Bitly QR Code Preview Page Advertising - Revision history

Bananabot: Added archive URLs for 3 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-23T03:38:48Z

Added archive URLs for 3 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:38, 23 February 2026
Line 14:		Line 14:


	However, Bitly links have been used several times in the past by bad actors to shorten malicious URLs and spread malware.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Bitly Transparency Report \|url=https://bitly.com/pages/transparency-report#:~:text=Combating%20abuse,our%20service%20can%20be%20used. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260214142814/https://bitly.com/pages/transparency-report \|archive-date=14 Feb 2026}}</ref> Bitly links previously sent the user directly to the destination with no interstitial pages. While convenient for regular users of the platform, this convenience allows bad actors to set up potential threats such as phishing attacks easily.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=1 Mar 2024 \|title=Rise in Deceptive PDF: The Gateway to Malicious Payloads \|url=https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/other-blogs/mcafee-labs/rise-in-deceptive-pdf-the-gateway-to-malicious-payloads/#:~:text=The%20URL%20highlighted%20in%20the%20red%20box,they%20trick%20users%20into%20revealing%20sensitive%20information. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=McAfee}}</ref>		However, Bitly links have been used several times in the past by bad actors to shorten malicious URLs and spread malware.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Bitly Transparency Report \|url=https://bitly.com/pages/transparency-report#:~:text=Combating%20abuse,our%20service%20can%20be%20used. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260214142814/https://bitly.com/pages/transparency-report \|archive-date=14 Feb 2026}}</ref> Bitly links previously sent the user directly to the destination with no interstitial pages. While convenient for regular users of the platform, this convenience allows bad actors to set up potential threats such as phishing attacks easily.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=1 Mar 2024 \|title=Rise in Deceptive PDF: The Gateway to Malicious Payloads \|url=https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/other-blogs/mcafee-labs/rise-in-deceptive-pdf-the-gateway-to-malicious-payloads/#:~:text=The%20URL%20highlighted%20in%20the%20red%20box,they%20trick%20users%20into%20revealing%20sensitive%20information. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=McAfee \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251108212322/https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/other-blogs/mcafee-labs/rise-in-deceptive-pdf-the-gateway-to-malicious-payloads/ \|archive-date=8 Nov 2025}}</ref>

	==Incident==		==Incident==
Line 24:		Line 24:

	==Consumer response==		==Consumer response==
	While the extra click required to view content may potentially frustrate some users,<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harper \|first=Alex \|date=14 Feb 2025 \|title=Goodbye Bitly… New Preview Page is a Major Step Back \|url=https://webdesignerdepot.com/goodbye-bit-ly-new-preview-page-is-a-major-step-back/#:~:text=The%20Painful%20Reality,by%20the%20delay. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Web Designer Depot}}</ref> the main grievance of the new feature was the advertising that may appear on the preview page.<ref name=":0" /> Many frustrated users have claimed that Bitly has lost the convenience it was once known for, and has begun using tactics that force the user to pay a sum of money to bring it back.		While the extra click required to view content may potentially frustrate some users,<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harper \|first=Alex \|date=14 Feb 2025 \|title=Goodbye Bitly… New Preview Page is a Major Step Back \|url=https://webdesignerdepot.com/goodbye-bit-ly-new-preview-page-is-a-major-step-back/#:~:text=The%20Painful%20Reality,by%20the%20delay. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Web Designer Depot \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033726/https://webdesignerdepot.com/goodbye-bit-ly-new-preview-page-is-a-major-step-back/ \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> the main grievance of the new feature was the advertising that may appear on the preview page.<ref name=":0" /> Many frustrated users have claimed that Bitly has lost the convenience it was once known for, and has begun using tactics that force the user to pay a sum of money to bring it back.


	While some users found Bitly's convenient, direct links more trustworthy, others claim the addition of preview pages has increased the trustworthiness of Bitly links. URL shortening is commonly used by bad actors to hide malicious links that may otherwise be detected.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Papez \|first=Neko \|date=4 Jan 2024 \|title=URL shortening allows threats to evade URL filtering and categorization tools \|url=https://www.menlosecurity.com/blog/url-shortening-allows-threats-to-evade-url-filtering-and-categorization-tools#:~:text=Threat%20actors%20have,by%20Menlo%20Labs. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Menlo Security \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250908123217/https://www.menlosecurity.com/blog/url-shortening-allows-threats-to-evade-url-filtering-and-categorization-tools \|archive-date=8 Sep 2025}}</ref> Bitly's ToS change now includes a warning interstitial that appears on potentially dangerous links, and a preview of the destination URL, which some have claimed makes Bitly links more trustworthy and safe.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Golombick \|first=Chantelle \|last2=Glamoslija \|first2=Katarina \|last3=Davidson \|first3=Kate \|date=3 Jun 2025 \|title=Is Bitly safe? What to know before clicking short links \|url=https://www.expressvpn.com/blog/bit-ly-malware-spam/#:~:text=Many%20browsers%20use,or%20credential%20theft. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=ExpressVPN}}</ref>		While some users found Bitly's convenient, direct links more trustworthy, others claim the addition of preview pages has increased the trustworthiness of Bitly links. URL shortening is commonly used by bad actors to hide malicious links that may otherwise be detected.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Papez \|first=Neko \|date=4 Jan 2024 \|title=URL shortening allows threats to evade URL filtering and categorization tools \|url=https://www.menlosecurity.com/blog/url-shortening-allows-threats-to-evade-url-filtering-and-categorization-tools#:~:text=Threat%20actors%20have,by%20Menlo%20Labs. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Menlo Security \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250908123217/https://www.menlosecurity.com/blog/url-shortening-allows-threats-to-evade-url-filtering-and-categorization-tools \|archive-date=8 Sep 2025}}</ref> Bitly's ToS change now includes a warning interstitial that appears on potentially dangerous links, and a preview of the destination URL, which some have claimed makes Bitly links more trustworthy and safe.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Golombick \|first=Chantelle \|last2=Glamoslija \|first2=Katarina \|last3=Davidson \|first3=Kate \|date=3 Jun 2025 \|title=Is Bitly safe? What to know before clicking short links \|url=https://www.expressvpn.com/blog/bit-ly-malware-spam/#:~:text=Many%20browsers%20use,or%20credential%20theft. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=ExpressVPN \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033830/https://www.expressvpn.com/blog/bit-ly-malware-spam/ \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
	[[Category:Bitly]]		[[Category:Bitly]]

