Send files safely
Email attachments and cloud links often stay online forever. Use transfers that expire and stay encrypted end to end.
Move files to someone else without leaving copies on public cloud servers.
Use a direct encrypted transfer or an ephemeral onion share instead of a public link.
Recommended path
Best first move: Use a direct encrypted transfer or an ephemeral onion share instead of a public link.
- 1
Check the file size
Large files need a relay or peer-to-peer tool; small files can use direct transfer.
- 2
Strip metadata
Remove EXIF, author names, and hidden revision data before sending.
- 3
Encrypt if needed
For very sensitive files, encrypt with a password shared through a different channel.
- 4
Confirm receipt and delete
Delete local temp copies once the recipient has the file and backups are unnecessary.
Best tools for this
Sending files to someone without a cloud account.
Host a temporary Tor onion service directly from your device.
Direct encrypted file transfer between two computers.
End-to-end encrypted and no server storage.
Cross-platform file transfer over a relay.
Easy command-line tool with password-protected transfers.
Warnings
Cloud links can be reshared
Anyone with the URL can download. Use password + expiry where possible.
File names can reveal context
Rename files to neutral names before sharing.
Limitations
Relays may log metadata
Even encrypted transfers may record IP addresses or timing on a relay server.
Large files are slow over Tor
OnionShare over Tor can be slow; for huge files consider encrypted removable media.
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