PRIVACY POLICY

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how No BS URL Shortener ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use our service. We're committed to privacy and transparency - hence the "No BS" in our name.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 URLs You Shorten

When you shorten a URL, we store:

• The original URL you submitted
• The shortened URL code we generated
• Creation timestamp
• Expiration time (if you set one)

2.2 Usage Analytics

For shortened URLs, we track minimal analytics:

• Click count: Total number of times a shortened URL was accessed
• Click timestamp: When each click occurred
• Referrer domain: The domain (not full URL) where the click came from
• Last 100 clicks only: We only keep the most recent 100 clicks per URL to prevent unbounded data growth

2.3 What We DON'T Collect

2.4 Third-Party Analytics

We use Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity to understand how our website is used. These services may collect:

• Page views and navigation patterns
• Device and browser information
• General geographic location (country/city level)

These analytics tools are subject to their own privacy policies. You can opt out using browser extensions or privacy settings.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

• Provide the URL shortening service
• Redirect users from shortened URLs to original URLs
• Track basic usage statistics (click counts)
• Prevent abuse and spam
• Improve our service

4. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored securely:

• All data is stored in a secure PostgreSQL database
• Frequently accessed URLs are cached in Redis for 14 days
• We use industry-standard security practices
• HTTPS encryption for all connections
• XSS and CSRF protection on all forms

5. Data Retention

Data retention policies:

• Permanent URLs: Stored indefinitely until service discontinuation or manual deletion
• Temporary URLs: Deleted after expiration time you specified
• Click analytics: Last 100 clicks per URL are retained
• Cached data: Expires after 14 days in Redis

6. Sharing of Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your information. We may share information only:

• With third-party analytics providers (Google Analytics, Microsoft Clarity) as described above
• When required by law or to protect our rights
• With your explicit consent

7. Your Rights

Since we don't collect personal information or require accounts, there's no profile or personal data to access or delete. However:

• You can stop using the service at any time
• Shortened URLs created cannot be edited or deleted by users (no accounts = no authentication)
• If you need a specific URL removed, contact us and we'll consider your request

8. Cookies

We do not use cookies directly for our service. However, Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity may set cookies for analytics purposes. You can disable cookies in your browser settings or use privacy extensions to block third-party analytics.

9. Children's Privacy

Our service is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If we discover we've collected data from a child under 13, we'll delete it promptly.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy occasionally. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the service after changes constitutes acceptance of the new policy.

11. Contact

Questions or concerns about privacy? Reach out:

• Email: viscous.buys4y@icloud.com
• Twitter: @santhoshj
• GitHub: View our code