Hey everyone,
Like most of you, I got completely fed up with the current state of bot protection. We are constantly forced to train corporate AI models by clicking endless grids of crosswalks and traffic lights, all while these widgets track our cross-site cookies.
So, I built a lightweight, privacy-friendly alternative from scratch: CAPTCHAL.ink
Instead of object recognition, it relies on human spatial awareness. You get a 3x3 grid of images, and the instruction is simple: Click the images that are upside down. Human brains instantly understand gravity and lighting direction, while modern bots struggle with this abstract physics context. Plus, it uses zero third-party cookies (works perfectly in strict Incognito mode).
While developers can drop this widget into their forms for free, I realized that many people wants URL shortener that will block bots.
Introducing the Bot-Protected URL Shortener:
https://captchal.ink/shortener.phpHow it works:
Paste any long URL into the generator.
We give you a compact, clean link that is easy to share anywhere (tweets, bios, QR codes).
When someone clicks it, they must complete the simple visual challenge (finding the upside-down images).
Once verified, they are instantly redirected to your destination.
Why use this?
Visual proof-of-work: It strictly protects your destination links from bots, scrapers, and automated abuse.
Completely frictionless: No sign-up required. You can create and share protected links in seconds.
Unique & Secure: Each short link is unique and tightly tied to your destination URL.
The project is currently in its Public Beta phase and is entirely free to use. I'm an indie developer running this solo, so I am looking for early adopters to test it out "in the wild."
Try to use it, try to break it, and let me know your honest feedback!
