To provide you with the best possible service, we collect certain types of information from our users. This collection is limited to what is necessary for the functionality of Files To Links, and we make every effort to anonymize or pseudonymize data where possible. The information we gather falls into several categories, each serving specific purposes related to service delivery, security, and improvement. We do not collect more data than is required, and we are transparent about what we collect and why.
Understanding the types of data we collect helps users make informed decisions about their interactions with our platform. In the following subsections, we detail the specific information gathered through different aspects of our service, including our Telegram bot and web player. This includes both personal and non-personal data, with clear explanations of how each piece contributes to your experience.
1.1 Telegram Bot Usage
When you interact with our Telegram bot, which serves as the primary interface for generating streaming and download links, we collect specific data to facilitate authentication, process your requests, and ensure the smooth operation of the service. This data is essential for verifying your identity within the Telegram ecosystem and delivering personalized features.
Specifically, we collect your Telegram User ID, which is a unique identifier provided by Telegram. This ID allows us to authenticate you and associate your requests with your account, ensuring that only authorized users can access certain features, such as premium tiers or usage history. Without this ID, we would be unable to provide a secure and personalized experience. We do not collect your full Telegram username or other profile details unless explicitly shared by you during interactions.
In addition, we temporarily process files or media that you share with the bot. These files are handled on-demand to generate the requested streaming links. For example, if you upload a video file, our system analyzes it briefly to create a secure, temporary link for streaming or downloading. This processing is done in real-time and does not involve long-term storage of the content. We ensure that all file handling complies with data protection standards, using encryption during transmission to prevent unauthorized access.
We also gather usage statistics, such as the number of links generated, the sizes of files processed, and timestamps of your interactions. These metrics help us monitor service performance, identify potential issues, and enforce fair usage policies. For instance, if a user exceeds their daily link generation limit, these statistics allow us to notify them and suggest upgrading to a premium plan. This data is aggregated and anonymized for analytical purposes, ensuring that individual user patterns are not tracked beyond what's necessary for service maintenance.
Furthermore, we collect IP addresses and access logs for security and abuse prevention. IP addresses help us detect unusual activity, such as multiple login attempts from different locations, which could indicate a security threat. Access logs record the date, time, and nature of your interactions, allowing us to investigate any reported issues or potential breaches. This information is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our platform and protecting all users from malicious actors.
It's important to note that all data collected through the Telegram bot is handled with the highest level of care. We do not share this information with third parties except as outlined in later sections of this policy, and we implement strict access controls within our team to ensure only authorized personnel can view it for legitimate purposes.
1.2 Web Player Usage
Our web player provides an alternative interface for accessing generated links and streaming content directly in your browser. When you use this feature, we collect data related to your device and browsing session to optimize performance and ensure compatibility across different platforms.
We gather information about your browser type and version, such as whether you're using Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, and the specific version number. This helps us tailor the web player's functionality to work seamlessly with your setup, addressing any browser-specific quirks or features. For example, certain video playback options might be optimized for modern browsers, and knowing your version allows us to provide fallback options if needed.
Device information and operating system details are also collected, including whether you're on a mobile device, tablet, or desktop, and the OS like iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS. This data enables us to adapt the user interface for better usability—for instance, touch-friendly controls on mobile devices—and to troubleshoot any device-specific issues reported by users.
IP address and approximate location (typically at the country or region level) are recorded to enhance security and provide geographically relevant features. For example, we might use this to comply with regional content restrictions or to detect potential fraud, such as access from sanctioned countries. We do not collect precise geolocation data without your explicit consent, and all location information is derived from IP addresses in a non-invasive manner.
Page views and interaction data, such as which pages you visit, how long you spend on them, and actions like clicking play or pause, are tracked to understand user behavior and improve the web player. This analytics data is anonymized and used in aggregate form to identify popular features or areas needing enhancement. For instance, if many users abandon a page quickly, it might indicate a usability problem that we can address in future updates.
All web player data collection is designed to be minimal and purpose-driven. We use secure protocols to transmit this information and regularly audit our collection practices to ensure they align with privacy best practices.
1.3 Cookies and Tracking
Cookies and similar tracking technologies are essential tools for modern web services, and we use them judiciously in Files To Links to enhance functionality, analyze usage, and support advertising. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences and track interactions.
For essential functionality, we use cookies for session management and authentication. These allow you to stay logged in across pages, remember your settings, and ensure secure access to your generated links. Without these cookies, you would need to re-authenticate frequently, disrupting your experience.
Analytics cookies help us understand how users interact with our service overall. We partner with reputable analytics providers to collect data on metrics like bounce rates, session duration, and feature usage. This information is crucial for data-driven improvements, such as optimizing load times or redesigning confusing interfaces. All analytics data is anonymized, and we do not track individual users across unrelated sites.
Advertising cookies are used by third-party ad networks to deliver targeted ads, particularly in our free tier. These cookies track your browsing behavior on our site and may correlate it with data from other sites to show relevant advertisements. For example, if you've interacted with media content, you might see ads for related tools or services. We ensure that our advertising partners comply with privacy standards, and users can opt out of personalized ads through browser settings or partner-specific tools.
We respect user preferences regarding tracking. Most browsers allow you to control cookies through settings, and we honor Do Not Track (DNT) signals where feasible. Additionally, we provide information on how to manage cookies in our help resources, empowering you to make choices about your data.
In summary, our use of cookies is transparent and limited to improving your experience. We do not sell cookie data and regularly review our tracking practices to minimize privacy impacts.