smol.ing/privacy
Privacy Policy
How we protect your data.
Version 1.0 · August 5, 2026
Introduction
Welcome to Smoling. This Privacy Policy explains how Smoling ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses and protects your information when you use our platform to shorten links and share files.
By using Smoling, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. We are committed to ensuring your privacy is protected and that we are transparent about how we handle your data.
Information We Collect
Account Information
When you create an account, we collect your name, email address and profile picture — either directly or via Google OAuth. This is necessary to manage your links and files, handle billing and provide support.
Link and File Data
We store the short links and files you create, including slugs, destination URLs, file content, titles and any settings you apply such as passwords and expiry dates.
Click and Download Analytics
When someone clicks a short link or downloads a file, we collect:
- +Country and city (from Cloudflare headers)
- +Device type, browser and operating system
- +Referrer — where the click came from
- +Timestamp
- +A hashed, non-reversible version of the visitor's IP address for unique visitor counting
We do not store raw IP addresses.
Third-Party Services
We use a few trusted third-party services to operate Smoling safely and efficiently:
- 01Cloudflare
DNS, DDoS protection and geo headers for analytics
- 02Cloudflare R2
file storage. Files are private and only accessible via your short link
- 03Polar
payment processing. We do not store your credit card details on our servers
- 04PostHog
anonymised product analytics to help us improve the product
- 05Better Auth
authentication and session management
Each service operates under their own privacy policy.
What We Don't Do
- We don't sell your data
- We don't show ads
- We don't share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes
File Storage
Uploaded files are stored on Cloudflare R2. Files are private by default — never publicly accessible via a direct storage URL. Access is only possible through your Smoling short link, subject to any password or expiry settings you have applied.
When you delete a file link, the file is permanently and immediately removed from storage.
Data Retention & Deletion
We store your links, files and analytics while your account is active so you can always access your data.
How to Delete Your Data
You can delete individual links and files at any time from your dashboard. To delete your entire account, go to Settings → Account → Danger Zone. Upon confirmation, Smoling will permanently erase your account details, all links and files you have created and all associated analytics data.
Security
We use industry-standard encryption and security practices to protect your information from unauthorised access, alteration, or disclosure.
Children's Privacy
Smoling is a general-purpose tool not specifically directed at children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data without appropriate consent, please contact us at [email protected] and we will promptly remove it.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the updated policy on this page and updating the date at the top.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, please reach out to us at [email protected].
By using Smoling, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.
Version 1.0 · August 5, 2026