Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for theshortener.com

Last updated: January 1, 2026

1. Overview

theshortener.com (“we”, “our”, “us”) provides a URL shortening service through our website, API, browser extensions, and related services. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how it is used, and how we protect it.

We comply with applicable privacy regulations and platform policies, including the Google Chrome Web Store User Data Policy (Limited Use requirements) and Twitter/X Login (OAuth) requirements.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Account Registration & Authentication Information

To use our services, users must create an account.

We may collect:

  • Email address (used for account identification and communication)
  • Authentication credentials (stored securely and never in plain text)
  • API keys generated for each user account

API keys are used only to authenticate requests made to our API and browser extensions.

2.2 Third-Party Authentication (Twitter/X Login)

We allow users to sign in to theshortener.com using Twitter/X Login.

When you choose to sign in with Twitter/X, Twitter/X may grant our application technical access to certain account information as part of their standard authentication process and as authorized by you. The information we may receive includes:

  • Twitter/X user ID

  • Username and display name

  • Profile image

  • Email address, if provided by Twitter/X

Although Twitter/X’s authorization process may indicate access to additional account data (including timeline content, protected posts, follow lists, mute or block lists, or account settings), we do not read, store, or process such data.

We use the information received from Twitter/X solely for the following purposes:

  • User authentication

  • Account creation and identification

  • Login and account management

We do not post content, follow or unfollow accounts, send messages, read private messages, or perform any actions on your behalf on Twitter/X.

The availability of certain information (such as email address) depends on your Twitter/X account and settings. All data received through Twitter/X Login is handled in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

2.3 Service Usage Information

When you use our website, API, or extensions, we may collect:

  • URLs submitted for shortening
  • Short link identifiers
  • Basic usage data such as request counts, timestamps, and click statistics

This data is used strictly to operate and improve the Service.

2.4 Chrome Extension Data

Our browser extension may:

  • Access the active tab URL only when you initiate a shortening action
  • Store and use your API key locally to authenticate API requests

The extension does not monitor or track browsing activity outside of this function.

2.5 Information We Do NOT Collect

We do not collect:

  • Payment or financial information
  • Health or medical data
  • Personal communications
  • Keystrokes or mouse movement tracking
  • Precise GPS or continuous location data

3. How We Use Information

We use collected information strictly to:

  • Create and manage user accounts
  • Authenticate login sessions, API access, and extension usage
  • Generate and manage shortened URLs
  • Provide link analytics to users
  • Prevent abuse, spam, and fraudulent activity
  • Maintain, secure, and improve platform performance

We do not use user data for advertising, profiling, or resale.

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal data.

We may disclose limited information only:

  • When required by law or legal process
  • To protect the security, integrity, or rights of the Service
  • In connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset transfer

Any disclosure is limited to what is strictly necessary.

5. Chrome Extension & Limited Use Disclosure

The theshortener.com extension:

  • Uses the user’s API key solely to authenticate API requests
  • Accesses the current tab URL only when explicitly triggered by the user
  • Does not collect or transmit data unrelated to its core functionality

All data accessed through extension permissions is:

  • Used only to provide user-requested features
  • Not shared with third parties for advertising or unrelated analytics
  • Not used for creditworthiness, lending, or decision-making purposes

6. Data Retention and Deletion

We retain personal and service-related data only as long as necessary to:

  • Operate and maintain the Service
  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Enforce security and abuse prevention policies

Users may request account deletion at any time. Upon deletion:

  • Associated API keys are revoked
  • Authentication data is removed in accordance with operational requirements

Deletion requests can be submitted via the contact details below.

7. Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational safeguards, including:

  • Encrypted credential storage
  • Secure API key generation and rotation
  • Access controls and monitoring

No system is completely secure, but we take appropriate measures to protect user data.

8. Your Rights

Depending on applicable regulations, you may have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Correct inaccurate information
  • Request account and data deletion
  • Revoke API keys or third-party login access

Requests can be submitted via the contact information below.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

10. Contact Information

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://theshortener.com