Privacy Policy

Last Updated: June 29, 2025
This Privacy Policy describes how parks.tips ("we," "our," or "us") collects, uses, and protects information when you use our shortlink service and website.
Privacy-First Approach: We believe in transparency and user control. This service is designed with privacy as a core principle, giving you full control over your data and tracking preferences.

Information We Collect

Automatically Collected Information

  • Shortlink Usage: When you click a shortlink, we record the click count and timestamp for analytics purposes
  • Google Analytics (Optional): With your consent, we collect website usage data including page views, session duration, and general location (country/region level only)
  • Technical Data: Server logs may temporarily contain IP addresses, browser information, and access times for security and troubleshooting

Admin Interface Data

  • Authentication: Secure login credentials managed through AWS Cognito
  • Shortlink Management: Creation, modification, and deletion of shortlinks stored in encrypted AWS DynamoDB
  • Usage Statistics: Aggregate data about shortlink performance and click analytics

How We Use Your Information

We use collected information solely for the following purposes:
  • Service Operation: Providing shortlink redirection and management functionality
  • Analytics: Understanding usage patterns to improve service performance (only with your consent)
  • Security: Protecting against abuse, spam, and unauthorized access
  • Troubleshooting: Diagnosing technical issues and maintaining service reliability

Your Privacy Controls

Google Analytics Opt-Out: You have full control over analytics tracking. Use the "Opt Out" link in our footer to disable Google Analytics. Your preference is stored locally and respected across all visits.
What happens when you opt out:
  • Google Analytics scripts are completely disabled
  • All existing tracking cookies are automatically deleted
  • Your preference is stored in local browser storage
  • You can re-enable tracking at any time using the "Opt In" option

Data Storage and Security

Your data security is our priority. We implement industry-standard security measures:
  • Encryption: All data is encrypted at rest using AWS DynamoDB encryption
  • HTTPS: All communications are protected with SSL/TLS encryption
  • AWS Security: We leverage AWS's enterprise-grade security infrastructure
  • Access Control: Admin access is secured through AWS Cognito with strong authentication
  • Data Minimization: We collect only the minimum data necessary for service operation

Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services that may collect data:
  • Google Analytics: Website usage analytics (only with your consent) - Privacy Policy
  • AWS Services: Infrastructure hosting and data storage - Privacy Policy
  • CloudFront: Content delivery network for performance optimization

International Users

Our service is hosted in the United States using AWS infrastructure. By using our service, you acknowledge that your data may be processed in the US. We implement appropriate safeguards to protect your data regardless of location, including:
  • GDPR-compliant data handling practices
  • User control over analytics and tracking
  • Transparent data collection and usage policies
  • Right to request data deletion (contact us below)

Data Retention

We retain data for the following periods:
  • Shortlink Data: Retained indefinitely for service functionality
  • Click Analytics: Stored for operational analysis and service improvement
  • Google Analytics: Follows Google's retention policies (26 months by default)
  • Server Logs: Automatically deleted after 30 days

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify users of significant changes by updating the "Last Updated" date above. Continued use of our service constitutes acceptance of any changes.

Contact Information

Data Protection Inquiries:
For questions about this Privacy Policy, data deletion requests, or privacy concerns, please contact us through our administrative interface or via the contact methods available on our main website.
Your Rights: You have the right to know what data we collect, how it's used, request deletion of your data, and control tracking preferences. We're committed to honoring these rights and maintaining your privacy.