Banana: Added archive URLs for 6 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-16T01:22:47Z

Added archive URLs for 6 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:22, 16 February 2026
Line 11:		Line 11:

	==Background==		==Background==
	Bitly is a platform that manages links and shortens URLs.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=22 Aug 2023 \|title=7 Powerful Link Management Tools to Boost Your Marketing Efforts \|url=https://bitly.com/blog/link-management-tools/ \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly}}</ref> Users have often praised Bitly for its convenience and significant amount of features that allow Bitly links (links shortened with Bitly) to be properly managed, shortened, and/or branded.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=What is a Bitly Link? \|url=https://linklyhq.com/blog/bitly-link#:~:text=1.%20Conciseness,optimize%20their%20strategies. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Linkly}}</ref>		Bitly is a platform that manages links and shortens URLs.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=22 Aug 2023 \|title=7 Powerful Link Management Tools to Boost Your Marketing Efforts \|url=https://bitly.com/blog/link-management-tools/ \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250805050141/https://bitly.com/blog/link-management-tools/ \|archive-date=5 Aug 2025}}</ref> Users have often praised Bitly for its convenience and significant amount of features that allow Bitly links (links shortened with Bitly) to be properly managed, shortened, and/or branded.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=What is a Bitly Link? \|url=https://linklyhq.com/blog/bitly-link#:~:text=1.%20Conciseness,optimize%20their%20strategies. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Linkly \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251210120719/https://linklyhq.com/blog/bitly-link \|archive-date=10 Dec 2025}}</ref>


	However, Bitly links have been used several times in the past by bad actors to shorten malicious URLs and spread malware.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Bitly Transparency Report \|url=https://bitly.com/pages/transparency-report#:~:text=Combating%20abuse,our%20service%20can%20be%20used. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly}}</ref> Bitly links previously sent the user directly to the destination with no interstitial pages. While convenient for regular users of the platform, this convenience allows bad actors to set up potential threats such as phishing attacks easily.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=1 Mar 2024 \|title=Rise in Deceptive PDF: The Gateway to Malicious Payloads \|url=https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/other-blogs/mcafee-labs/rise-in-deceptive-pdf-the-gateway-to-malicious-payloads/#:~:text=The%20URL%20highlighted%20in%20the%20red%20box,they%20trick%20users%20into%20revealing%20sensitive%20information. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=McAfee}}</ref>		However, Bitly links have been used several times in the past by bad actors to shorten malicious URLs and spread malware.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Bitly Transparency Report \|url=https://bitly.com/pages/transparency-report#:~:text=Combating%20abuse,our%20service%20can%20be%20used. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260214142814/https://bitly.com/pages/transparency-report \|archive-date=14 Feb 2026}}</ref> Bitly links previously sent the user directly to the destination with no interstitial pages. While convenient for regular users of the platform, this convenience allows bad actors to set up potential threats such as phishing attacks easily.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=1 Mar 2024 \|title=Rise in Deceptive PDF: The Gateway to Malicious Payloads \|url=https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/other-blogs/mcafee-labs/rise-in-deceptive-pdf-the-gateway-to-malicious-payloads/#:~:text=The%20URL%20highlighted%20in%20the%20red%20box,they%20trick%20users%20into%20revealing%20sensitive%20information. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=McAfee}}</ref>

