Privacy Policy

1. Who we are

ToolForge (toolforge.co.uk) is a free collection of online developer and IT tools. We do not require you to create an account to use any tool on this site.

2. Information we collect

2.1 Information you provide

Some tools allow you to submit data (for example, a URL to shorten, a password to hash, or a domain to look up). This data is processed to produce the tool's output. We do not permanently store the inputs you submit to most tools.

For the URL Shortener tool, the destination URL and any custom alias you provide are stored in a database solely to make the short link work. All links are automatically deleted when they expire (after a maximum of 24 hours) or on first click if "burn after reading" is enabled.

2.2 Automatically collected information

When you visit ToolForge, our web server and third-party services may automatically collect:

• Your IP address (used for rate limiting and security)
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited and time of visit (server logs)
• Referring URL

Server logs are retained for up to 30 days for security and diagnostic purposes, then deleted.

3. Cookies and tracking

ToolForge itself does not set any first-party tracking cookies. However, we use the following third-party services which may set cookies or collect data independently:

• Google AdSense — displays advertising on the site. Google may use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to this or other websites. You can opt out via Google's ad settings or aboutads.info.

For more information on how Google uses data, see How Google uses data when you use our partners' sites or apps.

How we fund ToolForge: ToolForge is funded by advertising revenue (Google AdSense). We do not sell your personal data.

4. How we use your information

• To provide and operate the tools on this site
• To enforce rate limits and protect against abuse
• To diagnose technical problems
• To display relevant advertising via Google AdSense

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes.

5. Data retention

• URL Shortener links: deleted at expiry (max 24 hours) or on first click if burn-after-reading is enabled
• Rate-limit counters: cleared automatically after 1 hour
• Server logs: retained for up to 30 days

6. Your rights

Depending on your location you may have rights to access, correct, or delete personal data we hold about you. Because we collect minimal data and do not link it to identifiable accounts, fulfilling such requests typically means providing or deleting server log entries associated with your IP address.

To make a request, contact us at the address below.

7. Children's privacy

ToolForge is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

8. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will reflect any changes. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please open an issue or contact us via the site. We aim to respond within 5 business days.