1. Introduction
Welcome to Nextworm.com ("Nextworm," "we," "our," or "us"). We provide a URL shortening service that allows users to create shortened links and track their performance. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information when you visit our website at https://nextworm.com or use our services.
By using Nextworm, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of our services.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
When you register an account or use our services, we may collect:
- Name and email address (for registered users)
- Password (stored in encrypted form)
- URLs you submit for shortening
- Custom alias preferences
- Payment information (if applicable for premium features)
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you or anyone accesses a Nextworm short link or our website, we automatically collect:
- IP address of the visitor
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Referring URL (the page that linked to our short URL)
- Date and time of access
- Geographic location (country/city level, derived from IP address)
- Device type (desktop, mobile, tablet)
- Click and engagement data on shortened links
2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Maintain your session when you are logged in
- Remember your preferences
- Analyze traffic and usage patterns
- Prevent abuse and fraudulent activity
You can control cookie settings through your browser. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our service.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- To provide, operate, and maintain the URL shortening service
- To create and manage your account
- To display link analytics and click statistics to link creators
- To detect and prevent spam, abuse, malware, and fraudulent activity
- To send service-related communications (account updates, security alerts)
- To improve our website, features, and user experience
- To comply with applicable laws and legal obligations
- To respond to customer support requests
4. Link Analytics & Click Data
When someone clicks on a shortened link created via Nextworm, we collect and display analytics to the link creator. This data may include:
- Total number of clicks
- Geographic location of visitors (country and city level)
- Referring sources
- Device and browser breakdown
- Click timestamps
This analytics data is tied to the shortened link and made available to the user who created it. Visitor IP addresses are used for analytics purposes only and are not sold or shared with third parties except as described in Section 6.
5. Data Retention
We retain your data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide our services. Specifically:
- Account information is retained until you delete your account
- Shortened URLs and associated analytics are retained for the life of the link
- Click log data (including IP addresses) may be retained for up to 24 months
- Inactive free accounts may be deleted after 12 months of inactivity
You may request deletion of your data at any time by contacting us at the email address listed in Section 10.
6. Sharing of Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share data in the following limited circumstances:
- Service Providers: We may share data with trusted third-party vendors who assist in operating our platform (e.g., hosting, analytics, payment processing), bound by confidentiality agreements.
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose data if required by law, court order, or governmental authority.
- Safety and Abuse Prevention: We may share data to investigate and prevent malicious use, phishing, spam, or illegal activity.
- Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, user data may be transferred to the acquiring entity.
7. Third-Party Links
Short links created on Nextworm redirect users to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those external sites. We encourage users to review the privacy policies of any website they visit through our redirects.
Nextworm is not liable for any harm resulting from visiting a destination URL. We do our best to detect and block malicious URLs, but we cannot guarantee complete protection.
8. Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including:
- HTTPS encryption for all data transmissions
- Hashed and salted password storage
- Regular security audits and monitoring
- Access controls limiting who can access personal data internally
While we strive to protect your data, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security and encourage you to use strong passwords and protect your account credentials.
9. Children's Privacy
Nextworm is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately and we will take steps to delete it.
10. Your Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data
- Portability: Request your data in a portable format
- Objection: Object to certain types of data processing
- Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@nextworm.com. We will respond to your request within 30 days.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make material changes, we will:
- Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
- Notify registered users via email or an in-app notification
Your continued use of Nextworm after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
Website: https://nextworm.com
Email: privacy@nextworm.com