	==Incident==		==Incident==
	[[File:Bitly's Terms of Service Change.jpg\|alt=An email explaining the change coming to Bitly's Terms of Service.\|thumb\|Bitly's Terms of Service change announcement email, explaining the upcoming "Preview Pages"]]		[[File:Bitly's Terms of Service Change.jpg\|alt=An email explaining the change coming to Bitly's Terms of Service.\|thumb\|Bitly's Terms of Service change announcement email, explaining the upcoming "Preview Pages"]]
	In early 2025, Bitly changed its terms of service (ToS) to implement "Destination Previews," or more commonly referred to as "preview pages," that appear before the user is directed to the destination of a QR code or Bitly link.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Smith \|first=Ernie \|date=7 Feb 2025 \|title=Broken Bits \|url=https://tedium.co/2025/02/07/bitly-terms-of-service-change/#:~:text=The%20infamous%20terms%20of%20service,selling%20is%20a%20decaying%20commodity. \|access-date=15 Aug 2025 \|website=Tedium}}</ref> These pages, explained in an email sent to users, allow the user to preview the content of the page before visiting the website. However, if the user who shared the Bitly link is currently using a free plan, advertisements will appear on the preview page of their link, which can only be disabled with a subscription to a paid plan.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=Chang \|first=Megan \|title=Why are there ads on my links? \|url=https://support.bitly.com/hc/en-us/articles/32874287800333-Why-are-there-ads-on-my-links#:~:text=Bitly%20is%20now%20using%20ads,of%20our%20paid%20plans%20here. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly Support}}</ref>		In early 2025, Bitly changed its terms of service (ToS) to implement "Destination Previews," or more commonly referred to as "preview pages," that appear before the user is directed to the destination of a QR code or Bitly link.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Smith \|first=Ernie \|date=7 Feb 2025 \|title=Broken Bits \|url=https://tedium.co/2025/02/07/bitly-terms-of-service-change/#:~:text=The%20infamous%20terms%20of%20service,selling%20is%20a%20decaying%20commodity. \|access-date=15 Aug 2025 \|website=Tedium \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215083957/https://tedium.co/2025/02/07/bitly-terms-of-service-change/ \|archive-date=15 Dec 2025}}</ref> These pages, explained in an email sent to users, allow the user to preview the content of the page before visiting the website. However, if the user who shared the Bitly link is currently using a free plan, advertisements will appear on the preview page of their link, which can only be disabled with a subscription to a paid plan.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=Chang \|first=Megan \|title=Why are there ads on my links? \|url=https://support.bitly.com/hc/en-us/articles/32874287800333-Why-are-there-ads-on-my-links#:~:text=Bitly%20is%20now%20using%20ads,of%20our%20paid%20plans%20here. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly Support \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260109041412/https://support.bitly.com/hc/en-us/articles/32874287800333-Why-are-there-ads-on-my-links \|archive-date=9 Jan 2026}}</ref>


Line 27:		Line 27:


	While some users found Bitly's convenient, direct links more trustworthy, others claim the addition of preview pages has increased the trustworthiness of Bitly links. URL shortening is commonly used by bad actors to hide malicious links that may otherwise be detected.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Papez \|first=Neko \|date=4 Jan 2024 \|title=URL shortening allows threats to evade URL filtering and categorization tools \|url=https://www.menlosecurity.com/blog/url-shortening-allows-threats-to-evade-url-filtering-and-categorization-tools#:~:text=Threat%20actors%20have,by%20Menlo%20Labs. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Menlo Security}}</ref> Bitly's ToS change now includes a warning interstitial that appears on potentially dangerous links, and a preview of the destination URL, which some have claimed makes Bitly links more trustworthy and safe.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Golombick \|first=Chantelle \|last2=Glamoslija \|first2=Katarina \|last3=Davidson \|first3=Kate \|date=3 Jun 2025 \|title=Is Bitly safe? What to know before clicking short links \|url=https://www.expressvpn.com/blog/bit-ly-malware-spam/#:~:text=Many%20browsers%20use,or%20credential%20theft. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=ExpressVPN}}</ref>		While some users found Bitly's convenient, direct links more trustworthy, others claim the addition of preview pages has increased the trustworthiness of Bitly links. URL shortening is commonly used by bad actors to hide malicious links that may otherwise be detected.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Papez \|first=Neko \|date=4 Jan 2024 \|title=URL shortening allows threats to evade URL filtering and categorization tools \|url=https://www.menlosecurity.com/blog/url-shortening-allows-threats-to-evade-url-filtering-and-categorization-tools#:~:text=Threat%20actors%20have,by%20Menlo%20Labs. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Menlo Security \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250908123217/https://www.menlosecurity.com/blog/url-shortening-allows-threats-to-evade-url-filtering-and-categorization-tools \|archive-date=8 Sep 2025}}</ref> Bitly's ToS change now includes a warning interstitial that appears on potentially dangerous links, and a preview of the destination URL, which some have claimed makes Bitly links more trustworthy and safe.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Golombick \|first=Chantelle \|last2=Glamoslija \|first2=Katarina \|last3=Davidson \|first3=Kate \|date=3 Jun 2025 \|title=Is Bitly safe? What to know before clicking short links \|url=https://www.expressvpn.com/blog/bit-ly-malware-spam/#:~:text=Many%20browsers%20use,or%20credential%20theft. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=ExpressVPN}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
	[[Category:Bitly]]		[[Category:Bitly]]

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson: +cat, -box

2025-11-28T21:05:43Z

+cat, -box

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:05, 28 November 2025
Line 31:		Line 31:
	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
			[[Category:Bitly]]
	~~{{Ph-I-C}}~~

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson: Too many links to Bitly.

2025-09-14T08:56:20Z

Too many links to Bitly.

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:56, 14 September 2025
Line 11:		Line 11:

	==Background==		==Background==
	[[Bitly]] is a platform that manages links and shortens URLs.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=22 Aug 2023 \|title=7 Powerful Link Management Tools to Boost Your Marketing Efforts \|url=https://bitly.com/blog/link-management-tools/ \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly}}</ref> Users have often praised [[Bitly]] for its convenience and significant amount of features that allow Bitly links (links shortened with [[Bitly]]) to be properly managed, shortened, and/or branded.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=What is a Bitly Link? \|url=https://linklyhq.com/blog/bitly-link#:~:text=1.%20Conciseness,optimize%20their%20strategies. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Linkly}}</ref>		Bitly is a platform that manages links and shortens URLs.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=22 Aug 2023 \|title=7 Powerful Link Management Tools to Boost Your Marketing Efforts \|url=https://bitly.com/blog/link-management-tools/ \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly}}</ref> Users have often praised Bitly for its convenience and significant amount of features that allow Bitly links (links shortened with Bitly) to be properly managed, shortened, and/or branded.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=What is a Bitly Link? \|url=https://linklyhq.com/blog/bitly-link#:~:text=1.%20Conciseness,optimize%20their%20strategies. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Linkly}}</ref>


