Updated: 27 September 2025
This Privacy Policy explains how ShrinkForge (“we”, “us”) collects, uses, and protects information when you use shrinkforge.com, our subdomains, APIs, widgets, and related services (the “Services”).
1) What we are (and aren’t)
ShrinkForge is a URL shortener and monetization platform. We do not host third-party content. Short links redirect to external sites controlled by others. For content hosted elsewhere, please also review those sites’ policies.
2) Information we collect
a) Data you provide
- Account data (email, username, password hash)
- Profile and payout details you submit (e.g., PayPal/Payoneer email, bank information — stored only as necessary for payout processing)
- Support messages and feedback
b) Data collected automatically
- Server logs (IP address, user-agent, referrer, request/response metadata, timestamps)
- Usage/analytics events (e.g., link clicks, country/region, device type)
- Cookies and similar technologies (see “Cookies & Ads” below)
c) Data from third parties
- Payment providers (confirmation, status, limited payout metadata)
- Fraud/abuse signals (e.g., IP reputation, bot detection, blocklists)
3) How we use information
- Provide, operate, and secure the Services (create/resolve short links, anti-bot, abuse prevention)
- Measure performance (CPM by GEO/device), optimize layouts, and fix issues
- Process payouts and keep accounting records
- Show ads and measure ad performance where applicable
- Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms
4) Cookies, Ads & Analytics
a) Essential cookies
Used for login sessions, CSRF protection, frequency capping, and service reliability. You can block cookies in your browser, but some features may break.
b) Advertising (Google AdSense / Google Marketing Platform)
We may display ads that use cookies and identifiers (e.g., Google’s DoubleClick / DART cookie) to serve and measure ads on this site. Google may collect or receive information from your browser and use it to provide ad services.
Manage or opt-out: Google Ad Settings · How Google uses information · NAI opt-out
c) Google Analytics (or similar)
We may use analytics to understand aggregate usage (e.g., pages viewed, GEO/device breakdown). IPs may be truncated or pseudonymized where configured.
d) reCAPTCHA
We use Google reCAPTCHA to protect forms and fight abuse. Your use is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
5) Payments & Payouts
Payouts are processed via third-party providers (e.g., PayPal, Payoneer, bank transfer, WebMoney, crypto). We receive limited confirmation and status information to fulfill your withdrawal. Your use of those services is governed by their terms and privacy notices.
6) Legal bases (EEA/UK)
- Contract: to provide the Services and payouts
- Legitimate interests: security, fraud prevention, analytics, product improvement
- Consent: non-essential cookies/ads where required
- Legal obligation: accounting, court/authority requests
7) How we share information
- Service providers (hosting, security, analytics, ad partners, payment processors)
- Legal, safety, and rights protection where required or permitted by law
- Business transfers (merger, acquisition, restructuring)
We do not sell personal information in the traditional sense. Some jurisdictions define “sale” broadly for advertising/analytics; see “Your rights”.
8) Data retention
- Server logs: typically 30–90 days (longer for security/abuse investigations)
- Account and payout records: retained as required for tax/audit and fraud prevention
- Support tickets: retained as needed to resolve issues and improve service
9) International transfers
We may process data in countries outside your own. Where required, we rely on lawful transfer mechanisms (e.g., SCCs or equivalent).
10) Security
We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards (TLS encryption in transit, restricted access, monitoring). No online method is 100% secure.
11) Children
Our Services are not directed to children under 13 (or the age required by local law). If you believe a child provided personal data, contact us and we’ll take appropriate action.
12) Your choices & rights
- Cookies/ads: manage via your browser, device settings, and the links above
- Access, correction, deletion: email [email protected]
- EEA/UK: you may have rights to object/restrict processing or portability; you may lodge a complaint with your data authority
- CCPA/CPRA (California): you may request access/deletion and opt out of “sharing” for cross-context behavioral ads
- Do Not Track: We do not respond to browser DNT signals at this time
13) Third-party links
Short links redirect to external sites we do not control. Review those sites’ privacy practices.
14) Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. We’ll post the new version and update the date at the top.
15) Contact
Questions or requests: [email protected]
This page is for transparency and does not constitute legal advice.