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Privacy Policy for Link Cleaner Pro

Last Updated: January 7, 2026

Overview

Link Cleaner Pro is a browser extension designed to protect your privacy by removing tracking parameters from URLs and providing security features. This Privacy Policy explains how the extension handles your data.

Data Collection and Storage

What We DO NOT Collect

Link Cleaner Pro does not:

  • Collect personally identifiable information
  • Track your browsing history externally
  • Send your data to external servers (except VirusTotal or Shortener updates, see below)
  • Share your data with third parties
  • Use analytics or telemetry services
  • Store data in the cloud
  • Monitor your browsing in the background (Manual-only architecture)

What We Store Locally (On Your Device Only)

All data is stored locally in your browser using Chrome Storage API and never leaves your device:

  1. Extension Settings

    • Site-specific settings (Amazon/AliExpress/LinkedIn aggressive mode)
    • Whitelist domains (sites you want to exclude)
    • Stored in: chrome.storage.sync (syncs across your Chrome devices only)

  2. Optional VirusTotal API Key

    • If you configure VirusTotal integration, your API key is stored locally
    • Stored in: chrome.storage.sync (encrypted by Chrome)

  3. Cleaning History (Optional)

    • List of cleaned URLs (original → cleaned)
    • Timestamp of cleaning
    • Number of parameters removed
    • Stored in: chrome.storage.local (stays on device)
    • You can delete this anytime via Options page

  4. Statistics

    • Total URLs cleaned
    • Total trackers removed
    • Stored in: chrome.storage.local
    • You can reset this anytime via Options page

  5. Shortener Domains Database

    • List of known URL shortener domains
    • Updated from GitHub occasionally
    • Stored in: chrome.storage.local

Third-Party Services (Optional)

VirusTotal Integration

Link Cleaner Pro offers optional integration with VirusTotal API:

  • When: Only when you manually click "Check with VirusTotal" OR enable auto-check
  • What's sent: The URL you're checking
  • Who receives it: VirusTotal (owned by Google)
  • Why: To check if a URL is malicious
  • Your control: This feature is OFF by default and requires you to provide your own API key
  • VirusTotal Privacy Policy: https://www.virustotal.com/gui/privacy-policy

Important: We do not have access to VirusTotal API keys or any data you send to VirusTotal. The communication is direct between your browser and VirusTotal servers.

Shortener Database Updates

  • The extension occasionally downloads an updated list of shortener domains from GitHub
  • What's sent: HTTP request to GitHub (public repository)
  • What's received: JSON file with domain list
  • No personal data is transmitted

Permissions Explained

The extension requests the following permissions:

<all_urls> (Access your data for all websites)

  • Why: Required to clean URLs on any website you visit
  • How it's used: The extension reads URLs from pages to remove tracking parameters
  • What we DON'T do: We don't read page content, passwords, forms, or personal data

contextMenus

  • Why: To add "Clean URL" option when you right-click
  • How it's used: Creates menu items only

storage

  • Why: To save your settings and preferences
  • How it's used: Stores settings locally (see "What We Store Locally" above)

clipboardWrite

  • Why: To copy cleaned URLs to your clipboard
  • How it's used: Only when you explicitly click "Copy" button

declarativeNetRequest (Removed)

  • No longer required. Removed to follow the principle of least privilege.

Data Security

  • All data is stored using Chrome's built-in storage API with browser-level encryption
  • No data is transmitted to external servers (except optional VirusTotal checks)
  • No background data collection or analytics
  • Extension is open source and can be audited: https://github.com/patatapython/link-cleaner-pro

Your Rights and Controls

You have full control over your data:

  1. View your data: Open extension Options page
  2. Delete cleaning history: Click "Clear History" in Options
  3. Reset statistics: Click "Reset Statistics" in Options
  4. Export your data: Click "Export History" to download your cleaning history as JSON
  5. Disable the extension: Chrome Settings → Extensions → Toggle off
  6. Uninstall the extension: All local data is automatically deleted upon uninstall

Children's Privacy

Link Cleaner Pro does not knowingly collect any data from children. The extension is a privacy tool that operates entirely locally.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally. Changes will be reflected in the "Last Updated" date at the top of this document. Significant changes will be announced via the extension's GitHub repository.

Open Source

Link Cleaner Pro is open source. You can review the complete source code at: https://github.com/patatapython/link-cleaner-pro

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I support content creators while using this extension?

A: Yes! To preserve affiliate links and support creators, temporarily disable the extension by clicking its icon in your browser toolbar. The extension will remain inactive until you enable it again.

The whitelist feature is designed for domains you trust completely (like internal company tools), not for selective affiliate link preservation.

Q: Does this extension remove ALL tracking?

A: This extension removes tracking parameters and affiliate marketing tags. If you want to support specific creators through their affiliate links, we recommend temporarily disabling the extension when clicking those links.

Q: Why does the extension remove affiliate links?

A: Affiliate links often contain tracking parameters that compromise your privacy. The extension cannot differentiate between "good" tracking (creator support) and "bad" tracking (third-party surveillance). You have full control: disable the extension when you want to support creators.

Contact

For privacy concerns, questions, or requests:

Support the Project:

Summary

In plain English:

  • ✅ Everything stays on your device
  • ✅ No tracking, no analytics, no ads
  • ✅ Optional VirusTotal checks (you control it)
  • ✅ You can delete all data anytime
  • ✅ Open source and auditable
  • ❌ We don't collect personal information
  • ❌ We don't sell data (there's nothing to sell!)
  • ❌ We don't share data with third parties

Link Cleaner Pro v3.2.0 Built with 100% privacy in mind.