Line 18:		Line 18:
	==Incident==		==Incident==
	[[File:Bitly's Terms of Service Change.jpg\|alt=An email explaining the change coming to Bitly's Terms of Service.\|thumb\|Bitly's Terms of Service change announcement email, explaining the upcoming "Preview Pages"]]		[[File:Bitly's Terms of Service Change.jpg\|alt=An email explaining the change coming to Bitly's Terms of Service.\|thumb\|Bitly's Terms of Service change announcement email, explaining the upcoming "Preview Pages"]]
	In early 2025, [[Bitly]] changed its terms of service (ToS) to implement "Destination Previews," or more commonly referred to as "preview pages," that appear before the user is directed to the destination of a QR code or Bitly link.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Smith \|first=Ernie \|date=7 Feb 2025 \|title=Broken Bits \|url=https://tedium.co/2025/02/07/bitly-terms-of-service-change/#:~:text=The%20infamous%20terms%20of%20service,selling%20is%20a%20decaying%20commodity. \|access-date=15 Aug 2025 \|website=Tedium}}</ref> These pages, explained in an email sent to users, allow the user to preview the content of the page before visiting the website. However, if the user who shared the Bitly link is currently using a free plan, advertisements will appear on the preview page of their link, which can only be disabled with a subscription to a paid plan.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=Chang \|first=Megan \|title=Why are there ads on my links? \|url=https://support.bitly.com/hc/en-us/articles/32874287800333-Why-are-there-ads-on-my-links#:~:text=Bitly%20is%20now%20using%20ads,of%20our%20paid%20plans%20here. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly Support}}</ref>		In early 2025, Bitly changed its terms of service (ToS) to implement "Destination Previews," or more commonly referred to as "preview pages," that appear before the user is directed to the destination of a QR code or Bitly link.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Smith \|first=Ernie \|date=7 Feb 2025 \|title=Broken Bits \|url=https://tedium.co/2025/02/07/bitly-terms-of-service-change/#:~:text=The%20infamous%20terms%20of%20service,selling%20is%20a%20decaying%20commodity. \|access-date=15 Aug 2025 \|website=Tedium}}</ref> These pages, explained in an email sent to users, allow the user to preview the content of the page before visiting the website. However, if the user who shared the Bitly link is currently using a free plan, advertisements will appear on the preview page of their link, which can only be disabled with a subscription to a paid plan.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=Chang \|first=Megan \|title=Why are there ads on my links? \|url=https://support.bitly.com/hc/en-us/articles/32874287800333-Why-are-there-ads-on-my-links#:~:text=Bitly%20is%20now%20using%20ads,of%20our%20paid%20plans%20here. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly Support}}</ref>


	[[Bitly]] has claimed that the advertising is necessary to "continue delivering free plans at no cost to our users."<ref name=":1" /> This claim suggests that the advertisements are required for users to continue to have the option to use [[Bitly]] on a free plan.		Bitly has claimed that the advertising is necessary to "continue delivering free plans at no cost to our users."<ref name=":1" /> This claim suggests that the advertisements are required for users to continue to have the option to use Bitly on a free plan.

	==Consumer response==		==Consumer response==
	While the extra click required to view content may potentially frustrate some users,<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harper \|first=Alex \|date=14 Feb 2025 \|title=Goodbye Bitly… New Preview Page is a Major Step Back \|url=https://webdesignerdepot.com/goodbye-bit-ly-new-preview-page-is-a-major-step-back/#:~:text=The%20Painful%20Reality,by%20the%20delay. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Web Designer Depot}}</ref> the main grievance of the new feature was the advertising that may appear on the preview page.<ref name=":0" /> Many frustrated users have claimed that [[Bitly]] has lost the convenience it was once known for, and has begun using tactics that force the user to pay a sum of money to bring it back.		While the extra click required to view content may potentially frustrate some users,<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harper \|first=Alex \|date=14 Feb 2025 \|title=Goodbye Bitly… New Preview Page is a Major Step Back \|url=https://webdesignerdepot.com/goodbye-bit-ly-new-preview-page-is-a-major-step-back/#:~:text=The%20Painful%20Reality,by%20the%20delay. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Web Designer Depot}}</ref> the main grievance of the new feature was the advertising that may appear on the preview page.<ref name=":0" /> Many frustrated users have claimed that Bitly has lost the convenience it was once known for, and has begun using tactics that force the user to pay a sum of money to bring it back.


