TinyURL LLC

TinyURL is a long-standing URL shortening service that allows users to create condensed, shareable links from long web addresses. The service, one of the first of its kind, also offers premium features for businesses and marketers, including link management, branded links, and detailed analytics that track user clicks, location, and device information. While not a traditional data broker that sells personal profiles, the use of shortened URLs poses privacy and security risks. Malicious actors can use services like TinyURL to disguise links to phishing websites, malware, or scams, making it difficult for users to identify the destination of a link before clicking. This can expose individuals to identity theft, financial fraud, and other online harms. To protect themselves, individuals should be cautious of unsolicited short links and use link preview features when available to verify the destination URL before clicking. It is also wise to limit the personal information shared on websites accessed through shortened links.