropriate or available for use outside [Your Country].

If you use our link shortener from other locations, you are responsible for compliance with local laws. You agree to comply with all applicable export and import laws and regulations.

Changes to Terms of Service

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
• We will notify you of material changes via email (if you have an account) or through a notice on our website
• Changes will be effective immediately upon posting for new users
• For existing users, changes will be effective 30 days after posting
• Your continued use of our URL shortening service after changes constitutes acceptance

If you do not agree to modified Terms, you must stop using our Service and may delete your account.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms of Service is found to be unlawful, void, or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed severable and will not affect the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions.

Entire Agreement

These Terms of Service, together with our Privacy Policy and any other legal notices published on our URL shortening platform, constitute the entire agreement between you and Shorten URL regarding your use of the Service.

These Terms supersede any prior agreements, communications, or understandings regarding the subject matter herein.

Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms of Service or your account without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms or transfer our rights and obligations to any affiliate, successor, or third party without restriction.

Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms of Service will not constitute a waiver of that right or provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative.

Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations under these Terms due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including:

• Acts of God, natural disasters, or severe weather
• War, terrorism, or civil unrest
• Government actions or changes in law
• Labor disputes or strikes
• Internet or telecommunications failures
• Cyberattacks, hacking, or security breaches
• Pandemics or public health emergencies

Survival

The following sections shall survive termination of these Terms of Service:

• Intellectual Property Rights
• Disclaimers and Warranties
• Limitation of Liability
• Indemnification
• Dispute Resolution and Arbitration
• Governing Law and Jurisdiction

Feedback and Suggestions

We welcome your feedback and suggestions about our URL shortening service. Any feedback you provide may be used by us without any obligation to you.

By submitting feedback, suggestions, or ideas, you grant us a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, modify, and incorporate such feedback into our Service without compensation to you.