Cookie Policy
Last updated: July 22, 2026
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.
We use cookies and similar technologies (like local storage) to remember your preferences, understand how you use our service, and improve your experience.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be disabled. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as logging in or setting your privacy preferences.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
connect.sid | Session authentication | Session |
cookie_consent | Stores your cookie consent choice | 1 year |
cookie_preferences | Stores your detailed cookie preferences | 1 year |
cookie_consent_timestamp | Records when the consent choice was saved so it can expire | 1 year |
theme | Remembers your dark/light mode preference | 1 year |
Analytics Cookies
If you explicitly enable Analytics, we use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) for site templated pageviews and selected core events, and PostHog for product behavior and feature adoption. Neither provider initializes before that consent. PostHog is not used when it is not configured.
Client events are data-minimized: we do not send destination URLs, query strings, short codes, custom domain names, passwords, user pixel IDs, or account identifiers. Dynamic application routes are reported as route templates rather than their values. GA receives a synthetic canonical location instead of the real URL and an empty referrer. GA may also receive its normal anonymous client/session identifiers and browser, device, language, screen, and IP-derived geographic metadata. PostHog URL, referrer, and campaign properties are removed before sending. Disabling Analytics stops future capture, sets GA's disable flag, attempts to remove accessible site GA cookies, and resets/opts out PostHog. It does not erase data already received by a provider.
| Storage | Provider and purpose | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
_ga, _ga_* | GA4 browser and session measurement after Analytics consent | Up to 2 years, subject to Google configuration |
ph_<project>_posthog and matching local storage | PostHog anonymous product analytics state after Analytics consent | Typically up to 1 year, subject to provider configuration |
For link owners, we collect server-side click analytics (click counts, timestamps, device type, browser, operating system, referrer URLs, IP address, and approximate geographic location) for shortened links. This internal analytics is processed without loading third-party tracking pixels and is separate from the Marketing preference described below.
Link Shrink does not use this internal server-side analytics to follow visitors across unrelated websites. Separately, a link owner may attach Meta Pixel, GA4, Google Ads, TikTok Pixel, or Pinterest Tag to a shortened link. Those third-party marketing tools execute only after explicit Marketing consent on the redirect domain.
Marketing Cookies
Marketing cookies are used to measure campaign effectiveness and enable remarketing. When a link owner attaches tracking pixels to a shortened link, the following providers may be used:
- Meta Pixel
- Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
- Google Ads
- TikTok Pixel
- Pinterest Tag
These pixels are only loaded after you explicitly consent to marketing cookies. Link Shrink's own Google AdSense advertising script and ad slots are also loaded only after this Marketing consent. You can withdraw consent at any time using the "Manage Cookie Preferences" button. If your browser sends a Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal or has Do Not Track (DNT) enabled, marketing pixels are not loaded.
Third-Party Cookies
Some third-party services we use may set their own cookies:
- Stripe: Sets cookies for payment processing and fraud prevention. See Stripe's Privacy Policy.
- Cloudflare: May set security cookies to protect against malicious traffic. See Cloudflare's Privacy Policy.
- Google AdSense: Optional advertising loaded only after Marketing consent for eligible non-premium views.
- Google Analytics 4 and PostHog: Optional SPA analytics providers loaded only after Analytics consent. PostHog uses its EU ingestion host by default.
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You can manage your cookie preferences at any time. You have several options:
1. Use Our Cookie Settings
Click the button below to review or change your cookie preferences. Changes take effect immediately; disabling Analytics stops future product and site analytics capture.
2. Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can usually find these in the "Options" or "Preferences" menu of your browser. Please note that blocking all cookies may affect website functionality.
3. Do Not Track
GPC and the "Do Not Track" browser setting override a stored Analytics choice and disable optional SPA analytics. They also prevent link-owner marketing pixels from loading.
Local Storage
In addition to cookies, we use browser local storage for:
| Key | Purpose |
|---|---|
theme | Stores your preferred color theme (light/dark) |
cookie_consent | Records whether you've responded to the cookie banner |
cookie_preferences | Your detailed cookie category preferences |
cookie_consent_timestamp | Dates the choice so it expires after one year |
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. We will notify you of any significant changes by displaying a new cookie consent banner.
Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us at support@linkshrink.pro or visit our Contact Page.
More Information
For more information about how we handle your personal data, please read our Privacy Policy.