	While some users found [[Bitly]]'s convenient, direct links more trustworthy, others claim the addition of preview pages has increased the trustworthiness of Bitly links. URL shortening is commonly used by bad actors to hide malicious links that may otherwise be detected.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Papez \|first=Neko \|date=4 Jan 2024 \|title=URL shortening allows threats to evade URL filtering and categorization tools \|url=https://www.menlosecurity.com/blog/url-shortening-allows-threats-to-evade-url-filtering-and-categorization-tools#:~:text=Threat%20actors%20have,by%20Menlo%20Labs. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Menlo Security}}</ref> [[Bitly]]'s ToS change now includes a warning interstitial that appears on potentially dangerous links, and a preview of the destination URL, which some have claimed makes Bitly links more trustworthy and safe.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Golombick \|first=Chantelle \|last2=Glamoslija \|first2=Katarina \|last3=Davidson \|first3=Kate \|date=3 Jun 2025 \|title=Is Bitly safe? What to know before clicking short links \|url=https://www.expressvpn.com/blog/bit-ly-malware-spam/#:~:text=Many%20browsers%20use,or%20credential%20theft. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=ExpressVPN}}</ref>		While some users found Bitly's convenient, direct links more trustworthy, others claim the addition of preview pages has increased the trustworthiness of Bitly links. URL shortening is commonly used by bad actors to hide malicious links that may otherwise be detected.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Papez \|first=Neko \|date=4 Jan 2024 \|title=URL shortening allows threats to evade URL filtering and categorization tools \|url=https://www.menlosecurity.com/blog/url-shortening-allows-threats-to-evade-url-filtering-and-categorization-tools#:~:text=Threat%20actors%20have,by%20Menlo%20Labs. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Menlo Security}}</ref> Bitly's ToS change now includes a warning interstitial that appears on potentially dangerous links, and a preview of the destination URL, which some have claimed makes Bitly links more trustworthy and safe.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Golombick \|first=Chantelle \|last2=Glamoslija \|first2=Katarina \|last3=Davidson \|first3=Kate \|date=3 Jun 2025 \|title=Is Bitly safe? What to know before clicking short links \|url=https://www.expressvpn.com/blog/bit-ly-malware-spam/#:~:text=Many%20browsers%20use,or%20credential%20theft. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=ExpressVPN}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==

Clippytron: Added more information and sources

2025-08-17T23:47:44Z

Added more information and sources

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:47, 17 August 2025
Line 12:		Line 12:
	==Background==		==Background==
	[[Bitly]] is a platform that manages links and shortens URLs.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=22 Aug 2023 \|title=7 Powerful Link Management Tools to Boost Your Marketing Efforts \|url=https://bitly.com/blog/link-management-tools/ \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly}}</ref> Users have often praised [[Bitly]] for its convenience and significant amount of features that allow Bitly links (links shortened with [[Bitly]]) to be properly managed, shortened, and/or branded.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=What is a Bitly Link? \|url=https://linklyhq.com/blog/bitly-link#:~:text=1.%20Conciseness,optimize%20their%20strategies. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Linkly}}</ref>		[[Bitly]] is a platform that manages links and shortens URLs.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=22 Aug 2023 \|title=7 Powerful Link Management Tools to Boost Your Marketing Efforts \|url=https://bitly.com/blog/link-management-tools/ \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly}}</ref> Users have often praised [[Bitly]] for its convenience and significant amount of features that allow Bitly links (links shortened with [[Bitly]]) to be properly managed, shortened, and/or branded.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=What is a Bitly Link? \|url=https://linklyhq.com/blog/bitly-link#:~:text=1.%20Conciseness,optimize%20their%20strategies. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Linkly}}</ref>


			However, Bitly links have been used several times in the past by bad actors to shorten malicious URLs and spread malware.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Bitly Transparency Report \|url=https://bitly.com/pages/transparency-report#:~:text=Combating%20abuse,our%20service%20can%20be%20used. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly}}</ref> Bitly links previously sent the user directly to the destination with no interstitial pages. While convenient for regular users of the platform, this convenience allows bad actors to set up potential threats such as phishing attacks easily.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=1 Mar 2024 \|title=Rise in Deceptive PDF: The Gateway to Malicious Payloads \|url=https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/other-blogs/mcafee-labs/rise-in-deceptive-pdf-the-gateway-to-malicious-payloads/#:~:text=The%20URL%20highlighted%20in%20the%20red%20box,they%20trick%20users%20into%20revealing%20sensitive%20information. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=McAfee}}</ref>

	==Incident==		==Incident==
Line 18:		Line 21:


	[[Bitly]] has claimed that the advertising is necessary to "continue delivering free plans at no cost to our users."<ref name=":1" /> This claim suggests that the advertisements are required for users to continue to have the option to use Bitly on a free plan.		[[Bitly]] has claimed that the advertising is necessary to "continue delivering free plans at no cost to our users."<ref name=":1" /> This claim suggests that the advertisements are required for users to continue to have the option to use [[Bitly]] on a free plan.

	==Consumer response==		==Consumer response==
	While the extra click required to view content may potentially frustrate some users,<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harper \|first=Alex \|date=14 Feb 2025 \|title=Goodbye Bitly… New Preview Page is a Major Step Back \|url=https://webdesignerdepot.com/goodbye-bit-ly-new-preview-page-is-a-major-step-back/#:~:text=The%20Painful%20Reality,by%20the%20delay. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Web Designer Depot}}</ref> the main grievance of the new feature was the advertising that may appear on the preview page.<ref name=":0" /> Many frustrated users have claimed that [[Bitly]] has lost the convenience it was once known for, and has begun using tactics that force the user to pay a sum of money to bring it back.		While the extra click required to view content may potentially frustrate some users,<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harper \|first=Alex \|date=14 Feb 2025 \|title=Goodbye Bitly… New Preview Page is a Major Step Back \|url=https://webdesignerdepot.com/goodbye-bit-ly-new-preview-page-is-a-major-step-back/#:~:text=The%20Painful%20Reality,by%20the%20delay. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Web Designer Depot}}</ref> the main grievance of the new feature was the advertising that may appear on the preview page.<ref name=":0" /> Many frustrated users have claimed that [[Bitly]] has lost the convenience it was once known for, and has begun using tactics that force the user to pay a sum of money to bring it back.


