Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to WTFURL.com ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our URL shortening service. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

• URLs: The original URLs you submit for shortening
• Custom Aliases: Optional custom short codes you create
• Passwords: When you choose to password-protect your links (stored as encrypted hashes)

Information We Automatically Collect

• Click Analytics: When someone clicks your shortened links, we collect:
  • IP addresses (for geographic analytics and abuse prevention)
  • User agent information (browser and device type)
  • Referrer information (where the click came from)
  • Timestamps of clicks
• Session Data: We use browser sessions to track your usage and provide personalized features like statistics and achievements
• Technical Data: Server logs, error reports, and performance metrics

How We Use Your Information

Specifically, we use your information to:

• Create and manage shortened URLs
• Provide click analytics and statistics
• Detect and prevent abuse, spam, and malicious activity
• Improve our service performance and user experience
• Provide customer support when requested
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information only in these limited circumstances:

• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or legal process
• Safety and Security: To protect our users, service, or the public from harm
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• Service Providers: With trusted third parties who help us operate our service (under strict confidentiality agreements)

Data Retention

We retain your information for different periods depending on the type:

• URL Data: Indefinitely, unless you request deletion or we detect abuse
• Click Analytics: Up to 2 years for statistical analysis
• Session Data: Until your browser session expires or 30 days of inactivity
• Server Logs: Up to 90 days for security and performance monitoring

Your Rights and Choices

Access and Control

• View Statistics: Add a "+" to any short URL to view its analytics
• Password Protection: You can protect your links with passwords
• Custom Aliases: Choose your own short codes instead of random ones

Data Deletion

You can request deletion of your URLs and associated data by contacting us. Note that some information may be retained for legal or security purposes.

Opt-Out Options

• Use incognito/private browsing to limit session tracking
• Contact us to exclude your URLs from public statistics

Cookies and Tracking

We use browser sessions (not persistent cookies) to:

• Remember your created links during your session
• Provide personalized statistics and achievements
• Verify passwords for protected links

We do not use tracking cookies or third-party advertising networks.

Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information:

• HTTPS encryption for all data transmission
• Secure password hashing (bcrypt)
• Input validation and sanitization
• Regular security monitoring and updates
• Limited access to personal data by our team

International Users

Our service is operated from Romania. If you access our service from other countries, your information may be transferred to and processed in Romania, which may have different privacy laws than your jurisdiction.

Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the "Last Updated" date and may provide additional notice for material changes.