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How URL Parameters Work in Link Protector

Victor @ dtect
Updated

Link Protector automatically forwards URL parameters from the Entry Link to the Protected Link or Termination Link. This allows tracking values (e.g., RID=, PID=, utm_source= ) to pass through without additional setup.

Correct placement of URL parameters is required to ensure IDs are captured properly.

How It Works

Link Protector follows one simple rule:

All URL parameters must be added to the Entry Link.

When a participant accesses the Entry Link, dtect will:

  • Redirect them to the Protected Link if they pass security checks

  • Redirect them to the Termination Link if they fail security checks

In both cases, all URL parameters received on the Entry Link are forwarded automatically.

Link Protector does not create, modify, or overwrite parameters.

Correct Link Setup

Entry Link

This is where dynamic parameters belong.

Example:

https://link.dtect.io/entry/abc123?ID=12345

Dynamic parameters include things like:

  • Participant IDs (ID, RID) 
  • Supplier or panel IDs 
  • Any value that changes per respondent

Protected Link

This should be the base URL only. Static parameters are allowed, if applicable. 

Do not include dynamic parameters such as ID=, RID=, or supplier IDs.

Correct:

https://survey.example.com/start
https://survey.example.com/start?lang=en&study=abc

Incorrect:

https://survey.example.com/start?ID=
https://survey.example.com/start?RID={entry.RID}

If a dynamic parameter is hard-coded here (especially without a value), it will remain empty and will not be populated by dtect.

Termination Link

This should also be the base URL only. Static parameters are allowed, if applicable. 

You can use either:

  • The default dtect termination page, or

  • A custom termination URL

Example:

https://link.dtect.io/terminate
https://client.example.com/terminate?reason=security

Do not include dynamic parameters such as ID=, RID=, or supplier IDs.

Example Flow

Participant enters:

https://link.dtect.io/entry/abc123?ID=12345

Passes security checks → redirected to:

https://survey.example.com/start?ID=12345

Fails security checks → redirected to:

https://link.dtect.io/terminate?ID=12345

Common Issue

IDs are missing on the survey or completion page

This usually means the parameter was added to the Protected Link instead of the Entry Link.

Fix:

  • Remove the parameter from the Protected Link

  • Add it to the Entry Link instead

Key Takeaways

  • Dynamic URL parameters belong only on the Entry Link

  • Protected and Termination links should remain static

  • Link Protector automatically forwards parameters based on pass/fail outcomes

  • No placeholders or additional configuration are required

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