Privacy Policy

1. What we collect

We collect only what we need to run the Service:

• Account info: your email address, optional name, and (for password accounts) a hashed password — never the plain text.
• Links you create: the long URL, generated short code, and creation timestamp.
• Click events: a timestamp for each click on your short links. We don't log click IP addresses or user agents.
• Authentication tokens: when you sign in with Google, we verify your Google identity but only store your email and name.

2. How we use your data

• To create, resolve, and analyze short links you own.
• To authenticate you and protect your account.
• To send transactional emails (e.g. password reset).
• To investigate abuse or comply with legal obligations.

We do not sell your data. We don't use it for advertising.

3. Cookies and local storage

TheLinkly uses local storage in your browser to keep you signed in. We don't use third-party tracking cookies. See our Cookie Policy for details.

4. Third-party services

We rely on a small set of providers to deliver the Service:

• Google OAuth — to verify your identity when you choose “Sign in with Google.”
• Email provider — to deliver password-reset emails.
• Database and cache providers — to store links and click events. These providers process data on our behalf under their own security and privacy commitments.

5. Data retention

We keep your account and links until you delete them. Click events are retained for analytics. If you delete your account, all associated short links and click data are removed.

6. Security

We use industry-standard practices: TLS in transit, hashed passwords (bcrypt), rate-limiting on sensitive endpoints, and least-privilege database access. No system is perfect — if you believe an account has been compromised, contact us immediately.

7. Your rights

You can:

• Access and download the data tied to your account.
• Correct your name on the Account page.
• Delete your account at any time.
• Request more information or raise a concern through the contact page.

8. Changes

We'll update this page if our practices change. The “Last updated” date at the top reflects the latest revision. Material changes will be communicated by email.

9. Contact

Privacy questions? Reach us via the contact page.