			While some users found [[Bitly]]'s convenient, direct links more trustworthy, others claim the addition of preview pages has increased the trustworthiness of Bitly links. URL shortening is commonly used by bad actors to hide malicious links that may otherwise be detected.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Papez \|first=Neko \|date=4 Jan 2024 \|title=URL shortening allows threats to evade URL filtering and categorization tools \|url=https://www.menlosecurity.com/blog/url-shortening-allows-threats-to-evade-url-filtering-and-categorization-tools#:~:text=Threat%20actors%20have,by%20Menlo%20Labs. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Menlo Security}}</ref> [[Bitly]]'s ToS change now includes a warning interstitial that appears on potentially dangerous links, and a preview of the destination URL, which some have claimed makes Bitly links more trustworthy and safe.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Golombick \|first=Chantelle \|last2=Glamoslija \|first2=Katarina \|last3=Davidson \|first3=Kate \|date=3 Jun 2025 \|title=Is Bitly safe? What to know before clicking short links \|url=https://www.expressvpn.com/blog/bit-ly-malware-spam/#:~:text=Many%20browsers%20use,or%20credential%20theft. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=ExpressVPN}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==

2A02:A317:4D88:5D00:B923:A48B:FDC0:4CB0: /* Background */ minor - add a missing space

2025-08-17T09:24:42Z

Background: minor - add a missing space

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:24, 17 August 2025
Line 11:		Line 11:

	==Background==		==Background==
	[[Bitly]] is a platform that manages links and shortens URLs.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=22 Aug 2023 \|title=7 Powerful Link Management Tools to Boost Your Marketing Efforts \|url=https://bitly.com/blog/link-management-tools/ \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly}}</ref> Users have often praised [[Bitly]] for its convenience and significant amount of features that allow Bitly links(links shortened with [[Bitly]]) to be properly managed, shortened, and/or branded.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=What is a Bitly Link? \|url=https://linklyhq.com/blog/bitly-link#:~:text=1.%20Conciseness,optimize%20their%20strategies. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Linkly}}</ref>		[[Bitly]] is a platform that manages links and shortens URLs.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=22 Aug 2023 \|title=7 Powerful Link Management Tools to Boost Your Marketing Efforts \|url=https://bitly.com/blog/link-management-tools/ \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly}}</ref> Users have often praised [[Bitly]] for its convenience and significant amount of features that allow Bitly links (links shortened with [[Bitly]]) to be properly managed, shortened, and/or branded.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=What is a Bitly Link? \|url=https://linklyhq.com/blog/bitly-link#:~:text=1.%20Conciseness,optimize%20their%20strategies. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Linkly}}</ref>

	==Incident==		==Incident==

Clippytron: fixed random capital E

2025-08-17T09:22:19Z

fixed random capital E

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:22, 17 August 2025
Line 15:		Line 15:
	==Incident==		==Incident==
	[[File:Bitly's Terms of Service Change.jpg\|alt=An email explaining the change coming to Bitly's Terms of Service.\|thumb\|Bitly's Terms of Service change announcement email, explaining the upcoming "Preview Pages"]]		[[File:Bitly's Terms of Service Change.jpg\|alt=An email explaining the change coming to Bitly's Terms of Service.\|thumb\|Bitly's Terms of Service change announcement email, explaining the upcoming "Preview Pages"]]
	In ~~Early~~ 2025, [[Bitly]] changed its terms of service (ToS) to implement "Destination Previews," or more commonly referred to as "preview pages," that appear before the user is directed to the destination of a QR code or Bitly link.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Smith \|first=Ernie \|date=7 Feb 2025 \|title=Broken Bits \|url=https://tedium.co/2025/02/07/bitly-terms-of-service-change/#:~:text=The%20infamous%20terms%20of%20service,selling%20is%20a%20decaying%20commodity. \|access-date=15 Aug 2025 \|website=Tedium}}</ref> These pages, explained in an email sent to users, allow the user to preview the content of the page before visiting the website. However, if the user who shared the Bitly link is currently using a free plan, advertisements will appear on the preview page of their link, which can only be disabled with a subscription to a paid plan.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=Chang \|first=Megan \|title=Why are there ads on my links? \|url=https://support.bitly.com/hc/en-us/articles/32874287800333-Why-are-there-ads-on-my-links#:~:text=Bitly%20is%20now%20using%20ads,of%20our%20paid%20plans%20here. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly Support}}</ref>		In early 2025, [[Bitly]] changed its terms of service (ToS) to implement "Destination Previews," or more commonly referred to as "preview pages," that appear before the user is directed to the destination of a QR code or Bitly link.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Smith \|first=Ernie \|date=7 Feb 2025 \|title=Broken Bits \|url=https://tedium.co/2025/02/07/bitly-terms-of-service-change/#:~:text=The%20infamous%20terms%20of%20service,selling%20is%20a%20decaying%20commodity. \|access-date=15 Aug 2025 \|website=Tedium}}</ref> These pages, explained in an email sent to users, allow the user to preview the content of the page before visiting the website. However, if the user who shared the Bitly link is currently using a free plan, advertisements will appear on the preview page of their link, which can only be disabled with a subscription to a paid plan.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=Chang \|first=Megan \|title=Why are there ads on my links? \|url=https://support.bitly.com/hc/en-us/articles/32874287800333-Why-are-there-ads-on-my-links#:~:text=Bitly%20is%20now%20using%20ads,of%20our%20paid%20plans%20here. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly Support}}</ref>

Clippytron: Some small fixes

2025-08-17T09:20:03Z

Some small fixes

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:20, 17 August 2025
Line 8:		Line 8:
	\|Type=Terms of Service		\|Type=Terms of Service
	\|Description=Bitly has introduced "preview pages" for QR Codes and Bitly links, which may contain advertising, before directing users to the destination link.		\|Description=Bitly has introduced "preview pages" for QR Codes and Bitly links, which may contain advertising, before directing users to the destination link.
	}}[[Bitly]] has introduced "preview pages" for QR ~~Codes~~ and Bitly links, which may contain advertising, before users are directed to the destination link. Users must subscribe to a paid plan in order to remove the preview page.		}}[[Bitly]] has introduced "preview pages" for QR code and Bitly links, which may contain advertising, before users are directed to the destination link. Users must subscribe to a paid plan in order to remove the preview page.

