Link cleaning rules

Clearly explained: what SafeShare removes, what may stay, and how the logic of Clean link and Clean link + partner works.

Open app See logic
Realistically: SafeShare removes tracking clutter in URLs. There is no “invisible on the web” promise.

Core idea

SafeShare does not blindly remove everything after the question mark. The logic tries to remove unnecessary tracking clutter while preserving functionally necessary parts where possible.

At its core, SafeShare distinguishes between three types of values:

Tracking

Typical measurement, campaign, or click extras such as utm_*, gclid, or fbclid.

Partner

Affiliate, commission, or attribution values such as tag, ref, or similar partner markers.

Coupon

Discount or coupon codes such as coupon. Coupons can be deliberately kept or removed, but should not be confused with partner logic.

The logic

Clean link

  • tracking additions are removed
  • partner or affiliate values are removed
  • coupon codes are removed

Clean link + partner

  • tracking additions are removed
  • partner or affiliate values deliberately remain
  • coupon codes remain as well
Important: “Clean link + partner” does not mean “keep everything.” It means: tracking out, partner deliberately in, coupon in as well.

What typically gets removed

SafeShare removes known tracking extras in both modes. This typically includes:

Common tracking keys

  • utm_*
  • gclid
  • fbclid
  • msclkid
  • dclid
  • ttclid

Further typical measurement values

  • mc_cid
  • mc_eid
  • mkt_tok
  • _hsenc
  • _hsmi
  • similar known campaign and click values

This is not meant as a rigid public full promise, but as an understandable overview of the kind of values SafeShare typically removes.

What may stay

Not every parameter is tracking. Some values are needed so the link opens correctly or the destination behaves as intended.

Often functionally needed

  • search inputs such as q
  • product or article IDs
  • filter and sort values
  • language or locale
  • video or playlist IDs

Deliberately depending on logic

  • tag may remain as a partner value
  • ref may remain if the link needs it for attribution
  • coupon deliberately remains with Clean link + partner
Rule of thumb: Keeping a value does not automatically mean “harmless.” It often means “functionally necessary” or “deliberately allowed.”

Difference by product

App, Shortcuts, Bookmarklets

There the clear two-way logic applies:

  • Clean link = tracking out, partner out, coupon out
  • Clean link + partner = tracking out, partner stays, coupon stays

SafeShare Audit

SafeShare Audit goes beyond quick cleaning. Audit shows more clearly what is attached to the link, which parts were removed, what was consciously kept, and why SafeShare stayed careful.

Especially important: partner and coupon decisions are made visible as conscious decisions.

View SafeShare Audit Open app

Examples

Three short examples of what the SafeShare logic can look like in practice.

Example 1 — classic tracking link 
Input:
https://example.com/article?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&fbclid=123&x=1

Result:
https://example.com/article?x=1
Example 2 — partner link without coupon 
Input:
https://shop.example.com/product?tag=partner-21&ref=creator123&utm_source=mail

Clean link:
https://shop.example.com/product

Clean link + partner:
https://shop.example.com/product?tag=partner-21&ref=creator123
Example 3 — partner link with coupon 
Input:
https://shop.example.com/product?tag=partner-21&coupon=SAVE10&utm_source=mail

Clean link:
https://shop.example.com/product

Clean link + partner:
https://shop.example.com/product?tag=partner-21&coupon=SAVE10
Test a real link

Limits

  • Yes: SafeShare cleans tracking parameters in URLs before sharing.
  • No: It does not protect against IP logs, fingerprinting, or tracking after login.
  • Important: SafeShare reduces one specific part of the data trail, not the entire tracking ecosystem.
Clean a link now Back to help center

FAQ

What is the difference between “Clean link” and “Clean link + partner”?

“Clean link” removes tracking additions, partner or affiliate values, and coupon codes. “Clean link + partner” removes tracking additions but deliberately keeps partner or affiliate values and coupon codes.

What does “partner” mean in SafeShare?

This means values such as tag, ref, or similar affiliate, commission, or partner markers that may deliberately stay in the link or be removed depending on the chosen logic.

Does SafeShare remove all forms of tracking?

No. SafeShare works on URL parameters. It does not protect against IP logs, fingerprinting, or tracking after login.

Why does a parameter sometimes still remain in the link?

Because not every parameter is tracking. Some values are functionally necessary or deliberately kept according to the chosen logic.