Privacy Policy | Backlynk

1. Introduction

Backlynk ("we," "us," or "our") operates the website backlynk.io and provides automated directory submission services. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website or use our services. By using Backlynk, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

Account Data: Name, email address, and password when you create an account
Website Data: URLs, site names, descriptions, and categories for directory submissions
Payment Data: Billing information is collected and processed by our payment partners (see Section 7). We do not store your full credit card number
Communications: Information you provide when contacting support or providing feedback

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, submission activity, and timestamps
Device Data: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, and device identifiers
Log Data: Server logs including access times, referring URLs, and error reports

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), UK, or Switzerland, we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

Contract Performance: To provide and maintain the services you requested (account management, directory submissions, tracking)
Legitimate Interests: To improve our services, prevent fraud, and ensure security, where these interests are not overridden by your rights
Consent: For optional analytics, marketing communications, and non-essential cookies. You may withdraw consent at any time
Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, or legal processes

4. How We Use Your Information

Provide, operate, and maintain our directory submission services
Process transactions and send related billing notifications
Submit your website information to directories as instructed
Track and report on submission status and backlink health
Send technical notices, security alerts, and support messages
Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
Analyze usage trends to improve and optimize our services
Detect, prevent, and address fraud or technical issues
Comply with legal obligations

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

5.1 Types of Cookies We Use

Strictly Necessary: Session cookies, authentication tokens, and CSRF protection. Required for the service to function. Cannot be disabled
Functional: Preferences such as theme settings and dashboard layout. Enhance your experience but are not essential
Analytics: Anonymous usage statistics to understand how visitors interact with our site. We use privacy-focused analytics that do not track individuals across sites

5.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling strictly necessary cookies may prevent you from using certain features. We do not use third-party advertising cookies or cross-site tracking pixels.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

Directory Submissions: We submit your website name, URL, description, and category to third-party directories as part of the service. This is the core function you are purchasing
Payment Processors: Transaction data is shared with our payment partners to process your payments securely
Infrastructure Providers: We use hosting and cloud infrastructure services that may process data on our behalf, subject to data processing agreements
Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, or government request, or to protect our rights and safety

We do not share your data with advertisers, data brokers, or any third party for purposes unrelated to delivering our service.

7. Payment Processors

Card and PayPal payments are processed through our authorized payment partner, who acts as the Merchant of Record and handles tax collection and compliance. Cryptocurrency payments are processed through a separate crypto payment gateway. Each processor has its own privacy policy governing how it handles your payment data. We never store your full credit card number, CVV, or bank account details on our servers.

8. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored on secure servers located in the European Union. We implement industry-standard security measures including:

Encryption of data at rest and in transit (TLS 1.2+)
Password hashing using bcrypt with a high cost factor
Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
Access controls limited to authorized personnel only
Automated monitoring for suspicious activity

No system is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security against all threats.

9. International Data Transfers

If you access Backlynk from outside the country where our servers are located, your data may be transferred across borders. We ensure that any such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws, including the use of Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or other approved transfer mechanisms under GDPR where required.

10. Data Retention

Account Data: Retained for as long as your account is active
Submission Data: Retained for the lifetime of your account plus 30 days after deletion to allow data export
Payment Records: Retained for 7 years as required by tax and accounting regulations
Server Logs: Automatically deleted after 90 days
Analytics Data: Aggregated and anonymized; raw data deleted after 26 months

When you delete your account, we will erase or anonymize your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.

11. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

Under GDPR (EEA, UK, Switzerland)

Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten")
Restriction: Request restriction of processing under certain conditions
Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing
Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on consent, withdraw it at any time
Lodge a Complaint: File a complaint with your local data protection supervisory authority

Under CCPA (California Residents)

Right to Know: Request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information collected
Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal information collected
Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell your data)
Non-Discrimination: You will not be discriminated against for exercising your rights

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days (or the timeframe required by applicable law). You may also export your data directly from your dashboard settings.

12. Children's Privacy

Backlynk is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 16 (or the minimum digital consent age in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child without parental consent, we will delete it promptly. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via email or a prominent notice on our website at least 14 days before they take effect. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Your continued use of the service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact our Data Protection team:

Email: [email protected]
General Support: [email protected]