	==Background==		==Background==
Line 15:		Line 15:
	==Incident==		==Incident==
	[[File:Bitly's Terms of Service Change.jpg\|alt=An email explaining the change coming to Bitly's Terms of Service.\|thumb\|Bitly's Terms of Service change announcement email, explaining the upcoming "Preview Pages"]]		[[File:Bitly's Terms of Service Change.jpg\|alt=An email explaining the change coming to Bitly's Terms of Service.\|thumb\|Bitly's Terms of Service change announcement email, explaining the upcoming "Preview Pages"]]
	In Early 2025, [[Bitly]] changed its ~~Terms~~ of ~~Service~~(ToS) to implement "Destination Previews," or more commonly referred to as "preview pages," that appear before the user is directed to the destination of a QR ~~Code~~ or Bitly link.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Smith \|first=Ernie \|date=7 Feb 2025 \|title=Broken Bits \|url=https://tedium.co/2025/02/07/bitly-terms-of-service-change/#:~:text=The%20infamous%20terms%20of%20service,selling%20is%20a%20decaying%20commodity. \|access-date=15 Aug 2025 \|website=Tedium}}</ref> These pages, explained in an email sent to users, allow the user to preview the content of the page before visiting the website. However, if the user who shared the Bitly link is currently using a free plan, advertisements will appear on the preview page of their link, which can only be disabled with a subscription to a paid plan.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=Chang \|first=Megan \|title=Why are there ads on my links? \|url=https://support.bitly.com/hc/en-us/articles/32874287800333-Why-are-there-ads-on-my-links#:~:text=Bitly%20is%20now%20using%20ads,of%20our%20paid%20plans%20here. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly Support}}</ref>		In Early 2025, [[Bitly]] changed its terms of service (ToS) to implement "Destination Previews," or more commonly referred to as "preview pages," that appear before the user is directed to the destination of a QR code or Bitly link.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Smith \|first=Ernie \|date=7 Feb 2025 \|title=Broken Bits \|url=https://tedium.co/2025/02/07/bitly-terms-of-service-change/#:~:text=The%20infamous%20terms%20of%20service,selling%20is%20a%20decaying%20commodity. \|access-date=15 Aug 2025 \|website=Tedium}}</ref> These pages, explained in an email sent to users, allow the user to preview the content of the page before visiting the website. However, if the user who shared the Bitly link is currently using a free plan, advertisements will appear on the preview page of their link, which can only be disabled with a subscription to a paid plan.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=Chang \|first=Megan \|title=Why are there ads on my links? \|url=https://support.bitly.com/hc/en-us/articles/32874287800333-Why-are-there-ads-on-my-links#:~:text=Bitly%20is%20now%20using%20ads,of%20our%20paid%20plans%20here. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly Support}}</ref>


Line 21:		Line 21:

	==Consumer response==		==Consumer response==
	While the extra click required to view content may potentially ~~fustrate~~ some users,<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harper \|first=Alex \|date=14 Feb 2025 \|title=Goodbye Bitly… New Preview Page is a Major Step Back \|url=https://webdesignerdepot.com/goodbye-bit-ly-new-preview-page-is-a-major-step-back/#:~:text=The%20Painful%20Reality,by%20the%20delay. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Web Designer Depot}}</ref> the main ~~greivence~~ of the new feature was the advertising that may appear on the preview page.<ref name=":0" /> Many ~~fustrated~~ users have claimed that [[Bitly]] has lost the convenience it was once known for, and has begun using tactics that force the user to pay a sum of money to bring it back.		While the extra click required to view content may potentially frustrate some users,<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harper \|first=Alex \|date=14 Feb 2025 \|title=Goodbye Bitly… New Preview Page is a Major Step Back \|url=https://webdesignerdepot.com/goodbye-bit-ly-new-preview-page-is-a-major-step-back/#:~:text=The%20Painful%20Reality,by%20the%20delay. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Web Designer Depot}}</ref> the main grievance of the new feature was the advertising that may appear on the preview page.<ref name=":0" /> Many frustrated users have claimed that [[Bitly]] has lost the convenience it was once known for, and has begun using tactics that force the user to pay a sum of money to bring it back.

	==References==		==References==

Clippytron: Added much more information and sources on the incident, along with a picture

2025-08-17T09:03:15Z

Added much more information and sources on the incident, along with a picture

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:03, 17 August 2025
Line 8:		Line 8:
	\|Type=Terms of Service		\|Type=Terms of Service
	\|Description=Bitly has introduced "preview pages" for QR Codes and Bitly links, which may contain advertising, before directing users to the destination link.		\|Description=Bitly has introduced "preview pages" for QR Codes and Bitly links, which may contain advertising, before directing users to the destination link.
	}}[[Bitly]] has introduced "preview pages" for QR Codes and Bitly links, which may contain advertising, before users are directed to the destination link.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Smith \|first=Ernie \|date=7 Feb 2025 \|title=Broken Bits \|url=https://tedium.co/2025/02/07/bitly-terms-of-service-change/#:~:text=The%20infamous%20terms%20of%20service,selling%20is%20a%20decaying%20commodity. \|access-date=15 Aug 2025 \|website=Tedium}}</ref> Users must subscribe to a paid plan in order to remove the preview page.		}}[[Bitly]] has introduced "preview pages" for QR Codes and Bitly links, which may contain advertising, before users are directed to the destination link. Users must subscribe to a paid plan in order to remove the preview page.

	==Background==		==Background==
	{{Ph-I-B}}		[[Bitly]] is a platform that manages links and shortens URLs.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=22 Aug 2023 \|title=7 Powerful Link Management Tools to Boost Your Marketing Efforts \|url=https://bitly.com/blog/link-management-tools/ \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly}}</ref> Users have often praised [[Bitly]] for its convenience and significant amount of features that allow Bitly links(links shortened with [[Bitly]]) to be properly managed, shortened, and/or branded.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=What is a Bitly Link? \|url=https://linklyhq.com/blog/bitly-link#:~:text=1.%20Conciseness,optimize%20their%20strategies. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Linkly}}</ref>

	==Incident==		==Incident==
	{{Ph-I-I}}		[[File:Bitly's Terms of Service Change.jpg\|alt=An email explaining the change coming to Bitly's Terms of Service.\|thumb\|Bitly's Terms of Service change announcement email, explaining the upcoming "Preview Pages"]]
			In Early 2025, [[Bitly]] changed its Terms of Service(ToS) to implement "Destination Previews," or more commonly referred to as "preview pages," that appear before the user is directed to the destination of a QR Code or Bitly link.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Smith \|first=Ernie \|date=7 Feb 2025 \|title=Broken Bits \|url=https://tedium.co/2025/02/07/bitly-terms-of-service-change/#:~:text=The%20infamous%20terms%20of%20service,selling%20is%20a%20decaying%20commodity. \|access-date=15 Aug 2025 \|website=Tedium}}</ref> These pages, explained in an email sent to users, allow the user to preview the content of the page before visiting the website. However, if the user who shared the Bitly link is currently using a free plan, advertisements will appear on the preview page of their link, which can only be disabled with a subscription to a paid plan.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=Chang \|first=Megan \|title=Why are there ads on my links? \|url=https://support.bitly.com/hc/en-us/articles/32874287800333-Why-are-there-ads-on-my-links#:~:text=Bitly%20is%20now%20using%20ads,of%20our%20paid%20plans%20here. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Bitly Support}}</ref>

	===Bitly~~'s response===~~
	~~{{Ph-I-ComR}}~~		[[Bitly]] has claimed that the advertising is necessary to "continue delivering free plans at no cost to our users."<ref name=":1" /> This claim suggests that the advertisements are required for users to continue to have the option to use Bitly on a free plan.

	==Consumer response==		==Consumer response==
	{{Ph-I-~~ConR~~}}		While the extra click required to view content may potentially fustrate some users,<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harper \|first=Alex \|date=14 Feb 2025 \|title=Goodbye Bitly… New Preview Page is a Major Step Back \|url=https://webdesignerdepot.com/goodbye-bit-ly-new-preview-page-is-a-major-step-back/#:~:text=The%20Painful%20Reality,by%20the%20delay. \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Web Designer Depot}}</ref> the main greivence of the new feature was the advertising that may appear on the preview page.<ref name=":0" /> Many fustrated users have claimed that [[Bitly]] has lost the convenience it was once known for, and has begun using tactics that force the user to pay a sum of money to bring it back.

	==References==		==References==

Clippytron: Brief description

2025-08-15T07:49:51Z

Brief description

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:49, 15 August 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
			{{StubNotice}}
	{{IncidentCargo		{{IncidentCargo
	\|Company=Bitly		\|Company=Bitly
Line 7:		Line 8:
	\|Type=Terms of Service		\|Type=Terms of Service
	\|Description=Bitly has introduced "preview pages" for QR Codes and Bitly links, which may contain advertising, before directing users to the destination link.		\|Description=Bitly has introduced "preview pages" for QR Codes and Bitly links, which may contain advertising, before directing users to the destination link.
	}}		}}[[Bitly]] has introduced "preview pages" for QR Codes and Bitly links, which may contain advertising, before users are directed to the destination link.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Smith \|first=Ernie \|date=7 Feb 2025 \|title=Broken Bits \|url=https://tedium.co/2025/02/07/bitly-terms-of-service-change/#:~:text=The%20infamous%20terms%20of%20service,selling%20is%20a%20decaying%20commodity. \|access-date=15 Aug 2025 \|website=Tedium}}</ref> Users must subscribe to a paid plan in order to remove the preview page.
	{{Ph-I-~~Int~~}}
	==Background==		==Background==
	{{Ph-I-B}}		{{Ph-I-B}}

	==[Incident]==		==Incident==
	{{Ph-I-I}}		{{Ph-I-I}}

	===~~[Company]~~'s response===		===Bitly's response===
	{{Ph-I-ComR}}		{{Ph-I-ComR}}


	~~==Lawsuit==~~
	~~{{Ph-I-L}}~~


	==Consumer response==		==Consumer response==
	{{Ph-I-ConR}}		{{Ph-I-ConR}}


	==References==		==References==